Christmas in Hanover, PA
Christmas Festival Date:
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Main Street Hanover is excited to announce that Hanover has been selected as one of Hallmark’s 25 Official Hallmark Christmas Towns and is now in the running to be named Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town of 2026.
Earlier this year, Hallmark launched a nationwide search for communities that bring the spirit of Christmas to life. Main Street Hanover submitted an application on behalf of the community, highlighting Hanover’s beloved holiday traditions, celebrations, local businesses, and community spirit. Hallmark also shared that one or more Hanover residents independently nominated the community for consideration.
After reviewing submissions from communities across the country, Hallmark selected Hanover as one of 25 finalists.
“This is such an exciting recognition for Hanover,” said Moriah Tyler, Executive Director of Main Street Hanover. “Our community has so many wonderful Christmas traditions, from Christmas in Hanover and downtown celebrations to the local businesses, organizations, volunteers, and families who make the holiday season so special. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase Hanover’s Christmas spirit on a national stage.”
Christmas Festival Schedule 2026
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Santa Parade
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Inflatable Bounce House & Letters to Santa Post Office Open
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Ride “Birch,” the Mechanical Reindeer! Take a festive spin on Birch, Hanover’s mechanical reindeer! Riders must be 48" tall or taller and must complete a waiver before riding. $10 per person, all proceeds benefit Main Street Hanover
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Santa’s Cabin Open
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Photos with Mrs. Claus. Capture a little Christmas magic with Mrs. Claus! Each participant will receive a special homemade cookie recipe, one of Mr. Claus’s favorites, to take home and bake throughout the holiday season.
12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) movie screenings at the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center. $7 per ticket.
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Live Music by Bob Cratchit and the Bookkeepers in the Square
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Christmas Carolers Singing Downtown
4:00 PM - 6:00PM Tree Lighting Performances
6:00 PM Tree Lighting Countdown
Santa’s Cabin Hours 2026
Opening Day: Fri. Nov. 27: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-5 p.m., 6-8 p.m.
Sat. Nov. 28: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Mon. Nov. 30: 6-8 p.m.
Fri. Dec. 4: 6-8 p.m.
Sat. Dec 5: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. & 2-6 p.m.
Mon. Dec. 7 thru Fri. Dec. 11: 6-8 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 12: 10 a.m.-1 p.m & 2-6 p.m.
Mon. Dec. 14 thru Fri. Dec. 18: 6-8 p.m.
Sat. Dec. 19: 10 a.m.-1 p.m & 2-6 p.m.
Mon. Dec. 21: 6-8 p.m.
Tues. Dec 22: 6-8 p.m.
Wed. Dec 23 6-8 p.m.
Make an
impact today
Your generosity helps make the holiday season in downtown Hanover merry, bright, and memorable for our entire community. Gifts of $50 to $250 help support the decorations, activities, and festive experiences that bring Christmas in Hanover to life.
Sponsors at this level will be recognized on the Main Street Hanover website as a thank-you for helping make the season special.
Prefer to donate by check? Simply make your check payable to Main Street Hanover and mail it to:
Main Street Hanover
40 York Street
Hanover, PA 17331
Every gift makes a difference, and we are grateful for your support in helping us bring the magic of the season to downtown Hanover!
Who We Are
Christmas in Hanover is a community celebration brought to life by Main Street Hanover and the dedicated volunteers, businesses, organizations, and community partners who make the holiday season in downtown Hanover special.
Main Street Hanover is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and revitalizing downtown Hanover through events, partnerships, beautification, promotion, and support for local businesses. Throughout the year, we work to create opportunities that bring residents and visitors together while showcasing everything our downtown has to offer.
Our Christmas Committee is a passionate group of community members who come together to help plan, coordinate, and bring the magic of Christmas to downtown Hanover. From festive decorations and family activities to Santa's Cabin, special events, and holiday traditions, the committee helps make the season welcoming and memorable for everyone.
Christmas in Hanover is truly a community effort. Local businesses, volunteers, nonprofits, sponsors, community organizations, and residents all play an important role in creating the sights, sounds, and traditions that make Christmas in Hanover something to look forward to every year.
Whether you're visiting Santa, enjoying a holiday event, shopping locally, grabbing a bite to eat, or simply taking a stroll through our beautifully decorated downtown, we invite you to celebrate the season with us in Hanover.
Shop local. Gather together. Make memories. Celebrate Christmas in Hanover.
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