Gettysburg’s annual holiday celebration features special activities, entertainment, games, promotions, and small-town holiday charm!
We encourage you to stroll through our historic downtown and enjoy all the activities, events, entertainment, specials, decorations, and lights of the holiday season.
Lincoln Square to Steinwehr Avenue is less than one mile with lots to see and do in between and along the way! Bundle up and enjoy the magic of
A Gettysburg Christmas Festival!
DATES AND HOURS
Friday, December 6th
5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday December 7th
10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 8th
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
PLANNED ROAD CLOSURES
Friday morning - Sunday evening
South quadrants of Lincoln Square
Baltimore Street from
Lincoln Square to High Street
Steinwehr Avenue between
Queen and Culp Streets
Culp Street
FREE Activities:
| LIVE REINDEER FROM SPRUCE RIDGE Steinwehr Business Improvement District Gettysburg Heritage Center, 297 Steinwehr Avenue Saturday, December 7, 2024 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, December 8, 2024 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Visit the reindeer for FREE! Cell phone pictures are welcome for FREE! Get an up-close and personal for a photo op for just $10.00. LIVE ICE CARVING Carvings by Danny Kissel Saturday, December 7, 2024 10:00 a.m. Sponsored by The Christmas Haus Watch as Danny carves a life-size Ice Throne!Come and sit on the Ice Throne! A great opportunity for family photos!   ELF SCAVENGER HUNT Be on the Lookout for Elves! Visit our businesses to find their hidden elves. Take a selfie.Post to Facebook and tag #elvesofgettysburg to win prizes. See if you can find them all!  MECHANICAL REINDEER Steinwehr Avenue Hold on for a fun ride on our mechanical reindeer! CHRISTMAS BOUNCE HOUSE Steinwehr Avenue Fun bounce house for kids! GINGERBREAD BOUNCE HOUSE Steinwehr Avenue Fun bounce house for little kids! ARCTIC BOUNCE HOUSE Baltimore Street Fun bounce house with a big slide for the kids! MECHANICAL SNOWBOARD Baltimore Street See how long you can stay on the mechanical snowboard!  FAMILY GAMES Come play some family friendly games on the beautiful sidewalks of historic Steinwehr Avenue and Baltimore Street. Engage in some friendly competition in these reindeer games, suitable for all ages. Breakfast with Santa - St. James Lutheran Gettysburg (stjamesgettysburg.org) DATE & TIME: Saturday from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. LOCATION: 109 York Street COST: Free - open to the public DESCRIPTION: All are welcome! Enjoy a free breakfast, a free photo with Santa, make Christmas decoration crafts, play games and enjoy a Christmas train display! FREE HISTORIC DOBBIN HOUSE TOUR DATE & TIME: Saturday at 10:00 a.m. LOCATION: Dobbin House, 89 Steinwehr Avenue DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a FREE, guided, hour plus tour of the Dobbin House. This popular and highly rated presentation highlights the house built by the Rev. Alexander Dobbin. View all the decorated rooms while interacting with period antiques to understand how the home's occupants lived during the beginnings of America in the 18th and 19th centuries. MINI PONIES - "THELMA & LOUISE" Shining Stars Therapeutic Ministries DATE & TIME: Saturday at 10:00 a.m. - 12:00p.m. LOCATION: Unity Park (corner of Baltimore St. & Lefever St.) DESCRIPTION: Stop by and meet the adorable mini ponies "Thelma & Louise" WEBSITE: Home - Shining Stars Therapeutic Ministries PEANUT BUTTER PINECONE BIRD FEEDERS Gettysburg Nature Alliance DATE & TIME: Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. LOCATION: Gettysburg Heritage Center 297 Steinwehr Avenue DESCRIPTION: FREE - Stop in and make your own bird feeder. Roll pinecones in peanut butter, bird seed and hang! FACEBOOK:Gettysburg Heritage Center | Gettysburg PA | Facebook SANTA'S WORKSHOP CRAFT TENT WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS Gettysburg Foundation DATE & TIME: Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. LOCATION: Children of Gettysburg 1863 Museum -side yard 451 Baltimore Street COST: FREE DESCRIPTION: Children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and make a holiday ornament or paint a wooden toy in the Children of Gettysburg 1863 Museum's craft tent. Craft supplies sponsored by AAA Central PA. WEBSITES: https://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/exhibits-tours-events/special-events LIVING HISTORY AROUND THE CAMPFIRE Gettysburg Foundation DATE & TIME: Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. LOCATION: Children of Gettysburg 1863 Museum -side yard 451 Baltimore Street COST: FREE DESCRIPTION: Warm up around the fire pit and talk to soldiers from 1st Rhode Island Battery B. WEBSITES: https://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/exhibits-tours-events/special-events CHRISTMAS DURING THE CIVIL WAR: COURTYARD PRESENTATION Gettysburg Foundation DATE & TIME: Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. LOCATION: Children of Gettysburg 1863 Museum -courtyard 451 Baltimore Street COST: FREE DESCRIPTION: Author Stephan Evangelista and Licensed Town Guide Ted Hirt will perform a special holiday program entitled Christmas During the Civil War: Citizens and Soldiers. The presentation will take place in the museum courtyard at 11am. WEBSITES: https://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/exhibits-tours-events/special-events FACE PAINTING BY SMILE ON YU Steinwehr Business Improvement District DATE & TIME: Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. LOCATION: Best Western (inside lobby) 301 Steinwehr Avenue DESCRIPTION: Pick a free festive face paint design professionally applied by our talented artist! FACE PAINTING BY ADVENTURE IN FUN Adventure In Fun DATE & TIME: Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. LOCATION: Gettysburg Polish Pottery 102 Baltimore Street DESCRIPTION: Get festive at the festival with free face painting by Adventure In Fun's amazing artist! PICTURES WITH TORY THE ELF Gettysburg Polish Pottery DATE & TIME: Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. LOCATION: 102 Baltimore Street DESCRIPTION: Stop by and meet Tory the Elf and take some family holiday pictures with her using your cell phone or camera! FACE PAINTING BY ELIZABETH Steinwehr Business Improvement District DATE & TIME: Saturday from 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m. LOCATION: Civil War Diorama (in lobby) 241 Steinwehr Avenue DESCRIPTION: Free face painting by the talented Elizabeth McBride! Choose from a variety of festive holiday designs! CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE Shriver House Museum DATE: Saturday 11a.m. - while supplies last LOCATION: 309 Baltimore Street COST: $1 donations appreciated. DESCRIPTION: Enjoy the old Christmas tradition of freshly roasted chestnuts! CIVIL WAR SANTA Jennie Wade House/Gettysburg Tour Center DATE: Saturday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. LOCATION: 548-778 Baltimore Street DESCRIPTION: Come and meet Civil War Era Santa on Baltimore Street strolling between Jennie Wade House and the Gettysburg Tour Center! SANTA'S TOY SHOP Children of Gettysburg 1863 Museum DATE & TIME: Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. LOCATION: 451 Baltimore Street - Side yard DESCRIPTION: Children and their families will be able to construct basic wooden toys and/or decorate wooden ornaments to take home! SANTA'S SHANTY Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association DATE & TIME: Friday 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. & 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. LOCATION: 14 Lincoln Square DESCRIPTION: Santa wants to know your wish list this Christmas! Come and visit with him in his seasonal Shanty. Click here for other hours in December! MRS. CLAUS + ACTIVITY = FUN FOR ALL New York Life DATE & TIME: Friday, Saturday & Sunday during festival hours LOCATION: Baltimore Street DESCRIPTION: Stop by Mrs. Claus's wonderland tent and enjoy a free activity! HOT COCOA WARM UP STATION Gettysburg Trinity United Church of Christ DATE & TIME: Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: 102 Baltimore Street DESCRIPTION: Stop by to warm up with a free cup of hot cocoa! Donations Accepted S'MORES Quality Inn Gettysburg Battlefield DATE & TIME: Saturday from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. LOCATION: 380 Steinwehr Avenue COST: Free DESCRIPTION: Come create and enjoy roasting smore's! PICTURES WITH SANTA The Gettysburg Academy and Jane's Tea Room DATE & TIME: Saturday from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. LOCATION: 66-68 West High Street COST: Free DESCRIPTION: Come gather your friends and family for free pictures with Santa and his sleigh on the front porch of the Academy. Pets are welcome too! PICTURES WITH SANTA CLAUS Heartfelt History Gettysburg Gift Shop DATE & TIME: Saturday from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. LOCATION: 327 Baltimore Street, 2nd Floor COST: Free with your smart phone DESCRIPTION: Come to Santa's workshop for your holiday pictures with Santa! OPEN HOUSE The Gettysburg Academy and Jane's Tea Room DATE & TIME: Saturday from 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. LOCATION: 66-68 West High Street DESCRIPTION: Visit the Gettysburg Academy, meet the owners and hear about the history of this iconic historic property. HOLIDAY PHOTO BOOTH Dobbin House DATES & TIMES: Saturday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. LOCATION: 89 Steinwehr Avenue COST: Free DESCRIPTION: Get a memorable holiday photo, complete with props, with your friends and family!  