Even though the holidays are over and winter gloom is upon us, don’t dismiss January as a do-nothing month. Resolve to get out and make new discoveries! Go for a hike (there are plenty of opportunities this month). Plan a home project. Attend the PA Farm Show. Take in a concert. Make something. See our website, lancastercountymag.com, for a full list of events; February’s calendar will be posted online later in January.
Photos: LCM and Facebook
New Year Hike
January 3
High Family Nature Preserve
The Lancaster Conservancy kicks off 2026 with a hike led by Keith Williams. The 3-mile hike will be held at the High Family Nature Preserve, which recently opened to the public. This hike will explore meadow, wetland, hardwood forest and rock-outcrop ecosystems. Not recommended for children under 8. 1 p.m. 455 Beverly Rd., Elizabethtown. Reservations required. Information: Eventbrite.com
Full Moon Walk: Wolf Moon
January 3
Lancaster County Central Park
Senior naturalist Lisa J. Sanchez will lead a walk in the meadow, along the creek and through the woods while the full moon shows the way. Learn about and listen closely to what is howling and hooting at the moon. 6:30 p.m. Meet at Ballfield #1 parking lot located at 539 Golf Rd., Lancaster. Dress for the weather; appropriate for all ages. Register online or call 717-295-2055 by January 2. Information: Co.lancaster.pa.us
Clue the Musical
January 9-February 7
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
A fun-filled whodunit brings the popular board game to life! Six guests, each with a secret, are invited to a dinner party. In this interactive comedy, the audience can play along to help solve the mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room, and with what weapon. Lunch and dinner are served prior to the performance. Times vary. 510 Centerville Rd., Lancaster. Information: Dutchapple.com
Polar Bear 5K Trail Run/Hike
January 10
Lancaster County Central Park
Now in its 15th year, the event is the Sierra Club-Lancaster Group’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds are used to support local efforts to ease climate change, notably through the group’s “green project “program that awards monetary grants to organizations seeking to make positive environmental changes (95 such organizations have benefited over the past 10 years). Proceeds also assist the club in providing outdoor activities and educational programs that are free to the public. The Lancaster branch of the Sierra Club is one of 10 in the Pennsylvania Chapter and has 1,500 members. Leashed dogs are welcome to participate. Awards will be presented, as will special door and dog-participant prizes. Registration/check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Event begins at 10 a.m. Pavilion 22 (Kiwanis Lodge) in the park. 826 Eshelman Mill Rd., Lancaster. Information: Lancastersierraclub.org
Suburban Pennsylvania Home Show
January 10 & 11
Lancaster County Convention Center
It’s time to start thinking about spring and those home remodeling projects you’d like to tackle. This home show will inspire you with ideas, products and feedback provided by industry professionals you’ll meet. Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 25 S. Queen St., Lancaster. Information: Lancasterhomeshow.com
Introduction to Mosaic Art & Beyond
January 10 & 11
PA Guild of Craftsmen
January is a perfect month to get creative. Perfect for beginners, instructor Aya Kinoshita will provide an engaging introduction to the art of mosaic-making. In this two-day, hands-on workshop, you’ll design your own piece, learn to cut glass into various shapes, assemble your mosaic, and finish it with grout. By the end, you’ll have a stunning and unique 8-inch square mirror frame to take home. Saturday., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 335 N. Queen St., Lancaster. Information: Pacrafts.org
Pennsylvania Farm Show
January 10-17
Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center
Now in its 110th year, the Pennsylvania Farm Show celebrates the state’s agriculture industry through showcasing nearly 4,000 animals, over 12,000 competitive events and exhibits, 245 commercial exhibits and hundreds of educational and entertaining events. This year’s theme – Growing a Nation – will emphasize the state’s role as an agricultural leader and in doing so, kick off the America250PA celebration.
The Farm Show will feature such fan favorites as the 1,000-pound butter sculpture, the famous Farm Show Food Court, youth showmanship, sheep-shearing competitions and cooking demonstrations at the PA Preferred® Culinary Connection. Visitors can explore the more than 1 million square feet of hands-on agricultural education opportunities and engage with the people who embody Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry.
