LANCASTER, Pa. — Editor’s note: the suggestions in this article are subject to change as the state implements new COVID-19 restrictions.
"We wanna make sure that when folks head out for their holiday activities, that they are informed, responsible, and that it's a personal choice,” says Joel Cliff, the director of communications and advocacy for Discover Lancaster. “When its right for them we want to be able to safely welcome them."
Safety is the key when planning your ‘staycation’ in Lancaster. County leaders are working with businesses to ensure that all COVID-19 mitigation efforts are in place.
It is all in an effort to make it possible for beloved holiday traditions to continue in a world impacted by the virus. Traditions like the Clipper Magazine Stadium's Christmas Spirit Light Show, which is now a nearly contact-free drive through event.
"Every year we want to make memories with our family during the holiday season, during Christmas,” Michael Reynolds tells FOX43. He is the general manager at Clipper Magazine Stadium in the city. He says, “just having something here in Lancaster that's close, that's a great event, that's safe, still allowing families to make those memories together."
And light shows at just the start says Joel.
"Tourism properties across the county are doing all that they can to make sure that they are following the CDC protocols. And that, of course, goes everything from mask wearing ... and social distancing. To other things in terms of reservation systems that sort of spread crowds out -- to touchless services as much as possible.”
Cliff says it’s important to do your research ahead of time to make sure you have everything you need. That includes making reservations and buying tickets to events online.
He says a great resource is the Discover Lancaster website.
FOX43 asked around to find out what folks in the county say is their must see event of the season, and the responses were as diverse as the people. Many pointed out yearly classics like the Strasburg Rail Road Christmas Train and Kitchen Kettle Village in Leacock Township.
There are also a number of theater opportunities across the county. And let’s not forget about shopping.
Michael admits he is bias, saying the Christmas Spirit Light Show is his family’s favorite event. As for Joel, he says you have to try the Christmas lights zipline at Refreshing Mountain in Clay Township.