Are you looking for holiday events in Cumberland County? With the Cumberland Valley easily accessible via I-81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, it’s always just a quick trip to any number of holiday happenings – from light shows and musicals to more low-key fun like Christmas at the Capitol.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident of the valley, or a self-employed newcomer ready to make your move, you have tons of fun options to choose from throughout the area.
Get ready to enjoy some of the most popular amenities on offer in cities like Camp Hill, Harrisburg, and Mechanicsburg. Let’s go!
Holiday events in Cumberland County
Love light shows? Experience the spectacle of these popular displays
Cumberland Valley really gets into the holiday spirit. You will, too, when you experience the astounding light shows on display. Choose from popular attractions in the nearby town of Hershey, which combine lights, rides, and plenty of festivities. Or if you’re looking for something more mellow but still full of the season’s cheer, stop by Harrisburg for Christmas at the Capitol. No matter what you’re in the mood for, light shows are some of the best holiday events in Cumberland County. Here are some of our top picks:
- Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane: Visit Hersheypark, the amusement park featuring roller coasters and rides for the whole family. More than five million lights decorate the park this year. Ride the rides, visit Santa, take part in the fan-favorite NOEL show, and lots more – it’s all happening until January 2, 2022.
- Hershey Sweet Lights: Enjoy the spectacle from your car. At Hershey Sweet Lights, drive through two miles of wooded trails lined with nearly 600 illuminated and animated holiday displays. This is a great event for taking in all the lights from the comfort of your car.
- Christmas at the Capitol: Visit Harrisburg for Christmas at the Capitol. The Capitol building features a decorated tree and other festivities. Tour the building and take part in a number of holiday concerts performed by local schools and singing groups.
Bonus: Cumberland is home to many residents who put on their own spectacular light shows. Park your car, tune the radio to a certain station and watch the displays dance to holiday music. To find residential light shows, just do a quick search on Google or Facebook.
Get in the spirit with holiday music
Theater and concerts are great ways to bring out feelings of staying cozy, being together, or enduring a spirited adventure during the holidays. Cumberland features no shortage of theater or music every holiday season, and this one is no different. Whether you’re looking for a classic coming-of-age tale, a story about everyone’s favorite elf, or a rock music event for the family, you’ll find it in Cumberland. Here are some of the most popular music events in the area:
- A Little Women Christmas: Watch the March daughters in this American coming-of-age classic. Happening through December 12th at the Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg, A Little Women Christmas is sure to get every family member in the holiday spirit.
- Elf: The Musical: Enjoy the family-friendly tale of Buddy the elf. This theater adaptation of the popular movie has laughs in store for everyone. Watch the two-hour show at The Playhouse at Allenberry, happening through December 19th.
- Wizards of Winter: The Wizards of Winter: A Holiday Rock Event brings together members of classic rock bands as they tell a new story about the meaning of Christmas. Be at the Carlisle Theatre at 7:30pm on December 11th to take part in this holiday concert of a lifetime.
Bonus: Head out to Hershey Theatre on December 7th at 7:30pm to catch Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Watch world-class acrobats, singers, and musicians perform 20 acts that will leave you amazed and at the edge of your seat. This is a great event if you’re in the mood for an extra level of stage performance and excitement.
Mingle or make new friends doing other fun activities
Holiday events in Cumberland County can also just be about unwinding and doing activities you like best. Are you a foodie? Do you love nature? Want to hit the slopes? Cumberland Valley is brimming with all sorts of other activities – from crawling the beer trail, to hiking miles of nature trails, to skiing and snowboarding with family and friends. Here are some great suggestions if you’re in the mood for this kind of low-key fun:
- Cumberland Valley Beer Trail: Love great food and craft drinks? The Cumberland Valley Beer Trail features more than 20 breweries and dining spots, with stops in Harrisburg, Camp Hill, and Mechanicsburg. Enjoy the best local food and beverages, and even earn cool prizes at participating locations.
- Hiking: You can hike all season long. Cumberland Valley features more than 200 miles of trails, and offers a variety of scenic thoroughfares great for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Explore and surround yourself in nature – whether going solo or with a group of family and friends.
- Roundtop Mountain Resort: Roundtop Mountain Resort opens December 17th. Hit the slopes on your skis or snowboard, or grab some tickets to go snow tubing. The resort has been a popular spot for more than 50 years and is the perfect place for anyone who loves to play in the snow.
Bonus: Do you love getting in touch with your roots? Cumberland Valley is also home to many historic sites and museums. Travel back to a time before the Revolutionary War, or visit the Fashion Archives and Museum in Shippensburg for a glimpse at your ancestors’ daily attire. Check out the top 10 historical sites if you’re looking to get in touch with your inner historian.
Is a new home on your holiday wish list?
If you’re ready for these holiday events in Cumberland County, put your name on Santa’s nice list with a Fairway Advantage Pre-Approval. Team Hadley will help you see how much house you can afford so you can call Cumberland County your home for the holidays.
Not quite ready to deck the halls?
See what you can expect on your road to owning a home. Download our Path to Homeownership guide.
