Step into the magic of the holiday season in Downtown York! From twinkling lights to festive shopping, cozy dining spots, and nostalgic experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your loved ones, make new memories, and experience the warmth of holiday traditions old and new in the heart of our community. This year, explore all that Downtown York has to offer and make it a season to remember!

• Winter Capture hosted by Silo Creative
  • November 18, 6pm-8pm. Stroll through a winter wonderland of lights and take some creative/holiday photos! Photographers, this is a great opportunity to host holiday photos. Arrive early for networking before entering, then then place is open for creatives! York Revolution Stadium (Wellspan Park – 5 Brooks Robinson Way, York, PA 17401)

• Bright Nights
  • November 15-December 30. Stroll through a holiday wonderland featuring 3 million sparkling lights – it’s WellSpan Park like you’ve never experienced it. Family fun and attractions for the young ones, including the new polar bear slide, walk-in snow globe, ornament making, letters to Santa, character appearances, and more each night of Bright Nights. There’s even a festive Ferris wheel! Extra holiday cheer on select nights with Santa and his elves, live reindeer, Elsa and Anna from Frozen, and much more. WellSpan Park, 5 Brooks Robinson Way.

• The Grinch Visits Central Market
  • November 23, 11am-12pm.  Come kick off the Holidays with the Grinch and Mr. Holiday! Grab a photo from 11am-12pm. Central Market, 34 W. Philadelphia St.

• Hanging of the Greens
  • November 24, 10am-12pm. Downtown Inc, the York County Economic Alliance, and a dedicated group of volunteers inaugurate the holiday season with the hanging of fresh pine roping and bright red bows throughout Historically Edgy Downtown York as part of the annual Hanging of the Greens.

• The Find: November Markers Market
  • November 24, 10am-4pm. Join us as we gather the most talented local Makers and Artisans inside one of the most iconic historical locations in Downtown York – Valencia Ballroom

• Keystone Kidspace at Bright Nights
  • Keystone Kidspace the featured non-profit at Bright Nights at Wellspan Park from Friday, November 29 – Thursday, December 5. Meet the staff in person on select dates that week with kids activities.

• Small Business Saturday
  • November 30, all day! Downtown York is home to hundreds of small businesses, from the boutique shops in the Market District to the art galleries of Royal Square and the unique storefronts in the WeCo District.

• York Symphony’s Holiday Pops Spectacular  
  • November 30, 2pm and 7:30pm. The annual festive Holiday Pops Spectacular celebrates the jolliest time of year with a special appearance by Santa. The York Symphony and Chorus along with the Gettysburg Children’s Choir entertains concertgoers with Christmas classics and catchy songs and the memorable sing-along. Appell Center, 50 N. George St.

• First Friday December 
  • Join us in Downtown York as we kick off the most merry First Friday of the year! The fun starts at 5pm and lasts throughout the evening. See Santa, enjoy a festive drink, stroll through WellSpan Park, catch a free holiday movie at the Appell Center, and do some holiday shopping all in Downtown York! 

• Annual Festival of Trees
  • December 6. Please click the above link for further details on the times. This Holiday Season step into a winter wonderland that will leave you breathless. The Goodrige Freedom Center Annual Festival of Trees is a visual feast for the senses, showcasing a magnificent collection of beautifully decorated trees, each one uniquely crafted and adorned with dazzling ornaments, ribbons, and lights.

• 2024 Light Up York sponsored by WellSpan Health
  • • December 6, 5pm-9pm. Light Up York returns to First Friday December and is supported by WellSpan Health. York City Special Events is excited to unveil the tree that the City of York’s Public Works Department finds for everyone to enjoy. The tree-lighting ceremony will take place in Continetnal Square and begin at 6pm and be done by 6:30pm. We will be unveiling more fun activities as we get closer to the big day.

    • Martin Library is so excited that Santa and Mrs. Claus will be returning to Martin Library during Light Up York on December 6, 2024. This year, families may take their own photos of their children sharing holiday wish lists with Santa. Of course, Martin Library will have free crafts and activities for the children as they wait to see Santa. Children will travel around the world learning how others celebrate the holidays. Bring your family and make a memory at Martin Library. The Children’s Room door will open at 5 and Santa will be ready to meet the kids from 5:30 until 7:30. A warming tree with hats, scarves and gloves will be available for children.

