Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Fall Fun In and Around the Area

Fall in love with Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and plan the perfect seasonal getaway at The Central Hotel & Conference Center. Settle into our Harrisburg hotel and experience the season at its best, with crisp breezes, vibrant foliage, lively festivals, and harvest activities all within reach. Whether you want to pick apples in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, hike through the changing leaves, or enjoy exhilarating rides with a spooky twist at Hersheypark, we offer the perfect starting point to do it all. Book your fall trip today and explore everything Harrisburg and the surrounding area has to offer!

Leaf Peeping

Fall foliage in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, usually peaks around mid to late October, transforming the Susquehanna Valley into a sea of yellow, red, and orange. These vibrant colors provide the perfect backdrop for all kinds of adventures throughout the region, like hiking, biking, and train rides. Immerse yourself in fall views in Harrisburg at Wildwood Park and Fort Hunter Park or make the short drive to Little Buffalo State Park for even more outdoor exploration nearby. 

Fall Festivals & Events

The beautiful fall colors here are only the beginning; the season also brings several exciting events and festivals. Right here in Harrisburg, we offer a few family-friendly Halloween and fall events, but for the biggest celebrations we recommend heading to destinations nearby like Hershey, Lancaster, or Gettysburg.

  • Hershey: Hersheypark is the heart of fall fun, offering events like Hersheypark Halloween where visitors can enjoy rides, trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and scare zones. 
  • Lancaster: Experience Pennsylvania Dutch Country and attend dozens of fall events, like haunted train rides, renaissance festivals, and spooktacular fun at Dutch Wonderland. 
  • Gettysburg: Discover the rich history of Gettysburg and attend signature fall festivals like the National Apple Harvest Festival, celebrating all things apple in PA. 

Orchards, Farms, & Harvest Activities 

Pennsylvania is known for its rich agricultural heritage. Experience the harvest season for yourself and visit working family farms around the Harrisburg Area. Start your journey at Strites’ Orchard and enjoy a classic day of apple and pumpkin picking together. Or head to Patchwork Pumpkin Farms and combine pumpkin picking with classic fall activities like hayrides, slides, wagon rides, and games. 

For the ultimate journey into the rich agricultural heritage of PA, make your way to Lancaster County. Tour working Amish farms, pick pumpkins, solve corn mazes, pick apples, purchase seasonal produce, purchase handmade gifts, and much more. 

Fall Flavors 

The flavors of fall are everywhere in Central Pennsylvania. Grab a pumpkin spice latte at local coffee shops like Elementary Coffee or opt for a fall-themed alcoholic beverage at one of the breweries or wineries around Harrisburg. Over in Lancaster County, treat yourself to Pennsylvania Dutch classics like apple cider donuts, shoofly pie, or a warm soft pretzel fresh from a local farmers market. 

Book Your Fall Getaway in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Grab your coziest sweater and join us at The Central Hotel & Conference Center for a memorable Pennsylvania fall getaway. After a day of adventures, settle in for a meal on the outdoor patio at O’Reilly’s Tap Room, then retreat to your Harrisburg hotel room to unwind with the fall treats you picked up along the way. Book your fall trip in Harrisburg and experience the magic of the season!