Gettysburg decorated holiday tree holidays
Gettysburg, Pa., offers holiday activities for groups. Credit: Destination Gettysburg

GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Come see why Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, has become a top Mid-Atlantic destination for a holiday getaway. The town, with history and the spirit of the season blended so perfectly together, is transformed into a winter wonderland experience perfect for groups looking to embrace the holiday spirit.

“The holidays in Gettysburg are a special time of year for groups to visit. With the charm of decorated houses and restaurants, the Christmas tree in the heart of Lincoln Square and festive activities like horse-drawn carriage rides and caroling, the destination is full of holiday cheer,” said Donna White, Destination Gettysburg’s director of partner services. “Groups can experience Gettysburg and Adams County from a new perspective and try something they might not have thought they could find here.”

A new festival, only in its second year, will help kick off the festive month of December. A Gettysburg Christmas Festival is a three-day holiday celebration that brings together multiple businesses in downtown Gettysburg for a town-wide celebration. From Dec. 6-8, downtown Gettysburg will be divided into themed sections and shops, restaurants and attractions within those sections will offer specials and activities based on the theme. More information and a growing schedule of events can be found at www.AGettysburgChristmasFestival.com.

Other holiday festivities include:

  • Five Christmases at the Shriver House, Nov. 28 – Dec. 28, includes a candlelight tour of the decorated historic home and details how the Shriver family prepared for the upcoming Christmas holidays.
  • An Eisenhower Christmas, Dec. 1-31, showcases the Eisenhower National Historic Site decorated with the Eisenhower’s own decorations.
  • A Christmas Carol, Dec. 18-22, returns to Gettysburg’s Majestic Theater to tell the timeless Christmas tale of redemption to thousands of theatergoers.

The season caps off with a New Year’s Eve Celebration in Lincoln Square. Throughout the evening, visitors will enjoy great food, entertainment and fireworks over the iconic Gettysburg Hotel. Multiple hotels and properties offer their own New Year’s Eve parties and specials.

A full calendar of holiday events can be found at www.destinationgettysburg.com.