CREATE NEW HOLIDAY TRADITIONS IN GETTYSBURG!

The holidays are a very special time of year in Gettysburg – when the past comes alive in festive celebration. It’s the ideal way to experience the town’s incomparable history, enduring charm, endless recreational fun, and mouth-watering foodie opportunities.

Gettysburg perfectly blends its rich American heritage with the spirit of the holidays as thousands of visitors cherish the season of a bygone era. From house tours, to concerts and the annual tree lighting, to the unique shopping through the downtown, it’s a great getaway for those looking to celebrate the holidays a little differently.
A PEEK INSIDE THE HOLIDAYS - 1860s STYLE

See history in a fun and festive way this holiday season as Civil War-era homes open their doors to show you how Christmas was celebrated in the 1860s.

Starting Thanksgiving weekend, join the Jennie Wade House, Shriver House Museum and nearby Seton Shrine and others as they showcase the holiday traditions of Gettysburg families and homes during the Civil War. Learn about decorations, food and the fun ways that families celebrated the holiday season more than 15 decades ago.
ALL ABOARD THE CHRISTMAS TREE TRAIN!

Sure, you could go to the store and pick up your family's Christmas tree.
Or maybe, just maybe, this year you can take your tree traditions up a notch or two and ride a train (yes, a train) and visit a nearby Christmas tree farm where you can cut down your tree, bring it back with you, and decorate your very own fresh-cut souvenir when you return home.

If cutting down your tree is not your style - no problem!
You can still board the train and pick your tree out from a large collection of pre-cut trees, wreaths and other holiday decorations. Add in a Christmas cookie package, and you've got yourself an amazing holiday getaway that you can celebrate the whole season with friends and family.

This is a memory you'll remember for holidays to come!

But don't wait long to book your excursion. The Tannenbaum Christmas Tree Train runs the last week of November and first week of December only.
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH HICKORY BRIDGE

As the song goes, head "over the river and through the woods," but this time to Hickory Bridge Farm where you'll feast on the farm's delicious home-style cooking.
A short drive south of Gettysburg to this renowned restaurant is the perfect way to celebrate your holiday season and enjoy a hearty dinner with friends or family.

Hickory Bridge Farm is just one of many Gettysburg area restaurants where you can celebrate the season in a big way!

Visiting on a holiday itself?
Click here for a list of restaurants open and serving holiday meals.
A GETTYSBURG CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
December 3-5 and December 10-12

Come to Gettysburg to enjoy the special charm of our small town during this holiday season and make lasting memories. Gather the family and start a new tradition as you explore all our quaint community has to offer.

The festival, now over two weekends, features family friendly games, live music and performances, crafts, holiday decorations, scavenger hunts and more.
HOLIDAY CARRIAGE RIDES
Various Dates - November/December
Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg
Embrace the spirit of the holidays enjoying a carriage ride, in the fresh winter air, down the magical Main Street adorned with thousands of lights.
EVENING WITH THE PAINTING
December 3, January 15
Gettysburg Museum & Visitor Center
This exclusive, “after-hours” program, hosted by historian Chris Brenneman, offers guests a close-up look at the historic Gettysburg Cyclorama painting.