Festive events and joyous celebrations transform Cumberland Valley into an enchanting holiday playground for the young and young at heart. We’ve curated a delightful list of children’s holiday activities that promise to make this season unforgettable for your little ones. From cheerful Santa sightings to fun, hands-on workshops, Cumberland Valley is the place for family-friendly merriment.

Learn more with our complete list of holiday events, Christmas shows, and shopping.

Breakfast With Santa at The Chocolatier

Saturday, December 14, 2024 - Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with hints of chocolate, kids’ activities, and lots of holiday family fun. Join us on Saturdays and Sundays and select Fridays, November 29 - December 22 and December 24, from 8 am to 10 am for Breakfast With Santa! Adults (12+) are $35.95, Kids (3-11) are $22.95,... Read More 

Toy Train Exhibit

Saturday, December 14, 2024 - Sunday, December 22, 2024

All aboard! The magical HO gauge model trains start rolling November 30– December 22 every Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Presented by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society, the attraction features many interactive elements, and the walk-around setup makes it easy... Read More 

Storytime with Mrs. Claus

Monday, December 23, 2024

Mrs. Claus will return to Ashcombe this holiday season starting on Nov. 30th. Sign up to reserve your child’s spot! Storytime is always free, but registration is required so we can ensure we have enough space. Adults accompanying children DO NOT need to register. Storytime is held in our Meeting... Read More 

Children's Lake Wagon Rides

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Join Benchfield Farms for horse-drawn Wagon Rides at Children's Lake. Load & unload on Front Street beside Caffé 101, Boiling Springs, PA. Age 4 & Up - $6.00 Age 3 & Under - Free with paid adult. Sunday, December 1st, 8th & 15th from 12 noon until 4:00 pm. Join the Boiling Springs... Read More 

Wagon & Carriage Rides in Carlisle

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Enjoy wagon and carriage rides through downtown Carlisle on selected dates in December. Benchfield Farms hosts the rides. For reservations, contact Traci at 717.448.8464. Loading and unloading will take place at the corner of Church Avenue and South Hanover Street. Private Carriage Rides (per... Read More 

Kids' Only Holiday Shop

Saturday, December 14, 2024 - Sunday, December 22, 2024

During the first three weekends in December, Fort Hunter elves will help kids aged 12 and under shop for family and friends in our Kids' Only Holiday Shop. Staff and volunteers will assist children in picking out tasteful and unique items from the Museum Shop at Fort Hunter. Grownups provide money... Read More 

Boiling Springs Holiday Tree Lighting and Luminaries

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Wednesday, January 01, 2025

The Boiling Springs Civic Association will host the beloved Children's Lake holiday luminaries and tree lighting ceremony again in 2024. The Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony occurs at the Children's Lake gazebo area on December 8. This year features Santa's Village: Opens at 1:00 pm BSHS Christmas... Read More 

Kids Country Christmas at Ashcombe

Friday, December 13, 2024 - Saturday, December 14, 2024

Experience the joys of the season at Ashcombe Farm & Greenhouses! Each year, we turn our greenhouse into a magical wonderland filled with fun photo opportunities, crafts, sweet treats, and more! Your ticket to Kids Country Christmas includes photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and that famous Ice... Read More 

Christmas at The Cracked Pot

Friday, December 13, 2024

Get ready for a festive evening full of holiday magic at The Cracked Pot Coffee Shop! Carlisle, 36 N. Hanover Street Friday, December 13th | 6:00–8:00 PM Bring the family and enjoy: Photos with Santa to capture the holiday spirit Free hot chocolate for every kid to keep them warm and smiling... Read More 

The Santa Experience

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Welcome to The Santa Experience! Come join us at Camp Hill Presbyterian Church for a jolly good time with Santa himself. Bring your biggest smiles and take your own photos with Santa at our professional photography backdrop. Santa will be waiting to hear all about what you hope to find under the... Read More 

Jingle Bell 5k Fun Run

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Put some jingle in your stride, and join us for a merry run! The run will start in front of Army Heritage Education Center (AHEC) and go around the golf course, returning to AHEC. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a festive stroll, this event is perfect for all ages! You can just... Read More 

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Saturday, December 14, 2024 - Sunday, December 15, 2024

Let the Holiday Magic Come to Life with George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker! Whether a holiday tradition or a first-time discovery, The Nutcracker is an annual gift every family will want to be part of! Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet has been hosting a Nutcracker performance yearly since 1965.... Read More 

Santa's Reindeer & Mrs. Santa

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Visit and take photographs with one of Santa’s reindeer. Sit with Mrs. Santa as she reads classic Christmas stories. Refreshments are available by donation. Many thanks to Marilyn and Don Koones for underwriting this event. The line for the reindeer closes at 2:15 pm. Please note: this is the ONLY... Read More 

Carlisle Theatre Holiday Film Series

Monday, December 16, 2024 - Thursday, December 19, 2024

The Carlisle Theatre just announced its Holiday Film Series. White Christmas | December 16 It’s A Wonderful Life | December 17 The Muppet Christmas Carol | December 18 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation | December 19 All Shows begin at 7:30 pm Tickets are available at www.carlisletheatre.org. Read More 

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Sunday, December 22, 2024

Let the Holiday Magic Come to Life with George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker! Whether a holiday tradition or a first-time discovery, The Nutcracker is an annual gift every family will want to be part of! Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet has been hosting a Nutcracker performance yearly since 1965.... Read More 

Santa's Workshop

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Come enjoy Santa's Workshop with Carlisle Parks and Recreation & DG Foundations Learning Park! Children ages 1-10 will have the opportunity to meet Kringle and Krampus and take a picture with them, write Santa a letter (or bring one with a return address), decorate sugar cookies, make a bird... Read More