Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Christmas in Hanover! We're excited to celebrate the holiday season with you. Whether you're visiting Santa's Cabin, attending our annual Christmas Festival, enjoying downtown shopping, or participating in one of our holiday traditions, we're here to help make your visit merry and bright!

If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact Main Street Hanover.

  • The Christmas Festival will take place on Saturday, November 28, 2026, in downtown Hanover, Pennsylvania. Festivities begin at 11:00 AM and continue throughout the day, concluding with our annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:00 PM.

  • The festival takes place throughout downtown Hanover, with many activities centered around Center Square and the surrounding downtown district.

  • Yes! The Christmas Festival is free to attend, and many activities are offered at no cost. Some activities, entertainment, or special experiences may have an associated fee.

  • Absolutely! Christmas in Hanover is a family-friendly community celebration with activities for children and adults of all ages.

Christmas Festival Parade

  • The Santa Parade takes place on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

  • The Christmas Parade will begin at Baer Avenue Playground and travel through downtown Hanover along the following route: Baer Avenue from E. Hanover Street to E. Middle Street, Baer Avenue from E. Middle Street to E. Walnut Street, and Terrace Avenue from Baer Avenue to the first alley east of Baer Avenue. At 10:15 AM, the Hanover Police Department (HPD) will place traffic cones at all entrances and exits to private businesses and alleyways along York Street between Broadway and E. Middle Street. Spectators are welcome to find a viewing spot along the parade route and enjoy the festivities! Please follow all posted signage and directions from public safety personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

  • Yes! We welcome community organizations, businesses, bands, walking groups, floats, antique vehicles, and other festive entries.

    Advance registration is required. Visit our Parade Registration page for details.

  • Registration is $10 for participating businesses and organizations. Nonprofit organizations may participate at no cost.

  • To preserve the magic of Santa's arrival, we ask that parade participants do not wear Santa Claus costumes. There is only one Santa in the parade!

  • No. For everyone's safety, candy and other items may not be thrown from floats or vehicles. Walking participants may safely hand out items along the route.

Santa's Cabin

  • Santa's Cabin opens for the season on Friday, November 27, 2026, and will remain open on select dates through Wednesday, December 23, 2026.

    Please visit our Santa's Cabin Hours page for the complete schedule.

  • Santa's Cabin is located in Center Square in downtown Hanover, Pennsylvania. For GPS, please use 4 Center Square, Hanover, PA

  • Yes! Visiting Santa's Cabin is free. Families are welcome to stop by during scheduled operating hours to visit Santa and enjoy this beloved Hanover holiday tradition.

  • No reservation is required. Visitors are welcome during scheduled operating hours. Please be aware that wait times may vary depending on attendance.

  • Yes! Santa's Cabin features an ADA-accessible ramp. When you arrive, please check in with the volunteer at the front of the cabin, who will be happy to assist you.

  • Families are welcome to capture memories during their visit. Please be considerate of other families waiting to visit Santa.

Parking & Transportation

  • Yes! There are metered parking spaces and additional public parking areas throughout downtown Hanover.

  • The Borough of Hanover offers free parking in all Borough-metered spaces on Saturdays from November 28 through December 27, 2026.

    Please note that free parking applies only to Borough-metered spaces. Sunday parking is free year-round.

  • Visit our Parking page for a downtown parking map and additional parking information.

  • Yes. Temporary road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place for festival activities, including the parade and tree lighting.

    The parade will begin at Baer Avenue Playground and travel along Baer Avenue from E. Hanover Street to E. Middle Street, continue along Baer Avenue from E. Middle Street to E. Walnut Street, and then travel along Terrace Avenue from Baer Avenue to the first alley east of Baer Avenue.

    During the festival, approximately half of Center Square will be closed to vehicular traffic. You will still be able to travel along Carlisle, Baltimore, and Frederick Streets; however, the section of Broadway that runs through Center Square will be closed to traffic.

    Please plan accordingly, follow all posted signage, and obey directions from public safety personnel.

Volunteers, Donations & Sponsorships

Still Have Questions?

For additional information about Christmas in Hanover, please contact:

Main Street Hanover

40 York Street

Hanover, PA 17331

Phone: 717-637-6130

Email: MainStreetHanover@gmail.com

Website: www.christmasinhanoverpa.com

Follow Christmas in Hanover on Facebook for the latest announcements, schedule updates, and holiday information.

We look forward to celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with you!

  • We are always grateful for community members who want to help make the holiday season special! Volunteers assist with Santa's Cabin, festival activities, decorations, and other seasonal events.

    Visit our Volunteer page to learn more and sign up.

  • Sponsorships help make Christmas in Hanover possible! Local businesses, organizations, and individuals can support the festival through a variety of sponsorship opportunities.

    Visit our Sponsor page or contact Main Street Hanover for more information.

  • Donations help support holiday decorations, activities, and experiences throughout downtown Hanover. Contributions can be made online through our website or by mailing a check payable to:

    Main Street Hanover

    40 York Street

    Hanover, PA 17331

  • Christmas in Hanover is organized by Main Street Hanover, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and revitalizing downtown Hanover. Our Christmas Committee, volunteers, local businesses, sponsors, and community partners all play an important role in bringing the holiday season to life.