• Free First Friday Family Film: Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer 
  • December 6, 7pm. Based on the timeless story and song, the Rankin/Bass production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer features groundbreaking “Animagic” stop-motion animation, narration by Burl Ives and unforgettable songs including “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Silver and Gold” and “We’re a Couple of Misfits.” Appell Center, 50 N. George St.

• Jingle Bell Crawl 
  • December 7, 11:30am start time. Join us for Jingle Ball Crawl in downtown York as we visit all over downtown with samples at each stop. Wear your ugly Christmas sweaters, elf, santa, Mrs. Clause, Grinch costumes, etc.
    15 participating stops and a sample drink and/or food at each stop. All within walking distance.
• Holiday Cocktail Class
  • December 7, 2:30pm-4pm. Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a bartender? Do you want to impress your house guests during your holiday party? If yes, consider coming to our Cocktail Class! Each class focuses on a theme or spirit, and this class will focus on holiday cocktails! $50 per person. This event is 21+. Ticket price includes equipment, supplies, tasty samples of the drinks you make, and small bites to go with everything. Tutoni’s, 108 N. George St.

• CapFilm: Elf 
  • December 7, 7pm. Bring the whole family and watch this holiday classic on the big screen—larger than life! Appell Center, 50 N. George St.

• Mandy Gonzalez- Home for the Holidays
  • December 7, 7:30pm. One of the most powerful and versatile Broadway voices of our time makes her Strand Theatre debut with a special program to kick off the holiday season! Appell Center, 50 N. George St.

• The Muppets Christmas Carol
  • December 8, 3pm. ‘Tis the season for love, laughter and one of the most cherished stories of all time. Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Appell Center, 50 N. George St.

•  Breakfast with Santa at the Yorktowne Hotel
  • December 14, 10am-12pm. Santa is making a special stop at The Yorktowne Hotel for breakfast! Call 717-848-1111 or make reservations online.

• The Nutcracker Ballet
  • December 14, 7pm. Join us this holiday season for a beautiful ballet danced to the timeless music of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Appell Center, 50 N. George St.

• Nutcracker Worlds, Dance it Forward
  • December 15, 3pm. Don’t miss this traditional and modern mix of dance styles including excerpts from the Hip Nut. Dance It Forward students will perform in this production that includes acts from our traditional Nutcracker Ballet fused with a mix of various styles, including Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary dance. Appell Center, 50 N. George St.

• Sean Heely’s Celtic Christmas
  • December 20, 7:30pm. Join Champion Scottish fiddler Seán Heely and a cast of nationally-acclaimed Celtic performers on a magical journey through Scotland and Ireland during the holidays. Appell Center, 50 N. George St.

• Swingin’ Holiday Sing-Along
  • December 21, 11am. Led by talented pianist Matt Monticchio, this event invites you to sing along to your favorite holiday classics, all with a jazzy twist. Appell Center, 50 N. George St.

• It’s A Wonderful Life
  • December 21, 7pm. The ultimate holiday classic film comes to the historic Capitol Theatre this December! Appell Center, 50 N. George St.

• Lunch with Santa & The Grinch
  • December 22, 12pm-3pm. Join us for a festive afternoon filled with holiday cheer at the 2nd Annual Lunch with Santa & The Grinch brought to you by The Blended House and other small businesses! Bring the whole family to enjoy a delicious lunch, snap photos with Santa and the Grinch, and take part in fun activities, giveaways, and toys for the kids. This is a FREE event. The Blended House, 141 E. Clarke Ave.

• Noon Years Eve Party
  • December 31, 10am-1pm. Zoom into 2025 at our Noon Years Eve Party at Keystone Kidspace on Tuesday, December 31. Join us for a family friendly New Years Eve celebration, complete with Keystone Kidspace style ball drop! The entire building will be open from 10am-1pm for open play with special activities throughout. Reserve your ticket ahead of time & start partying as soon as you get in the door. Keystone Kidspace, 10 Hamilton Ave.

• Welcome 2025 in Continental Square sponsored by UPMC
  • December 31, 8:30pm-11:45pm. Join York City Special Events in Continental Square for the final hours of 2024 and help ring in the new year at midnight. At midnight, watch the white rose drop followed by a colorful fireworks display.