6 Festive Holiday Light Displays in Central Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania embraces the holiday season with open arms, offering both walk-thru and drive-thru Christmas light experiences that enchant and delight. These festive displays not only brighten up the winter nights but also serve as a testament to the strong community bonds that define the region. Whether on foot or from the comfort of a car, visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of the season and create lasting memories with loved ones against the backdrop of Central Pennsylvania's dazzling holiday lights.

Here are six of our favorite light displays adorned with millions of sparkling lights that illuminate the night sky — in Dauphin, Lancaster and York counties — each creating a magical atmosphere to enjoy during your winter getaway to B.F. Hiestand House.                      

Christmas Magic at Rocky Ridge | York, PA
Now in its 40th year, this half-mile walking trail winds through Rocky Ridge County Park along a wooded hilltop with 600,000 twinkling lights and animated scenes. Around every turn you'll find walkways lined with candy canes, walk-thru light tunnels, and trees adorned with lights in every color. Along the way, you'll stop in several pavilions to warm up with hot chocolate, cookies, a model train display, and Santa! Reservations are required, so get your tickets online in advance.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane | Hershey, PA
Hersheypark isn't just a summer destination. At the amusement park's Christmas Candylane, five million shimmering lights create a brilliant glow for all parkgoers to enjoy. There's something magical in every corner of the park — a breathtaking NOEL light show, the Kissmas Tree display, TREEville at the Boardwalk, and Santa and his nine reindeer. If that's not enough, select rides will be open for Christmas Candylane, from the gentle Ferris Wheel to the thrilling Wildcat's Revenge. Sip on Hershey's signature hot chocolate as you take a leisurely stroll along the park's pathways, marveling at the elaborate decorations that bring the holiday spirit to life.

Hershey Sweet Lights | Hershey, PA
Hersheypark spreads even more Christmas cheer with its drive-thru holiday light show, Hershey Sweet Lights. From the warmth and comfort of your own vehicle, drive through 2 miles of wooded trails to see nearly 600 illuminated and animated displays. From idyllic holiday scenes to tunnels of radiant light, every twist and turn brings an enchanting new surprise. In total, there are more than 2 million glittering lights all synchronized to joyful Christmas music played on a custom radio station.

Christmas Light Drive-Thru at Stone Gables Estate | Elizabethtown, PA
This is the sixth year for Stone Gables Estate's Christmas Light Drive-Thru, which gets bigger and better with every year. More than one million brilliant lights will dazzle you from the comfort of your warm car. This 3-mile Christmas Light Drive-Thru celebrates the traditions and true meaning of Christmas, marvelously told through spectacular lights and storyboards. There's so much sparkling beauty to behold — from a life-sized nativity scene and beautifully illuminated 18-foot trees to the historic Star Barn and Herr’s Mill covered bridge covered in stunning lights. For added fun, see if you can find Darrel The Elf as part of a drive-thru scavenger hunt.

Clipper Magazine Stadium's Christmas Spirit Light Show | Lancaster, PA
In the summertime, you can catch a Lancaster Barnstormers baseball game at Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster. But during the winter holiday season, the stadium is home to a spectacular Christmas Spirit Light Show. Enjoy a mile-long drive-thru light display with hundreds of thousands of lights synchronized to lively holiday music. In addition to the drive-thru light show, be sure to check out Christmas Tree Lane, a walking portion inside the stadium with more than 100 decorated trees, carolers, Santa and his reindeer, festive treats, and more.

Christmas Lights at Refreshing Mountain | Stevens, PA
Experience Christmas lights like never before at Refreshing Mountain, an adventure center located on 80 acres of Lancaster County woodlands. The festive atmosphere and amazing winter activities are the perfect way to get into the spirit of Christmas. Where else can you zipline through 600,000 dazzling Christmas lights in the trees? If you're not feeling adventurous, enjoy the lights from the observation deck or take a peaceful walk through the illuminated Christmas forest. Refreshing Mountain also has a wildlife center, campfires, music and more for a holiday experience you won't soon forget.

Messick's Christmas Light Show | Mount Joy, PA
Located at 1475 Strickler Road in Mount Joy, enjoy a 15-20 minute light show from inside your car. Don't want to wait in line, view the lightshow from the bleachers. Donations are collected that support many local charities that provide for local families.