By Jessica L. Knouse
A Gettysburg Christmas Festival, hosted annually in downtown Gettysburg, is a joyful celebration that merges holiday cheer with small-town charm. Set against the backdrop of one of the most significant battlefields in American history, the festival seeks to highlight local businesses, goods and entertainment that enhance visitor experiences beyond the battle.
“Honestly, there is no better town small town to represent Christmas and all the feelings that it invokes and the joy, the connection, the community that it brings together,” remarks Amy Welsh, director of Partnership at Destination Gettysburg. “When you talk about celebrating together and creating connection, this town absolutely knows how to do that. So it’s no better place than to make Gettysburg your one-stop Christmas shop for everything.”

Origins
A Gettysburg Christmas Festival is rooted in a desire to highlight local commerce while celebrating the holiday season. Known primarily for its pivotal role in the Civil War, Gettysburg draws countless visitors each year, particularly during the summer and fall months. However, the Christmas festival aims to draw attention to the town in winter, showcasing its charm and inviting visitors to explore the area beyond its historical monuments.
The festival began as a way to feature the Steinwehr Avenue business corridor during the holiday season. In recent years, Main Street Gettysburg has taken the coordination responsibility, and local businesses, community organizations and volunteers have since joined forces to create an event that would not only attract visitors but also foster a sense of community pride. Over the years, the festival has grown significantly, becoming a hallmark event that resonates with residents and tourists alike.
“We really try to highlight this community for multiple return visits, and I think A Gettysburg Christmas Festival is a huge part of that because now people can make this event a tradition and return year after year,” Welsh says.

Festive Activities & Attractions
One of the most inviting aspects of A Gettysburg Christmas Festival is the array of activities and attractions available to attendees. The festival kicks off on Friday, December 6 with live music performances on Steinwehr Avenue, Lincoln Square and Baltimore Street near the library.
“Local artists like The Willys, Mandy B, Nick Mich, Faith Noel, Brother Crow and more will be joining us this year,” shares Jill Sellers, president and CEO of Main Street Gettysburg.
On Saturday, visitors can enjoy a traditional Christmas market at the Gettysburg Recreation Park, starting at 10 a.m., where local artisans and crafters will sell their handmade goods. From unique ornaments to handcrafted jewelry, the market emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses and provides visitors the opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts.
Food also plays a significant role in the festival. Attendees can indulge in an array of seasonal treats, including chestnuts—yes, roasted on an open fire—as well as holiday cookies and s’mores. Check out a variety of food trucks located on Lincoln Square or along Baltimore Street if you’re interested in taking a stroll. And, if you’d like to soak up some warmth indoors, local restaurants are participating in the festival, offering holiday-themed dishes or discounts in honor of the festival.
In addition to shopping and dining in the downtown area, the festival features many free activities like live reindeer on Steinwehr Avenue, festive bounce houses, mechanical snow boarding, a variety of family-friendly games, face painting, a holiday photo booth and Santa’s Shanty.
For an extra special treat for children, the United Way is sponsoring a breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 7 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Lutheran Seminary. The cost to attend is $7 per person, and guests may register at www.uwadams.org.
Ice Avenue is a new attraction for 2024. Guests can enjoy walking down Baltimore Street to view 18 ice sculptures, along with a live ice sculpture demonstration on Saturday. Each ice sculpture is sponsored by a Baltimore Street business as part of the festival.
Children’s Stage at the Rupp House, Children of Gettysburg 1863
Another jewel of this year’s festival is the new Children’s Stage at Rupp House, which is also home to the Children of Gettysburg 1863 experience.
“This stage and area will focus more on kids and the children’s activities, which will be little bit more interactive,” Sellers explains. “Christine and the Jingle King will be there too, and they do a lot of interactive songs that the kids can sing and dance to. We’re really reaching out to try to make that stop a real family destination for some hands-on activities and for some great, family-focused entertainment.”
A Gettysburg Christmas Film
Stay tuned for the announcement of the showing of A Gettysburg Christmas, directed by Bo Brinkman, to be included in this year’s featured activities. While the location and date of showing has not been announced as of press time, Sellers hopes to incorporate the film as an annual tradition.
“Gettysburg is such vibrant, alive place to be with things to do that are interesting, which you can’t find anywhere else. The Christmas festival is highlighted in the movie too,” says Sellers, adding a special element to its inclusion in the event.
Community Engagement & Volunteerism
A Gettysburg Christmas Festival exemplifies community engagement and volunteerism, with many residents dedicating their time and resources to ensure the event’s success. From organizing activities to setting up decorations, volunteers play an integral role in bringing the festival to life.
“Certainly, we have a need for volunteers, everything from set up to clean up, to helping at an information booth or helping people with directions,” explains Sellers. “It’s really helpful to have people that will sign up and do one thing that takes them an hour.”
The festival also seeks volunteers who would like to spread holiday cheer by dressing up in period costume, in “holiday attire of the past” or as a living history character. To volunteer at the festival, contact Main Street Gettysburg at festival@mainstreetgettysburg.com.
Local organizations, schools and clubs often host their own booths or activities, featuring the diverse talents of the community. This includes Saint Francis Xavier’s Children’s Choir, the Dallastown Middle School Choir, the Hanover School of Ballet—and possibly some local Christmas caroling groups to ramp up the festivities, says Sellers.
Making the Festival a Tradition
A Gettysburg Christmas Festival is more than just a holiday celebration; it is a multifaceted event that embodies the spirit of community, history and heritage. By blending festive activities with educational elements, the festival encourages attendees to engage with Gettysburg’s past and experience the joy of the present. As it continues to grow and evolve, the festival is becoming a cherished tradition that unites residents and visitors in a shared celebration of history and the holidays.
Learn more about A Gettysburg Christmas Festival and plan your visit at www.agettysburgchristmasfestival.com
Beyond the Festival
Even when the excitement of A Gettysburg Christmas Festival ends, the borough and surrounding area continues celebrating the holiday spirit.
The Gettysburg Choral Society will be performing traditional holiday choral classics at the Church of the Abiding Presence, located at the Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary, on Friday, December 6 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 7 at 3 p.m. The same show will be performed on Saturday, December 14 at 3 p.m. at the Basilica of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland. All performances are free to the public, and everyone is welcome.
The weekend of December 6 and 7 guests may visit the Historic Daniel Lady House decorated as it would have been at Christmastime during the Civil War. Visitors can enjoy a historical encampment, gift shop, holiday music and period food. Ticketed tours are available every half hour from 5:30 to 8 p.m. each day. Registration is required; and more information and ticket sales can be found online at danielladyfarm.com.
On Saturday, December 13, locals and visitors may enjoy the 28th Annual Tuba Carol Fest and singalong at 7 p.m. outside the Hotel Gettysburg on Lincoln Square. Dozens of musicians perform, coming from near and far to play in this festive, upbeat event.
Throughout December, the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg will feature “Holidays at the Land of Lights,” where more than a quarter of a million lights are on display.
Finally, the Shriver House Museum invites visitors to peek into the past with a Civil War Christmas experience. Learn what holidays were like for a Gettysburg family during the mid-1800s and enjoy the period décor of the Shriver House. More information for booking tours can be found online at shriverhouse.org.