Best Things to do to Celebrate Easter in Lancaster

During Easter in Lancaster, families can explore a variety of joyful activities, from local egg hunts that captivate the adventurous spirit, to scenic rides on Easter Bunny Trains. You can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at Kitchen Kettle Village, where the season comes to life with unique local crafts and foods. Amidst these delightful options, Dutch Wonderland emerges as a must-visit destination, with its unique blend of Easter-themed events, crafts, and treats, ensuring a memorable celebration for families seeking a mix of adventure and enchantment. Come along to find some of the best options to celebrate Easter in Lancaster this year.

Did you know?

Easter is a worldwide tradition with religious origins, celebrating the rebirth of Jesus. However, many people link it to the Easter bunny and its colored eggs! How did that happen? 

Believe it or not, the Easter Bunny gained its popularity here! The Easter Bunny tradition emerged in Germany and it was later brought to America by the Dutch, who arrived in Pennsylvania during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. However, it wasn’t until the 1900s that the idea of a bunny laying eggs became popular among other communities in the US, 

Easter Fun at Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland offers one of the best ways to hop into spring! The Eggcellent Easter Celebration begins March 29!

Eggcellent Easter Celebration

Dutch Wonderland's Eggcellent Easter Celebration dazzles with a park-wide egg hunt and a captivating puppet show. Take a photo with our Easter Bunny Tuft, earn exclusive collectible pins, and create memories with the whole family.

A kingdom filled with Easter magic

Aside from the egg hunts and other special activities held in the park, one of the most outstanding features is the Easter ambiance. Gardens covered with over 7000 flowers, eggs of all sizes scattered around the park, and new photo ops to keep a memory of the day.

Easter-themed treats or food offerings

Indulge in Easter-themed sweets and savory snacks including a carrot cake funnel cake at Mr. Funnelini’s, or a ham and asparagus panini.

Local Easter Egg Hunts

Lancaster is home to several Easter celebrations throughout the town, and each of them has its own magic touch to it! 

Celebrating Easter with Older Kids

Easter Activities for Older Children

If you are planning to throw an egg hunt on your own but are scared your older kids feel “too old” for it, there are a few changes you can make to organize a more exciting alternative:

• Nighttime Egg Hunt: Use glow-in-the-dark eggs or flashlights for a challenging twist.

• Egg Hunt with Clues: A mix with a scavenger hunt, turn it into a puzzle-solving adventure where each egg contains a clue leading to the next.

• Paintball Egg Hunt: For a more pro alternative, get your teens a few paintball guns and throw a “capture the flag” kind of egg hunt.

Easter Bunny Trains

Strasburg Rail Road

Strasburg Rail Road is the oldest operating train in America and has a special tradition for special Easter events. With three options to choose from, kids and their families can hitch a ride on some of the most luxurious Victorian trains, enjoy a family-friendly Easter brunch in Lancaster aboard the dining car, and get a visit from Peter Cottontail, the train’s motor-bunny! 

Stone Gables Estate

At Stone Gables Estate, families can enjoy an Easter day at the Star Barn or take a ride on ponies, coaches, or classical trains! Ride along the countryside while having the Easter bunny tell you the story behind this celebration as well as the Estate’s history. 

Kitchen Kettle Village

Kitchen Kettle Village is a 70-year-old community where visitors can enjoy lodging, eateries, and shops as people did back in the day!  The village hosts an "Egg-stra Special Easter Event" offering a delightful family experience with meal vouchers for breakfast or lunch at the Harvest Cafe, a VIP Egg Hunt for children 10 and under, photo opportunities with Yummie, a ginger cookie, and the Easter Bunny, and an Easter scavenger hunt. The event takes place on specific dates in March 2024, with ticket prices varying for children, adults, and toddlers​​.

Conclusion

As you can see, Lancaster offers an abundance of Easter festivities that cater to every age and interest. From the traditional to the innovative, these activities weave together the community's rich history with the joy and renewal that Easter symbolizes. Whether you're experiencing the enchanting Eggcellent Easter Celebration at Dutch Wonderland, participating in other cherished local egg hunts, enjoying a scenic ride aboard an Easter Bunny Train, or exploring the quaint charm of Kitchen Kettle Village, Lancaster is a destination that promises memorable experiences. These events not only celebrate the spirit of Easter but also foster family bonds and create lasting memories.