Holidays in Ephrata

Spend Your Holidays with Us!

Escape to Ephrata! Surprising, Unexpected, Ephrata...

Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival ~  Black Friday, November 28, 2025, 530-8 pm

 

 

Our Ephrata tradition of Santa’s arrival and tree lighting continues. Many families look forward to this special evening and making precious memories each year. We will also welcome the Belsnickel. You won’t want to miss it! Downtown Ephrata right on Main St.  Click here for additional details.

 

Visit with SANTA

Starting November 29, 2025, every Friday and Saturday until December 20, 2025, when Santa flies back to the North Pole to prepare for Christmas.  Santa’s House is located at 16 E Main St, Ephrata PA 17522 in the visitor’s center/train station.

  • Fridays, 5:30 ~ 7:30 pm
  • Saturdays, 10 am ~ 1 pm

 

Jingle & Sip ~ Saturday, November 29, 2025, 10am-2pm

Mainspring of Ephrata Christmas Committee is once again continuing our Christmas in Ephrata celebration the next day! We want to support LOCAL crafters & businesses to get their holiday selling season off to a great start!! This event coincides with Small Business Saturday.

Please join us for Small Business Saturday & take advantage of some downtown shopping while enjoying samples of holiday beverages. Similar to our First Saturday Wine Walk, you will grab your map at Whistle Stop Plaza, located at 16 E Main St., Ephrata, PA 17522 Downtown Ephrata, & follow it to sample the “sips” (stay tuned for list of vendors closer to the date)

 

Jingle Bell Tour ~ Friday & Saturday, December 5 & 6

The Jingle Bell Trolley Tour is BACK this year for the 12th season! Mainspring of Ephrata cordially invites you to this special community event. The tour will launch on Friday, December 5th, with family night and December 6th will be an adult night with a guided tour of Ephrata homes & businesses (outside only) that will be decorated for the holiday season.

Tickets for the event are as follows ~

•  Family night ~ $15 each  •  Adult night ~ $18 each

​We hope you will join us for this year’s tour!! Tickets ON SALE November 1, 2025!

 

Candlelight Open House ~ Hosted by Historic Ephrata Cloister
  • October 25, 2025 
  • 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (time to be confirmed)
  • $8.00 per person age 5 and above

Step back in time and explore the historic buildings of this early American religious community, illuminated by candlelight. Tickets on sale TBD! Admission is $8.00 for everyone age 5 and above.

Additional information at ​ephratacloister.org

 

 

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Young Performers)
  • Fridays & Saturdays starting December 5 – 21, 2025
  • Fri – 7:30 pm • Sat – 2 pm & 7:30 pm • Sun – 2 pm
  • $38 – Standard ticket pricing. (including fees)

 This enchanting adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic story follows Quasimodo, the kind-hearted bell ringer, as he struggles for acceptance and love in a world that often overlooks him. With memorable music, relatable characters, and themes of friendship, bravery, and belonging, this vibrant performance invites audiences to explore the power of compassion and the importance of embracing our differences. (from EPAC’s website)
Additional information & tickets: ​EPAC Tickets

 

Journey to Bethlehem ~ Hosted by Woodcrest Retreat
  • December 12 & 13 | December 19 & 20
  • $15 Adults, $10 children 5-16, 4 and under: Free
  • Maximum Family Charge (must live at the same address): $60
  • Cash and Check Only; Registrations open in November 2025

225 Woodcrest Rd, Ephrata

For additional information and to reserve a timeslot, visit WoodcrestRetreat.org

 

Christmas at the Cloister ~ Hosted by the Ephrata Cloister
  • December 8 & 9
  • 6:30 & 8:00 PM each night
  • 632 W Main St, Ephrata

 Join friends and family in the historic 1741 Meetinghouse to enjoy a “lessons and carols” celebration of the season. Two programs are offered each night, one starting at 6:30 p.m. and the other at 8:00 p.m. Seating is limited, and advance tickets are required for this event.

Additional information at ephratacloister.org

 

Lantern Tours ~ Hosted by the Ephrata Cloister
  • December 26-27 & January 2-3
  • 6:30-9:00 PM 
  • 632 W Main St, Ephrata

 Historic Ephrata Cloister’s Lantern Tours are themed theatrical tours led by students involved in the Student Historian program. Tickets on sale TBD!

Additional information at ephratacloister.org

 

 

 

LET IT GLOW!

Want to get in on the Tree-mendous beauty of Ephrata for the holidays? Adopt a Lighted Tree or a wreath and help us shine!

Holiday Banner

Join Downtown Ephrata in wishing the community a Happy Holiday Season! Share your favorite family photo or office photo along Main Street and help to keep the Tree Lighting Event and Santa visits possible in Ephrata. Click the button below to order today!