Christmas Magic at Star Barn Village in Elizabethtown

The holidays in Lancaster County are full of charm, but few places capture the spirit quite like Star Barn Village in Elizabethtown. This Gothic Revival landmark has been a central Pennsylvania treasure since 1877. Originally located in Middletown, the historic Star Barn and its outbuildings were carefully dismantled, moved, and rebuilt on the grounds of Stone Gable Estate between 2014 and 2017, saving them from deterioration. Today, the village stretches across 30 serene acres, creating a perfect winter wonderland during the Christmas season.

Let our award-winning Lancaster bed and breakfast be your home for the holidays, and make sure your getaway itinerary includes a trip to the Star Barn Village. There’s so much to see and do at this magical destination — especially during this most wonderful time of the year.

Thousands of twinkling lights transform the village into a festive spectacle. One of the highlights is the Christmas Light Drive-Thru, now in its eighth year. More than one million LED lights sparkle across the 3-mile route, illuminating the Star Barn, Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge, and hundreds of trees. This year’s theme, Nativities Around the World, brings the story of Christmas to life with beautifully lit displays, life-sized Nativity scenes, and even a Moravian Star Forest. Kids and adults alike will love Candy Cane Lane, the “Find Darrel the Elf” scavenger hunt, and the new angel arches and 9-foot Nutcracker soldiers. A keepsake booklet helps visitors follow the story of the season as they drive through the magical display.

Take a five-minute shuttle ride over to the National Christmas Center Museum, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a nostalgic holiday time machine. Life-sized exhibits recreate the streets of Columbia, Pennsylvania, as they looked in the 1950s. Home to over 18,000 square feet of lights, trees, and vintage holiday décor, the museum showcases 1,250 nativities, Santas from around the globe, hand-painted toy soldiers, and exquisite dolls and dollhouses. The National Christmas Museum truly appeals to the child in all of us.

The festive spirit continues at the Christmas Village at Ironstone Ranch, where you can shop for unique gifts from local artisans, grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks, check out new train displays in the Millersburg Barn, and enjoy a host of other festive activities. It’s only open on four select days in November and December, so don’t miss your chance to join in the holiday fun. This is mostly an outdoor event, so dress for the weather!

Among the Star Barn Village’s most popular holiday events is the Christmas Dinner and Show, held inside the historic Star Barn. Begin the evening with hors d’oeuvres and a cocktail hour featuring local wines and brews, then head upstairs for a holiday buffet and desserts, all while enjoying an hour-long live musical performance. Different nationally acclaimed performers are featured depending on the night you attend. Early arrival gives you the chance to experience the Christmas Light Drive-Thru as part of your evening.

Kids and adults alike will be enchanted by the Santa Express, a narrated holiday train ride on the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad. Climb aboard the replica 1868 steam locomotive for a magical ride through the countryside. Passengers join in singing classic Christmas songs, get to meet Santa, and can explore his beautifully decorated toy shop in the Engine House. The track expansion this year doubles the route length, including a 400-foot wooden trestle that adds to the adventure.

Proceeds from all events and activities at the Star Barn Village support Brittany’s Hope, a nonprofit helping abandoned children around the world — just one more thing that makes your visit even more meaningful. The Star Barn Village is just 30 minutes from our historic Lancaster Bed and Breakfast. Book your stay in one of our charming guest rooms or suites and have yourself a merry little Christmas in the heart of Lancaster County.