Your Insider Guide To The Enchanting Gettysburg Christmas Festival
The Showing of “A Gettysburg Christmas” Movie coincides with the Festival
The Annual Gettysburg Christmas Festival turns my hometown into an old-fashioned holiday wonderland every December—and this year, a brand-new Victorian Christmas Village makes the celebration more magical than ever.
If you’ve been wanting to book a getaway to a historic small town for Christmas, this is the year to visit Gettysburg! Read on to find out everything you need to know about A Gettysburg Christmas Festival, including activities, where to park and what to do.
Note: Keep reading to find out where to park for free and where restrooms are located!
When Is The 2025 Gettysburg Christmas Festival?
The Gettysburg Christmas Festival launches the holiday season in Gettysburg and is being held Friday, December 5: Noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday December 6: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, December 7: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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The Gettysburg Christmas Festival kicks off on Friday, Dec. 5 with the lighting of the Christmas Tree by Santa Claus at 6:30 p.m. Santa will also be in his Shanty to find out who’s been naughty and nice.
Old-Fashioned Fun At The Gettysburg Christmas Festival
Picture brick-paved sidewalks, trees strung with lights, wreaths on the light posts and lots of different activities and events. And yes, There are even chestnuts roasting on an open fire at the Shriver House Museum.
This family-oriented holiday event features vintage Christmas charm and takes place the first weekend in December. Although it’s not the only event happening in Gettysburg in December, it’s certainly one of the most festive and community-oriented.
So if you’re thinking about visiting Gettysburg the first weekend of December this year, here’s what you’ll need to know about the Gettysburg Christmas Festival.
Related Post: Christmas in Bethlehem PA events run throughout December.
What’s New At The Festival?
Gettysburg Victorian Christmas
The biggest addition this year is the Gettysburg Victorian Christmas on Steinwehr Avenue.
Steinwehr Avenue will be completely reimagined as “A Victorian Christmas,” transporting visitors to the mid-to-late 1800s—and specifically to Gettysburg in 1863. It’s one of the most immersive additions to the festival, giving you the chance to step straight into the 19th century and watch history unfold around you.
Throughout the weekend, military and civilian living historians will fill the street with period music, authentic dance, demonstrations, and captivating presentations.
You’ll be able to chat with experts and actors, learn about daily life during the Civil War era, and enjoy hands-on, family-friendly activities from morning to night.
Here’s a taste of what you’ll find in the Victorian Christmas Village:
- Authentic Civil War–era music
- Presentations by historic interpreters
- Santa & Mrs. Claus
- Free s’mores
- Live reindeer
Keep reading for free parking and shuttle rides to the downtown.
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What Is There To Do At The Festival?
Of course you’ll want to do some Christmas shopping at the Festival. The streets of downtown Gettysburg are lined with boutique shops and stores where you can find everything from fine gifts and accessories to clothing, antiques, shoes, hats and cigars.
In addition to the stores, there are a number of special events during the Christmas Festival, including the showing of the holiday movie A Gettysburg Christmas.
Guided Tours At The Historic Lady Farm
The guided tour of the Daniel Lady Farmhouse will transport guest to the years 1861 to 1864 and explore how the Lady Family would have celebrated the holiday despite the hostile times.
Each room will showcase one of the four Christmases of the war years. Tours are approximately 30 minutes long and tickets are available here.
Christmas Shopping Opportunities
Need some old-fashioned Christmas decorations? The Gettysburg Garden Club is holding a CHRISTMAS GREENS & GOURMET GIFTS SALE at the Gettysburg Fire Department Community Room, 35 North Stratton Street from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until sold out) on Saturday.
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Proceeds from this event go toward the Lincoln Square Flower Garden and scholarships for Adams County students.
And don’t miss the POP-UP HOLIDAY MARKET on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. or the HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Gettysburg Recreation Park, 545 Long Lane.
Here is a list of other shopping opportunities in Gettysburg!
Are There Free Events At The Christmas Festival?
Yes, there are MANY free activities at the Gettysburg Christmas Festival! Here is a partial list:
One of my favorite things to see in Gettysburg is the CIVIL WAR SANTA. He will be strolling around between the Jennie Wade House 548 Baltimore Street.
Print this Downtown Gettysburg map of Gettysburg Christmas Festival activities before your visit!
There will be three BOUNCE HOUSES for the kids. You can find theme at the Gettysburg Rec Park (545 Long Lane); at the Gettysburg Heritage Center (297 Steinwehr Avenue); and on Baltimore Street.
Children will be able to construct basic wooden toys or decorate ornaments to take home at SANTA’S TOY SHOP. This event will take place at the Children of Gettysburg 1863 Museum, 451 Baltimore Street.
Of course, every child will want to visit Santa! Make sure you visit SANTA’S SHANTY at 14 Lincoln Square.
If you can’t find time to sit on Santa’s lap and give him your wish list, kids can still drop off their LETTERS TO SANTA at two locations: The Best Western, 301 Steinwehr Avenue; and Artworks, 30 York Street.
Free Activities at the Gettysburg Christmas Festival:
👉 HUMAN FOOSBALL on Lincoln Square
👉 SELFIE STATIONS: Strike a pose for an Instagram snap and then tag your pic with #GettysburgChristmas.
👉 OLD-FASHIONED GAMES along the sidewalks on Baltimore Street and Steinwehr Avenue.
👉 Be on the lookout for FROSTY THE SNOWMAN, GINGERBREAD THE ELF and SANTA’s REINDEER wandering throughout the town. Try to get a photo with ALL OF THE REINDEER.
