Things to Do in Lancaster PA This November: Events, Festivals & Activities

November in Lancaster PA is the bridge between fall and the holidays. You'll find pumpkin smashing and film festivals early in the month, Thanksgiving workshops and craft markets in the middle, and tree lightings, light shows and holiday theater by the end. Here are the best things to do in Lancaster this November, sorted so you can plan around your weekends.

A quick heads-up: daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1, so evenings get dark early all month. Plan outdoor stops for the afternoon and save the lights and shows for after dark. Dates and times can change, so check each venue before you go.

Early November (Nov 1-8)

• Capturing Fall at Nissley Vineyards, Nov 1. A relaxed Sunday at the winery in Bainbridge.

• Heartland Marimba International Festival, Nov 4. A unique concert experience. Details: discoverlancaster.com

• Amish Fall Farmhouse Experience, Nov 5 and 6. A seasonal look at Amish farm life.

• PCA&D Fall Art Market, Friday, Nov 6, 4-8 PM. More than 50 students and alumni of the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design sell prints, jewelry, paintings and more.

• First Friday in Lancaster City, Nov 6. Galleries and shops downtown stay open late on the first Friday of the month.

• Art and Craft Market and Silent Auction, Nov 7.

• Pumpkin Madness at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. Bring your leftover Halloween pumpkins to smash, throw, bowl and drop them. Check the farm for this year's date.

• Murder at Ackerton Manor, Fulton Studio Theatre, through Nov 8. A three-actor Agatha Christie-style comedy.

Mid-November (Nov 9-22)

• Red Rose Film Festival, Nov 12-15. 75 films from 15 countries at Penn Cinema, Zoetropolis and West Art, with an opening night welcome party at Zoetropolis on Nov 12.

• Thanksgiving Cupcake Decorating Workshops, Nov 6, 13 and 20. A fun one for kids.

• Dutch Wonderland's Winter Wonderland, opens Nov 11. Rides, lights and cookies with Santa, running into early January.

• Refreshing Mountain Christmas Light Adventures, starting Nov 13.

• Joshua at Sight & Sound Theatres. The current big-stage production near Strasburg.

• Fulton Theatre's Annie, opens Nov 20 (community preview Nov 18). The classic musical runs through New Year's Eve.

• Amish Christmas Cookie Tour, starting Nov 20.

• Christmas Light Drive-Thru, starting Nov 20.

• Dash for the Stache 5K, Nov 21.

• Holiday Bazaar (Nov 21) and Creatively Lancaster Makers Market (Nov 21-22). Good for early gift shopping.

Thanksgiving weekend (Nov 26-30)

• Mayor's Tree Lighting, Friday, Nov 27. Santa arrives in Penn Square with live entertainment, and Central Market stays open late.

• Small Business Saturday in Lancaster City, Nov 28. Nearly 150 local shops, artisans and makers.

• Christmas at the Lancaster Stormers and Christmas Spirit Light Show, from Nov 27.

• Christmas Village at Ironstone Ranch, Nov 27-29.

• American Music Theatre's Winter Wonderland. AMT's 2026 Christmas show, with a live orchestra and a visit from Santa.

• 'Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Fulton, opens Nov 28. The family series show.

• Holiday Tasting Tour at Kitchen Kettle Village and Jingle & Sip, Nov 28.

• Yuletide at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, starting Nov 28.

All month long

• Amish farm tours and wood shop tours on select weekdays

• Field of Screams, weekends until mid-November

• Lancaster Central Market on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

• The Stevens & Smith Center for History and Democracy, the new downtown museum

• Fall walks on the Northwest River Trail before the cold really sets in

The Discover Lancaster November events page keeps an updated list with more details.

Albert's Picks for November

Date night: Red Rose Film Festival screenings at Zoetropolis, then dinner downtown. Family: the Mayor's Tree Lighting on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Get there early, grab something warm at Central Market, and let the kids see Santa arrive. Free and easy: First Friday on November 6. Walk Prince and Queen Streets and pop into the galleries.

Thinking about moving to Lancaster?

November is actually a great month to look at homes here. The crowds thin out, sellers who list in late fall are often serious, and you get to see the county at its coziest. If you're comparing neighborhoods, start with my 10 things to know before you move to Lancaster PA. For a deeper look at the theater scene, see my Lancaster fall theatre guide.

FAQ

When is the Lancaster City tree lighting in 2026?

Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving, in Penn Square.

When is the Red Rose Film Festival in 2026?

November 12-15, 2026, at Penn Cinema, Zoetropolis and West Art in Lancaster and Lititz.

What's free to do in Lancaster in November?

First Friday on November 6, the Mayor's Tree Lighting on November 27, browsing Small Business Saturday on November 28, and trail walks around the county.

When do Christmas light shows start in Lancaster County?

Several open in mid- to late November, including Refreshing Mountain's Christmas Light Adventures (from November 13) and the Christmas Light Drive-Thru (from November 20).

Want to know more about life here?

If you're curious what's happening in Lancaster or thinking about moving here, grab my free Living in Lancaster guide. It covers neighborhoods, schools, things to do and what homes really cost. And if you'd like to talk through a move, feel free to book a quick call with me.

About Albert Linsdell

Albert Linsdell is a Lancaster, PA real estate agent helping buyers and sellers across Lancaster County, including Lancaster City, Manheim Township, Lititz, Ephrata and Mount Joy. He's known for numbers-first pricing, creative financing strategies, and a trusted contractor network that helps sellers get top dollar. He's rated 5 stars across 22 Google reviews. Book a call with Albert.