This Weekend in Lancaster PA: Nov 13–15, 2026

Mid-November in Lancaster is a sweet spot. The fall crowds have thinned, the holiday season is just warming up, and this weekend packs in a film festival, candlelit history, live dance and the first light shows of the year. Here are my picks for Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15, 2026.

Times and prices below come from each venue's own listings or Discover Lancaster. Always double-check before you head out, since schedules can change.

Friday, November 13

1. Red Rose Film Festival: Friday night at West Art

When: Friday, 7 PM. Where: West Art, Lancaster City.

The Red Rose Film Festival runs November 12 to 15 at Penn Cinema, Zoetropolis and West Art, with 75 films from 15 countries. Friday's special screening at West Art is No Dogs or Italians Allowed. It's a great way to start the weekend in the city.

2. Pennsylvania Long Rifle Event at Historic Rock Ford

When: Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM (Discover Lancaster also lists Saturday, Nov 14). Where: 881 Rockford Road, Lancaster. Cost: $10.

Displays of Pennsylvania long rifles, rifle-making demonstrations and identification of antique rifles, plus self-guided tours of the circa-1794 General Edward Hand Mansion. It's also the last chance to see the "Lancaster's Revolutionaries" 2026 focus exhibit. Details: discoverlancaster.com.

3. Christmas Light Adventures at Refreshing Mountain

When: Opens Friday, Nov 13, running into January. Where: Refreshing Mountain, Stevens.

One of the first big light displays of the season in Lancaster County, so you can get ahead of the December crowds. Details: discoverlancaster.com.

Saturday, November 14

4. Candlelight Open House at Ephrata Cloister

When: Saturday, 5 to 8 PM. Where: 632 West Main Street, Ephrata. Cost: $10 per person.

The Cloister's buildings and paths glow by candlelight. Wander at your own pace, meet costumed interpreters and tradespeople, hear the Ephrata Cloister Chorus in the 1741 Meetinghouse, and warm up at the bonfire. Tickets are sold at the door or online. Details: ephratacloister.org.

5. Red Rose Awards Ceremony

When: Saturday, doors 5:30 PM, ceremony 6 PM. Where: Penn Cinema IMAX, 541 Airport Road, Lititz. Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

The festival's big night, celebrating the filmmakers and stories of the 2026 lineup.

6. Make & Take: Sourdough Bread for Beginners

When: Saturday, 10 AM or 1 PM. Where: Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village, 2705 Old Philadelphia Pike. Cost: $65, including a starter kit.

An hour-long class on the care and feeding of sourdough starter. You go home with an active starter, a fermentation jar and a recipe. Reservations are strongly recommended at (717) 344-6875. Details: visitlancasterpa.com.

7. F&M Fall Dance Concert

When: Thursday to Saturday, Nov 12 to 14, 7:30 PM. Where: Schnader Theatre, Roschel Performing Arts Center, 630 College Ave. Cost: $10 general admission, $5 students and seniors.

The F&M Dance Company performs works by faculty and guest artists, including a Martha Graham piece. It's an affordable night of live performance in the College Hill neighborhood. Details: fandm.edu.

All weekend

8. Winter Wonderland at American Music Theatre

When: Running Nov 3 to Dec 30, with 10:30 AM, 3 PM and 7:30 PM performances on select days. Where: AMT, Lincoln Highway East.

AMT's 2026 Christmas show with a live orchestra. Check the calendar for this weekend's times. Details: amtshows.com.

9. Dutch Wonderland's Winter Wonderland

When: Opened Nov 11. Where: Dutch Wonderland, East Lampeter Township.

Rides, lights and holiday treats for families with little ones. Check the park's site for operating days. Details: dutchwonderland.com.

10. Joshua at Sight & Sound Theatres

When: Running through Dec 31. Where: Ronks.

The big-stage Bible epic is in its run through the end of the year. Shows sell out, so book ahead. Details: sight-sound.com.

Albert's Pick: Candlelight at the Cloister, then dinner in Ephrata

If I had one night this weekend, it's Saturday at the Ephrata Cloister. Ten dollars, candlelit 18th-century buildings, a choir in a 1741 meetinghouse and a bonfire is about as "only in Lancaster County" as it gets, and it's a nice way to ease into the holidays. Go right at 5 when it's just getting dark, then grab dinner on Main Street in Ephrata. If you want more ideas for where to eat, my top 10 restaurants in Lancaster list is a good place to start.

Tips for the weekend

• Dress for outdoors. The Cloister and the light displays are mostly outside, and mid-November evenings get cold.

• Book the ticketed shows early. Sight & Sound and AMT fill up fast once the holiday season starts.

• Park once downtown. West Art and Zoetropolis are easy to pair with dinner in the city.

New to the area? My guide to 10 things to know before you move to Lancaster covers the neighborhoods behind all these events.

FAQ

What's happening in Lancaster PA this weekend, Nov 13 to 15, 2026?

Highlights include the Red Rose Film Festival, the Candlelight Open House at Ephrata Cloister, the Pennsylvania Long Rifle Event at Rock Ford, the F&M Fall Dance Concert and the opening of Refreshing Mountain's Christmas Light Adventures.

Are there free things to do?

Most picks this weekend are ticketed but affordable, with several at $10. Walking downtown Lancaster and window-shopping the galleries along Prince and King Streets is free.

Where can I see Christmas lights in mid-November?

Refreshing Mountain's light display opens Nov 13 and Dutch Wonderland's Winter Wonderland opened Nov 11. More displays open later in November.

Is the Red Rose Film Festival family-friendly?

It depends on the film. Check each screening's description on the festival site before you bring kids.

Thinking about calling Lancaster home?

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, commutes and the local spots I recommend to friends. And if you'd like to talk about buying or selling here, you can always book a free call with Albert.

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.