👉 Drop your name in the WISHING WELLS at the Festival for a chance to win a prize..
👉 AND MORE!
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Christmas Festival Entertainment List
As you wander around the streets and enjoy the many activities and special events in Gettysburg, you will find a variety of free entertainment as well. From music and comedy, to drama and special Christmas contests, here is a lineup of what you’ll find.
FUN AND PRIZES. Make sure you stop by the Gettysburg Library to see the entertainment and take part in contests! YOU will be the judge!
Other Entertainment includes lots of special live music throughout the weekend.
Plenty To Eat At The Gettysburg Christmas Festival
In addition to the many bars and restaurants that line the streets of Gettysburg, there will be food trucks parked if you get hungry or need a drink to warm you up while strolling around the Christmas Festival in Gettysburg.
You can find a full list HERE.
FAQ’s About The Gettysburg Christmas Festival
What Is The Gettysburg Christmas Festival?
The Gettysburg Christmas Festival is an annual holiday celebration featuring special activities to help everyone get into the holiday spirit. Most of the activities at the Gettysburg Christmas Festival are free, but there are a few paid events as well.
When Is The Christmas Festival in Gettysburg?
The Christmas Festival is always held the first weekend in December.
What Is The Weather Like in Gettysburg In December?
The weather is usually fairly chilly in Gettysburg in December, with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s or 30s. Dress in layers and be sure to wear a scarf, hat and gloves!
Road Closures / Getting Around Gettysburg
- Road closures will include south quadrant of Lincoln Square and the two blocks of Baltimore Street nearest the square.
- Steinwehr Avenue between Queen and Culp Streets
- Culp Street
If you’re traveling to Gettysburg in December, make sure you check out all of the things to do in Gettysburg in the winter months.
Parking And Shuttles During the Gettysburg Christmas Festival
SHUTTLES will run Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The shuttles will make a loop around the activity areas and are available about every 15-20 minutes on Saturday only at these locations:
#1-HACC Parking Lot
#2-Library (High Street)
#3-Farnsworth House
#4-Dobbin House/82 Café
#5-Gettysburg Heritage Center
#6-Rec Park (GARA)
#7-Arts Council
#8-Seminary Ridge Museum
#9-Transit Center (near Lincoln Square)
FREE PARKING
- Harrisburg Area Community College
- WellSpan Health
- Gettysburg Recreation Park
- Seminary Ridge Museum
- Lincoln Elementary School (free to Gettysburg Area School District residents only)
- Gettysburg Middle School (free to Gettysburg Area School District residents only)
PAID PARKING
- Gettysburg Area School District (Lincoln Elementary and Gettysburg Middle School)
- Pay fee through the posted mobile app via QR code on site.
- Parking is free for Gettysburg Area School District residents.
METERED PARKING
Metered parking is also available throughout town during the Gettysburg Christmas Festival. There is parking along Baltimore Street, south of the road closure, but you must pay the meters accordingly. You can visit the Borough of Gettysburg website for more information on parking and instructions on how to use the mobile app to pay for parking. More parking information is available below.
HANDICAPPED SPACES
There are handicapped spaces at the end of York and Carlisle Streets near Lincoln Square, and other designated spaces throughout town.
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Public Restrooms In Gettysburg During The Festival
Some buildings in Gettysburg will be open to use restrooms and there will be portable restrooms available as well.
LINCOLN SQUARE
- Parking Garage behind Gettysburg Hotel on Lincoln Square.
- Portable restrooms are also located within the road closure area.
BALTIMORE STREET
- Portable restrooms behind 340 Baltimore Street
- Adams County Courthouse (111 Baltimore Street)
- Gettysburg Library (20 East High Street)
STEINWEHR AVENUE
- Dobbin House (89 Steinwehr Avenue).
- Gettysburg Heritage Center (297 Steinwehr Avenue).
- Portable restrooms are located behind 9 Steinwehr Avenue (behind Rosie’s Collection).
GETTYSBURG AREA RECREATION PARK
- Public restrooms at the Rec Park (545 Long Lane).
- Portable restrooms also available.
UNITED LUTHERAN SEMINARY
- Seminary Ridge Museum (111 Seminary Ridge).
ADAMS COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
- Arts Council (125 Washington Street).
OTHER PORTABLE RESTROOMS
- 7-Eleven (69 Chambersburg Street)
- Harrisburg Area Community College Parking Lot (731 Old Harrisburg Road)
Need A Place To Stay In Gettysburg?
Here are some other suggestions for local hotels that are offering transportation options to the Christmas Festival. Accommodations will fill up fast, so make your reservations as soon as possible!
Don’t forget that there are plenty of Bed and Breakfast Inns in Gettysburg.
You might also want to check out the museums in Gettysburg and make a list of the ones you want to see.
Other Recommendations For Gettysburg Lodging:
Wyndham Gettysburg: A few miles east of Gettysburg. Offers shuttle service to the Festival.
Best Western Gettysburg: 301 Steinwehr in the heart of the tourist district (and festival).
Federal Pointe Inn: 75 Springs Avenue. Beautifully restored hotel. Close to downtown. Walkable to Festival.
BED AND BREAKFASTS:
Brickhouse Inn: Located at 424 Baltimore Street in the middle of the Festival activities.
Swope Manor: Located at 58-60 York Street. Walkable to the Festival.
The Tillie Pierce House Inn: 301 Baltimore Street, Historic (haunted) inn in the middle of the Festival.
⬇⬇ Compare Gettysburg Hotel Prices Here ⬇⬇
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