2nd Annual Christmas in Hanover Festival Kicks Off Saturday, November 28 at 11:00 AM!

Hanover, PA — The holiday season is almost here, and downtown Hanover is ready to celebrate! Main Street Hanover, alongside the Borough of Hanover invites residents and visitors to the 2026 Christmas in Hanover Festival on Saturday, November 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This cherished annual tradition brings the community together for a festive day filled with holiday entertainment, family-friendly activities, and the beloved Center Square Tree Lighting.

This year’s celebration is especially exciting as Hanover has been selected as one of Hallmark’s 25 Official Hallmark Christmas Towns. After Hallmark launched a nationwide search for communities that embody the spirit of Christmas, Main Street Hanover submitted an application highlighting Hanover’s treasured holiday traditions, local businesses, community celebrations, and hometown spirit. 

“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.”

A Day Full of Christmas Magic

The Christmas in Hanover Festival offers something for everyone, whether families are visiting Santa, enjoying live music, watching a holiday classic, or gathering with neighbors to welcome the season.

Festival Schedule — Saturday, November 28, 2026

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Santa Parade: Kick off the festivities with a festive parade through downtown Hanover.
• 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | Letters to Santa and Bounce House: Children can share their Christmas wishes at the Letters to Santa Post Office and enjoy the inflatable bounce house.
• 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | Ride Birch, the Mechanical Reindeer: Take a festive spin on Hanover’s mechanical reindeer! Riders must be at least 48 inches tall and complete a waiver before riding. Tickets are $5 per person, with all proceeds benefiting Main Street Hanover.
• 12:00–2:00 p.m. and 3:00–6:00 p.m. | Santa’s Cabin: Visit Santa in his beloved Center Square cabin and make holiday memories with family and friends.
• 12:00–1:00 p.m. and 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Photos with Mrs. Claus: Capture a little Christmas magic and take home a special homemade cookie recipe featuring one of Mr. Claus’s favorites.
• 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. | The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): Enjoy a holiday movie screening at the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $7 per person.
• 12:00–3:00 p.m. | Live Music in Center Square: Bob Cratchit and the Bookkeepers will fill the Square with festive sounds.
• 3:00–3:30 p.m. | Christmas Carolers: Enjoy the sounds of the season as carolers sing throughout downtown.
• 4:00–6:00 p.m. | Tree Lighting Performances: Gather in Center Square for holiday entertainment leading up to the evening’s main event.
• 6:00 p.m. | Center Square Tree Lighting Countdown: Join the community for the highly anticipated countdown and illumination of the Christmas tree.

With festive activities throughout the day, the festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience the charm of downtown Hanover, support local businesses, and create lasting holiday memories.

Santa’s Cabin Celebrates 90 Years of Holiday Tradition

A beloved Hanover tradition, Santa’s Cabin celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2026. For generations, the cabin has welcomed children and families to Center Square for a free visit with Santa, giving every child the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes.

During the Christmas Festival, Santa’s Cabin will be open from 12:00–2:00 p.m. and 3:00–6:00 p.m. The cabin will also welcome visitors throughout the holiday season, beginning Friday, November 27.

Santa’s Cabin Holiday Schedule

• Friday, November 27: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 2:00–5:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 28: 12:00–2:00 p.m. and 3:00–6:00 p.m.
• Monday, November 30: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 4: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 5: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 2:00–6:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 7–Friday, December 11: 6:00–8:00 p.m. nightly.
• Saturday, December 12: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 2:00–6:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 14–Friday, December 18: 6:00–8:00 p.m. nightly.
• Saturday, December 19: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 2:00–6:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 21–Wednesday, December 23: 6:00–8:00 p.m. nightly.

Follow Santa’s Cabin on Facebook for updates and additional information.

Please Excuse Our Mess: Downtown Improvements Underway

Festivalgoers may notice construction activity around Center Square during this year’s celebration. The Downtown Route 94/116/194 Traffic Congestion & Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project is designed to improve traffic flow, modernize traffic signals, and make pedestrian crossings safer and more accessible throughout the Square and nearby intersections.

While construction may create some temporary inconveniences during one of Hanover’s busiest and most festive days of the year, these improvements will help create a safer, more accessible downtown for residents and visitors in the years ahead.

Main Street Hanover encourages everyone to exercise patience, follow posted signs and traffic directions, and comply with instructions from construction and public safety personnel.

A little construction today means a safer, more accessible downtown tomorrow! Thank you for your patience, understanding, and holiday grace as this important project moves forward.

Thank You to Our 2026 Christmas in Hanover Sponsors and Partners

Christmas in Hanover is a community celebration made possible through the generosity of local businesses, organizations, sponsors, volunteers, and residents. Their support helps bring the decorations, entertainment, family activities, and cherished traditions of the holiday season to life.

Main Street Hanover extends its sincere appreciation to the following 2026 sponsors and community partners.

Community Sponsors

• UPMC
• Brightspeed Fiber Internet

Entertainment Sponsor

• CAM Innovation
• DGI Creative

Advocate Sponsors

• Hanover Auto Team
• Schmuck Lumber Company
• Home Association of McSherrystown
• Mason Dixon Settlements
• Hanover Foods Corporation
• Community Media of South Central PA

Tree Lighting Champions

• Lyric Band of Hanover
• Sheppard Farms
• Christopher Cringle’s Christmas Emporium

Safe & Bright Partners

• Hanover Borough Police Department
• Borough of Hanover
• Hanover Area Fire and Rescue

Santa’s Cabin Snacks Sponsors

• Utz Brands
• Campbell’s Snacks
• Hanover Lions Club

“Christmas in Hanover is truly a community effort,” said Tyler. “We are incredibly grateful to every sponsor, donor, volunteer, and community partner who helps bring this celebration to life. Their support allows us to continue creating meaningful holiday experiences and sharing Hanover’s Christmas spirit with our community and beyond.”

Community members and businesses interested in supporting Christmas in Hanover can make a donation to Main Street Hanover. Contributions help fund holiday decorations, family-friendly activities, Santa’s Cabin, and other seasonal experiences that make the celebration welcoming and affordable for everyone.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or make a contribution, visit ChristmasinHanoverPA.com. Businesses interested in becoming a presenting sponsor can contact Moriah Tyler at mtyler@mainstreethanover.org.

Celebrate Christmas in Hanover

As Hanover celebrates its recognition among Hallmark’s 25 Official Hallmark Christmas Towns, this year’s festival offers another opportunity to showcase the traditions, generosity, and community spirit that make the town special.

Whether you’re visiting Santa, enjoying live holiday entertainment, shopping locally, grabbing a bite to eat, or gathering with loved ones for the tree lighting, Main Street Hanover invites everyone to celebrate the season in downtown Hanover.

For the complete festival schedule, Santa’s Cabin updates, and additional holiday information, visit ChristmasinHanoverPA.com and follow Christmas in Hanover on Facebook.

About Main Street Hanover

The mission of Main Street Hanover is to expand the economic capacity of downtown Hanover, thus improving the business environment, enhancing the quality of place, and increasing community synergy.

Contact: Moriah Tyler, Executive Director at Main Street Hanover
Email: Mainstreethanover@gmail.com
Phone: (717) 637-6130 Ext. 101 

Main Street Hanover is a 501c3 non-profit & proceeds benefit the revitalization of Downtown Hanover