As summer comes to a close, we say farewell to fun in the sun in exchange for cooler and calmer days. Fall in Pennsylvania is pure magic offering crisp weather, fewer crowds, flowing waterfalls, colorful foliage, pumpkin patches, haunted history, and harvest festivals. After you have spent time exploring our favorite fall activities in Harrisburg, we encourage you to make the short drive to the charming city of Lancaster. The Central Hotel of Harrisburg is less than an hour away from Lancaster, offering an idyllic location for your fall getaway. Read on to learn more about the Lancaster fall festivals and activities happening throughout the season.

Lancaster Fall Festivals

Lancaster comes alive with exciting fall festivals from September through November. Whether you want to learn the true story of Sleepy Hollow or for a fun celebration for the kids, there is a Lancaster fall festival for everyone!

  • Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland: If you are traveling with kids, you will find the perfect fall event at the Dutch Wonderland amusement park. The park will be decorated with spooky decorations, kids can trick-or-treat, and Halloween-themed rides.
  • Legacy of Sleepy Hollow: Every October, the Strasburg Rail Road presents a haunted train ride telling the true story of Sleepy Hollow narrated by the great great granddaughter of the legendary Ichabod Crane. 
  • Hot Air Balloon Festival: Join us in mid-September and experience the magic of a colorful hot air balloon floating through our horizon. You can even ride in one of the festival balloons!
  • Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: Step back in time this October to a 16th-century village full of knights, costumes, drinks, and foods at the Ren Faire.
  • Pumpkin Madness Festival: Cherry Crest Adventure Farm closes the fall season with everyone bringing their leftover pumpkins to smash, throw, and drop.

7 Lancaster Fall Activities

If you are looking for fall activities to do throughout the season, here are seven things to keep you busy during your Lancaster getaway:

  1. Hike the Pinnacle Overlook in Susquehannock State Park for some of the best fall foliage views in Lancaster County!
  2. Fall is the best time to visit the Lancaster Central Market offering fresh produce harvested from our communities. This is also the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in the country.
  3. Pick your own pumpkins at Country Barn this fall and discover family-friendly fun at the Barnyard Kingdom. This includes a petting zoo, train rides, a corn maze, and fresh farm food.
  4. Visit Cherry Hill Orchards to pick your own apples and pumpkins this fall with an autumn hayride through the orchard.
  5. Get tickets to Fulton Theatre’s fall production of Kinky Boots lasting from mid-September to mid-October.
  6. Learn about the haunted history and mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities with a Lancaster Ghost Tour.
  7. Get your scare on at the Field of Screams with four terrifying attractions.

Plan a Fall Getaway in Pennsylvania Today!

Celebrate the magic of the season at one of the Lancaster fall festivals, and plan your escape with The Central Hotel of Harrisburg. Browse our Harrisburg rooms and suites and find the perfect place to host your fall getaway in Pennsylvania!