Admission to the Farm Show is free, but parking at the complex is $15. Regular hours are 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily (closing January 17 at 5 p.m.). In addition, the Food Court will be open January 9, 12-9 p.m. 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. Information: Farmshow.pa.gov
All Prokofiev
January 16-18
Gardner Theatre
The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra kicks off 2026 with a program that welcomes pianist Natasha Paremski, who will bring electrifying brilliance to Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto. Also featured are two dazzling suites: Lieutenant Kijé and Romeo and Juliet. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. 725 Hamilton Rd., Lancaster. Information: Lancastersymphony.org
Painted Barn Quilts
January 17
PA Guild of Craftsmen
Janet Yunghans and Krista Risley are friends who have neighboring Christmas tree farms in southern New Jersey. Their shared love of quilting has fostered an interest in the art of barn quilts, which they will share with participants, who will design and paint their very own 2’x2’ barn quilts. All materials are included: a high-quality piece of MDO plywood, four foam brushes, a roll of painter’s tape, and a choice of four to five paint colors. Choose from among five designs. Beginners to pros are welcome. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 335 N. Queen St., Lancaster. Information: Pacrafts.org
New Year Hike
January 17
Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve
The Lancaster Conservancy’s Peggy Eppig will lead a 3-mile hike through the Welsh Mountains’ hardwood forests. The hike will traverse easy terrain with slight elevation changes. The trail surface is dirt and rock with some sections being very rocky. Dress for the weather. The trails may be snow-covered and icy this time of year, so be prepared with good footwear. Hiking poles are recommended. Bring drinking water. 1 p.m. 835 Gault Rd., New Holland. Reservations required. Information: Eventbrite.com
Cabin Fever Hike
January 18
Chickies Rock
Bundle up and hit the trail to explore the winter woods. Feel free to bring your own hot beverages (coffee, tea, hot cocoa) to enjoy as you hike. Naturalist Rachel Albright will help you discover the beauty of nature during winter. 1 p.m. 880 Chickies Hill Rd., Columbia. Register online or call 717-295-2055 by noon on January 16. Information: Co.lancaster.pa.us
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast
January 19
Millersville University
Now in its 38th year, the event will feature acclaimed author and philanthropist Frederick Joseph, who will share his thoughts on Dr. King’s enduring impact and the continued fight for equity and justice. This year’s theme is Bending the Arc: Our Journey Towards Justice, which is inspired by a March 31, 1968, speech at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., during which Dr. King remarked, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” The MLK Breakfast will also feature vibrant performances, inspiring youth writing, and the presentation of the Essence of Humanity and Ruby Payne Cook awards, along with time for community connection and fellowship.
Tickets are $75 for in-person and $25 for livestream. To make the event accessible to all, there is also a pay-what-you-will, in-person ticket option. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Breakfast buffet will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m. The program will begin at 9 a.m. Millersville University Student Memorial Center, 113 Shenks Lane. Information: Caplanc.org/MLK
Lancaster Archery Classic
January 22-25
Spooky Nook Sports
Regarded as the largest indoor tournament of its kind on the East Coast, the Lancaster Archery Classic offers one of the most exciting archery tournament formats in the world, with a 60-arrow qualification round, followed by head-to-head matches that culminate in a shoot-your-way-to-the-top grand finale that offers every finalist the chance to take home the top prize in their division. Competitors include youngsters, collegians, adults and Olympians. Times vary. 75 Champ Blvd., Manheim. Information: Lancasterarcheryclassic.com
The Bacon Brothers
January 23
Appell Center for the Performing Arts
Two of the most iconic names in music and acting, Kevin and Michael Bacon, bring their blend of rich rock, soulful grooves and the perfect hint of country to the Strand Theatre. From heartfelt ballads to foot-stomping jams, this performance will be packed with energy, emotion, and that unmistakable Bacon charm. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, a night with The Bacon Brothers is a journey through storytelling, music and memories. 7:30 p.m. 50 N. George St., York. Information: Appellcenter.org
Trust Dance Festival
January 24
The Trust Performing Arts Center
This annual dance festival showcases professional and pre-professional dance companies and freelance dance artists in performances that are open to the public, as well as masterclasses for both LBC students and community members. The incredible performances are inspiring and uplifting, as they focus on the diverse beauty and creativity of dance. 2 & 7 p.m. 37 N. Market St., Lancaster. Information: Lancastertrust.com
Clever Crows
January 27 6:30—7:30 PM
Shuts Environmental Center
Did you know that crows have the intellectual capacity of an 8-year-old human? That they have learned how to use tools, hold funerals, and remember human faces. Spend the evening with naturalist Katie Kruza to learn about our amazing neighbors, the crows. 6:30 p.m. Register online or call 717-295-2055 by noon, January 26. 3 Natures Way, Lancaster. Information: Co.lancaster.pa.us
National Seed Swap Day
January 31
Shuts Environmental Center
Planning a garden is one way to beat the winter blues! Swapping seeds is an affordable and fun way to introduce diversity to your vegetable and flower gardens. Participants will learn tips on seed starting, saving and storage for the future. Please bring seeds divided, labeled and ready to go for swapping. (Absolutely no invasive or exotic species!) 2 p.m. Register online or call 717-295-2055 by noon on January 30. 3 Natures Way, Lancaster. Information: Co.Lancaster.pa.us
The Sixties Show
January 31
American Music Theatre
This award-winning, critically acclaimed Off-Broadway production takes audiences on a high-energy, multimedia journey back to the 1960s. Based in New York City, this immersive experience is built around a live, note-for-note concert re-creation of the greatest hits, B-sides, and deep album cuts of the decade. Every song is performed live, using authentic vintage instruments, reissue gear from the 1960s, and genuine mod costumes. Combined with state-of-the-art sound and dazzling production design, the result is a performance that feels both timeless and fresh. Beyond the music, the show is a full theatrical experience, dramatized with time-travel special effects, narration, archival 1960s audio, newsreel footage, and a dynamic light show. Together, these elements create an unforgettable night that’s part rock concert, part history lesson, and all entertainment. 7:30 p.m. 2425 Lincoln Hwy. East., Lancaster. Information: AMTshows.com
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