TERRE HILL, PA — Tens of thousands of Christmas lights, a quarter-mile illuminated walking trail, live nativity scenes and visits with Santa Claus will transform Terre Hill Park into a holiday destination as Christmas in the Park expands to two weekends this December.
The annual celebration returns Dec. 4–6 and Dec. 11–13, 2026, with activities scheduled from 5 to 8:30 p.m. each evening. The expanded schedule follows record attendance of nearly 10,000 visitors last year, approximately six times the population of the Lancaster County borough.
Organized to benefit the Terre Hill Park Association, the event combines elaborate light displays with live entertainment, food trucks, craft vendors and family activities. General admission is free, although some attractions require a small fee.
A Quarter-Mile Trail Filled With Christmas Lights
The centerpiece of Christmas in the Park is a quarter-mile walking trail featuring more than 150 handmade illuminated displays and tens of thousands of lights.
Visitors will encounter themed holiday scenes, decorated areas and a multi-scene live nativity as they make their way through the park.
The displays and themed areas change each year, giving returning visitors something new to discover.
Preparing the park for the celebration requires weeks of work. Volunteers began installing decorations in early October and will continue working nearly every day leading up to opening night.
The expanded displays and additional weekend reflect the event’s growing popularity, which brought nearly 10,000 guests to Terre Hill in 2025.
Santa Visits, Ice Carving and Live Entertainment
Beyond the illuminated trail, Christmas in the Park offers activities for visitors of all ages.
Families can visit Santa Claus, watch ice sculpture carving demonstrations and enjoy live musical performances throughout the celebration.
Children can participate in free activities, while craft vendors will offer opportunities to browse seasonal merchandise and handmade goods.
More than a dozen food trucks and vendors will provide a selection of meals, snacks and holiday treats. The park’s food pavilion will also serve visitors throughout the event.
Local community organizations will participate in special activities during the six evenings, adding to the celebration’s neighborhood atmosphere.
Individual activity schedules vary by evening, and visitors are encouraged to review the event calendar before attending.
Expanded Parking and Shuttle Service
To accommodate the event’s growing attendance, organizers have arranged off-site parking with heated shuttle transportation to Terre Hill Park.
Visitors should follow event signs directing vehicles to the designated parking area at 1030 Precast Road in New Holland.
Parking costs $5 per vehicle, and shuttle buses will transport guests between the parking area and the park.
The arrangement is intended to help manage traffic and accommodate the larger crowds expected during the expanded celebration.
Proceeds from Christmas in the Park benefit the Terre Hill Park Association, supporting the organization responsible for maintaining and improving the community park.
Event Details
- What: Terre Hill Christmas in the Park, featuring illuminated walking trails, more than 150 handmade light displays, live nativity scenes, Santa visits, food trucks, craft vendors, ice carving, live music and children’s activities.
- When: Friday through Sunday, Dec. 4–6 and Dec. 11–13, 2026, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. each evening. Times for individual activities vary.
- Where: Terre Hill Park, 210 Lancaster Ave., Terre Hill, PA 17581.
- Parking: Designated off-site parking at 1030 Precast Road, New Holland, PA 17557, with heated shuttle service to the park.
- Cost/Tickets: General admission is free. Some activities, including the illuminated walking trail, require a small fee. Parking is $5 per vehicle.
- More Info: The complete event schedule, activity information and additional details are available at https://www.terrehillpark.com/event/christmas.
With six evenings of activities spread across two weekends, Christmas in the Park gives families more opportunities to enjoy the displays and seasonal entertainment.
The celebration also highlights the work of local volunteers and community organizations whose efforts have helped turn the annual event into a holiday tradition attracting visitors from across the region.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.