Lititz Springs Park’s
Christmas in the Park
| Event Info | FAQs | Event Itinerary | Special Thanks | History |
Event Information
Christmas in the Park
When: Friday, December 5 at 6:30 PM
Where: Lititz Springs Park Band Shell
Join us for our annual Christmas in the Park celebration!
This free community event will feature performances by the Warwick High School concert choirs, Encore Performance Company, and a community carol sing with candle lighting. Enjoy surprise guest appearances and festive fun for all ages—culminating in the lighting of the community Christmas Tree!
All are welcome to be part of this cherished Lititz holiday tradition.
Itinerary
Welcome
Opening greetings and introduction of the evening’s program.
Christmas Blessing
A seasonal message and moment of reflection.
Encore Dance Center Performance
Holiday dance presentation by the Encore Dance Center.
Warwick High School Choir Performance
Seasonal selections performed by the Warwick High School Choir.
Community Carol Sing & Candle Lighting
An opportunity for all to join together in song.
Lighting of the Community Christmas Tree
The official illumination of the Lititz Springs Park Christmas Tree.
Closing Remarks
Concluding words and thanks to all participants and guests.
Event FAQ
Where can I park?
Parking is available throughout the Borough of Lititz and at the Warwick High School campus. The event will be held at the Band Shell near the back of Lititz Springs Park. Please note that Park Lane will be closed to vehicles during the weekend to ensure pedestrian safety.
Is there a rain date?
No. There is no rain date for this event. In the event of inclement weather, a cancellation announcement will be made no earlier than the morning of Friday, December 5.
Where is the event located?
The Christmas in the Park celebration takes place at the Band Shell inside Lititz Springs Park, toward the rear of the park grounds.
Can I bring my own seating?
Yes. Blankets are encouraged to cover the metal benches. Lawn chairs and sports chairs may be set up along the perimeter of the Band Shell. Please keep the center aisle clear of blankets and chairs.
Will there be food available?
Yes. A selection of 2–3 local food trucks will be on-site during the event. We encourage guests to support these local small businesses.
Are restrooms available?
Yes. Portable restrooms will be available for guests’ use throughout the evening.
Will the Welcome Center be open?
Yes. The Lititz Welcome Center will remain open late during the event. Stop in to browse unique Lititz-themed gifts and holiday merchandise.
Is the event handicap accessible?
Yes. The event area is fully accessible via the main park road (closed to vehicles during the event) and surrounding pathways. An accessible portable restroom will be available near the Band Shell. Guests may also be dropped off along Maple Street at the entrance beside the Band Shell. (Parking in this area is reserved for participants only.)
Is there a cost to attend?
No. Christmas in the Park is a free community event. A goodwill donation station will be available to help offset event costs and keep this tradition free for everyone to enjoy.
History
Christmas in the Park began as a community gathering to celebrate the re-dedication of the Nativity Crèche in the Square after it was nearly removed in a lawsuit with the ACLU. It has carried on ever since for 30 years, including in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first community Christmas Tree was donated by George Biemesderfer, a park board member and owner of a local Christmas tree farm. The tree still stands today just behind the flagpole at the front of the park near the caboose.
“On Nov. 30, 1994, the Lititz Area Manger Preservation Society rededicated the nativity scene. The group, with the aid of students and other community members, refurbished the figures and reassembled the crèche on the square.
Dooley recalled that it was a bitterly cold evening. The thousands who gathered — the crowd was estimated to be between 1,500 and 3,000 — dubbed themselves the ‘Frozen Chosen.’
‘Some people brought space heaters,’ Dooley said. Vendors supplied food and townspeople, she noted, plugged the parking meters for people who had come from out of town to participate.”
— Lancaster Newspapers, December 18, 2014
Special Thanks
The Lititz Springs Park Board wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to the following sponsors and community partners for their generous support of this cherished holiday tradition:
Additional Thanks
The Lititz Springs Park Board also extends its sincere gratitude to the following individuals and groups for their contributions to this year’s Christmas in the Park:
Emcee:
Bob D’Imperio
Special Acknowledgments:
Mayor Timothy Snyder
WHS Concert Choir — under the direction of Mr. Jonathan Shoff
Encore Dance Center — under the direction of Alvina Kline
Mel & Sue Rohrer and Family (“The Candle Crew”)
Clair Global
Stray Production Services
Volunteers from the Lititz Springs Park Board of Trustees
Grounds and Maintenance Crews of Lititz Springs Park
Christmas in the Park Planning Committee:
Kellye Martin • Mike Haines • Rich Motz
Cathy Gelatka • Ken Arnold