CHRISTMAS CAROLING NATIVITY STROLL Gettysburg Area Ministerium DATE & TIME: Sunday at 4:30 p.m. LOCATION: Gettysburg Presbyterian Church at 204 Baltimore Street COST: Free DESCRIPTION: Meet at the church steps for a stroll through Lincoln Square to the nativity (10 York Street). There will be a brief prayer service and time of reflection at the nativity. Dress warmly and bring an LED candle for the caroling procession. All are welcome!  HUMAN FOOSBALL Lincoln Square Steinwehr Avenue Come be a part of the life size version of the popular table game found in many basements and game rooms! Line up with friends and family as players attempt to kick the ball past their opponents and into the goal. An exhilarating way to stay warm!  LETTERS TO SANTA Drop off your letters to Santa Claus! If you provide an address, your letter will be answered by Santa! LOCATION Best Western 301 Steinwehr Avenue  WISHING WELL GIVEAWAYS Sponsored by Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association Drop your name in one or all three wishing wells and you could be a winner! GARMA will be drawing winners for First Friday prizes, including gift cards from local businesses and three grand prize winners will receive an overnight stay in Gettysburg including dining and activities.  SELFIE STATIONS Stop by one of our custom holiday selfie stations handpainted by local sign maker, Marty Mummert. Strike a pose and get that perfect instagram snap of you and your crew! Be sure to tag your pic with #GettysburgChristmas Can you get a selfie with all of Santa's Reindeer? DASHER * CUPID * DANCER * DONNER * PRANCER * BLITZEN * VIXEN * COMET * RUDOLPH Be on the LOOK OUT for many more holiday characters! |
| THINGS TO DO Please click on each date for a full schedule of activities FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2024 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2024 Click here for the entertainment schedule. Click here for food truck info Click here for restaurant info Click here for parking info Click here for shuttle info |
"BRING LIGHT TO THE NIGHT" GLOW WALK
DATE & TIME: Thursday, December 12 at 5:45 p.m.
LOCATION: Gettysburg Presbyterian Church
208 Baltimore Street
DESCRIPTION: You're invited to attend the 3rd Annual “Bring Light to the Night” event, hosted by Healthy Adams County, Gettysburg School District, and Gettysburg Presbyterian Church. This time of year can be difficult for many dealing with grief. This event is for anyone who needs their spirits lifted. Click for more information.
28th ANNUAL GETTYSBURG TUBA CAROL FEST
DATE & TIME: Friday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Join us in front of the Gettysburg Hotel on Lincoln Square for this amazing holiday sing-along!
A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS
DATE & TIME: Saturday, December 14 at 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace
20 W. High Street
COST: Free admission and parking available in the rear of the church.
DESCRIPTION: Enjoy an evening of music featuring the Prince of Peace Choir and Tyler Harnsberger at the organ with Brass Ensemble led by Ben Jones Percussion and Timpani.
A reception with light refreshments to follow
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
DATE & TIME: Sunday, December 15 at 8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Gettysburg American Legion - 528 East Middle Street
COST: Adults - $15 / Ages 5-12 $10 / Age 4 & Under FREE
DESCRIPTION: The Gettysburg American Legion Auxiliary Post 202 invites the public to come and enjoy Breakfast with Santa! Gifts are available for children 12 and under. Tickets available at the door.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
LOCATION: Majestic Theater at 35 Carlisle Street
DATES & TIMES:
Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Friday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 15 at 2:00 p.m.
TICKETS: www.gettysburgmajestic.org
HAPPY HARLEY DAYS
Battlefield Harley Davidson
DATES: December 1-31, 2024
