Happy Pre-Gobble Tuesday Loopers!
It’s Turkey & Pie Week and we’ve got some great ways to keep you…in the Loop!
There is no shortage of fun events this time of year. We’re growing weekly to be your #1 source of everything Lancaster.
We’re focused on building out lists of events, but if you have details on something we need to share with the community please send it our way. As always, we’re covering food, music, events, and community.
Here’s a form to submit your event.
In today’s Loop…
A nice spot to walk off some T-day calories
Let’s watch some trees light up 🎄
5 can’t miss ways to keep your shopping Lanc Local
Let’s jump in the Loop…
— Ed
One of the Best “Hike-away the Turkey” Spots in Lancaster
If you’re looking to walk off the turkey, stuffing, and the “just one more slice” of pie…(cold pumpkin-extra whip is always the play), head to the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. This 14-mile, mostly paved, super-accessible path hugs the Susquehanna from Columbia up past Marietta and Bainbridge, with easy on/off points, river views, and plenty of flat, stroller-and bike-friendly mileage so the whole turkey-trot crew can tag along.
Heads up: the electric bikes zip past fast…keep your head on a swivel.
The simple Lancaster Loop approved route: park at Columbia River Park/Columbia Crossing (map), hop on the trail, and cruise north as far as your legs (and leftovers) allow. Be mindful: the walk from the lot to the trailhead runs parallel to N Front St and can be loud & dicey, but soon you’ll get cliffs, water, woods, and small-town views without any brutal climbs.
Looper Insider Request: hit reply and tell me your fav trail spots in Lanc…maybe I’ll feature your rec in an upcoming “walk off any Christmas cookies calories” segment 🍪 🥾
The Christmas Tree Lightings of Lancaster County
Time to find two matching gloves, snag a scarf, and bundle up for some local holiday festivities.
Elizabethtown moves quick, already held two tree lighting ceremonies. But the rest of the county is aimed at lightin up their trees after your turkey leftovers are gone.
Fun Fact: Lancaster City’s tree this year began as a second grader’s take-home sapling planted in 1996 by Liz Goodman. Liz, you’re the hero and deserve a epically long cape. Talk about Hallmark movie-esque storyline.
We also added one bonus ‘tree’ next time you find yourself in Lancaster City.
Friday, Nov. 28
Ephrata - tree lighting 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, on Main Street (lighting @7pm). Featuring live entertainment, visits from Rudolph and Santa, & a special drone show. Ephrata tree time
Lancaster City - tree lighting 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at Penn Square. Live entertainment, a visit from Santa, a dance party and more. Central Market will also be open for the occasion. Lanc City tree time
Saturday, Nov. 29
Columbia - tree lighting 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Locust Street Park, 550 Locust St. Other events throughout the day include photos with Santa at Hinkle’s Restaurant, caroling, story time, cookie decorating and more. Columbia tree time
New Holland - tree lighting all day Saturday, Nov. 29. There will also be food trucks, live entertainment, a carousel, a Santa visit, hay rides & more. New Holland tree time
Sunday, Nov. 30
Adamstown - tree lighting 4:30-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Adamstown Grove, 340 W. Main St. The event will have a performance from musicians at Cocalico HS, as well as plenty of food and drinks, an appearance from Santa. Adamstown tree time
Friday, Dec. 5
Lititz - tree lighting at Lititz Springs Park at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. The event will also feature caroling, a candle lighting, live performances, food vendors and more. Lititz tree time
Marietta - tree lighting 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Marietta Restoration Associates, 75 N. Waterford Ave. The event will feature Mrs. Claus reading “The Night Before Christmas,” caroling and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Marietta tree time
Quarryville - tree lighting at Memorial Park, 297 Park Ave., at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. This event, in honor of veterans, kicks off the Christmas in Q-Ville weekend. Quarryville tree time
Strasburg - tree lighting event at Strasburg Borough Municipal Building, 145 Precision Ave., starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. This event will also feature caroling, hot cocoa and cookies, and an appearance from Santa. Strasburg tree time
Saturday, Dec. 6
Akron - tree lighting will take place in the parking lot of W Donuts, 805 Main St., from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. There will be donuts, coffee and more. Akron tree time
Manheim - tree lighting from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in Market Square. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Manheim Food Bank. Manheim tree time
Mount Joy - tree lighting during its annual Winterfest event from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, on Main Street. This event will also include live entertainment, food options, a petting zoo, a visit from Santa and more. Mount Joy tree time
Sunday, Dec. 7
Denver - tree lighting celebration from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Denver Borough Municipal Building, 501 Main St. The event also includes food, holiday treat bags, story time and a visit from Santa. Denver tree time
Treetime Anytime - Atop the old hospital along College Avenue in Lancaster City, Warfel Construction resurrected an old display and brought it back to life. I don’t know the official lighting date, but it provides nightly beauty go here and it’ll be right above your head here
5 Spots to Holiday Shop Lancaster Local
This upcoming Saturday the 29th is Small Business Saturday.
Shopping local in Lancaster hits different.
You’re not just ticking names off on a list, you’re high-fiving market vendors, bumping into neighbors, and walking out with gifts that actually have a story behind them. (Plus, every dollar you spend under these roofs does a little happy dance for Lancaster)
So if you’re planning a “shop the city” day, here’s a simple game plan: start at Market, wander Queen Street, loop through a winter pop-up, and finish where the Lancaster-themed merch lives. By the time you’re done, you’ll have stumbled on some great coffee (cheat code: Denim Coffee mmm), with full bags on both arms, and half your holiday list handled…without ever setting foot in a big ‘ol box store. Friendly plug to keep it local and skip clickin’ Amazon this year.
1. Lancaster Central Market
The OG of shop-local. Grab coffee, produce, baked goods, and handmade gifts all under our community roof. If you only have an hour in the city, start here. great chicken themed swag to support the market & grab lunch (remember only Tue-Fri-Sat, but also the day before & after Thanksgiving, and closed on Thanksgiving Day itself)
2. BUiLDiNG CHARACTER
Part vintage, part maker market, part treasure hunt. Dozens of micro-shops with thrifted finds, local art, candles, tees, and weird little gifts that’ll fill any grinch’s stocking. check off half your xmas list
3. Madcap & Co
Quirky, colorful, and packed with local Lanc artists and small-batch goods. Perfect start as you wander the 300 block “maker district.” hit this one and get lost in the neighbors
4. Winter Market at Ewell Plaza
Think European-style winter market, Lancaster edition (if only there were snails) Rotating local vendors, artisan gifts, seasonal snacks, and twinkly lights…an easy way to knock out a few names on your list in one fun stop. european markets without the airfare
5. Ellicott & Co.
Take two steps and have dad checked off the list…puzzles, barware, leather goods, Lancaster prints…the kind of “uncommon goods” shop where you can grab a gift for and snag something for yourself too. great lanc merch
6. Martin’s Pretzel Bakery
A last-minute scramble bonus spot. We’ll have a battle-royale for best local pretzel in a future issue, but for now we’ll just agree to disagree 🤝 (ps the harder the better). I stopped in here last year and bought way too much, with zero regrets. Bonus: time it right and you’ll hear the bakers singing as they twist the dough. twisty little carbs here
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Thanks for staying in the loop!
Have an amazing week and I’ll see you back next Tuesday the 2nd of December for our next free issue covering everything Lancaster!
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-Ed Hanko
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