event sign ups

WinterFest and Tree Lighting | December 6th, 2025

On December 6th, DDL will host Downtown Lancaster’s WinterFest & Tree Lighting. During this event there will be free horse drawn carriage rides, holiday music, a scavenger hunt throughout participating businesses, pictures with Santa, and more!

We are asking businesses to come up with a family activity or offering to provide on the day of the event between 12:00pm to 5:00pm. This is a great way to showcase your business to potential and returning customers! Examples of past activities include make and take crafts, cookie samples, cookie decorating, coloring pages, discounts, games, etc.

Deadline to sign up: November 17th, 2025

Glass Town Countdown | December 31st, 2025

On Wednesday, December 31st betweeen 6pm-11pm, people will begin to gather downtown for the Glass Town Countdown to watch the Giant Glass Globe rise at midnight.

Help us ring in 2026 by hosting a special event on New Year’s Eve! Hundreds of people will be attending this event, and we want them to support your business and have things to do leading up to the countdown.

Our goal is to make Downtown Lancaster a place where everyone can celebrate the new year, so we need your help! Check out the examples below and consider hosting an event at your business for NYE.

Deadline to sign up: December 15th, 2025

Annual Gathering Silent Auction | January 22nd, 2026

Our Annual Gathering is quickly approaching, and we’re excited to return to The Mill Event Center for another unforgettable evening of celebrating the growth and vibrancy of the downtown, and honoring downtown's finest accomplishments and talent. Last year we introduced a live and silent auction for the very first time, and thanks to your generosity, it was a huge success. We’re thrilled to be bringing it back again this year as a way to raise funds for Destination Downtown Lancaster and highlight the amazing support of our community. We’re reaching out to our valued members to ask for donations of items, gift cards, or services to feature in the auction. Your contributions make this event possible and directly support our mission to keep downtown thriving. And as a nonprofit, your donation could be tax deductible! If you’re able to donate, please contact Sarah at 740-277-6607 or drop items off at our office (128 N. Broad Street) by Friday, January 16th, 2026. Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference, and we’re so grateful for your support. Thank you for helping us make this year’s Annual Gathering one to remember!

Deadline to sign up: January 16th, 2026