Historic Rock Ford is comprised of the circa 1794 General Edward Hand Mansion and the John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts. Our historic site is situated on 33 acres of gardens, woods and grounds surrounded by Lancaster County Central Park located in the southeast corner of Lancaster City. This remarkable estate offers visitors the opportunity to encounter the outstanding original late-Georgian style architecture of the Hand Mansion, to experience its rooms furnished in exquisite period style while, in the Snyder Gallery, to explore a nationally recognized collection of Lancaster County decorative arts dating from circa 1760 to 1820 including furniture, portraiture, long rifles, tall case clocks, silver, and much more.
Description
Celebrate the Yuletide season in 1790s style as the Hand Mansion is adorned in festive holiday finery. Enjoy a visit filled with:
Guides in the Mansion's rooms relating various aspects of the Yuletide season during the Hand family's residency at Rock Ford
Dance demonstrations reminiscent of late 18th and early 19th century celebrations
Live traditional music to set the Yuletide mood
Open hearth cooking that brings the past to life
In addition: The first floor of the Rock Ford Barn will be open to our Yuletide guests:
Warm up with concessions such as hot chocolate
Listen to live Early American Music by Forbes Road Frolic
Enjoy a creative children's activity
Relax around fire pits in the area in front of the Barn (weather permitting)
For your convenience, restrooms will be available in the Barn
Your timed entry ticket is for the Hand Mansion. Timed entries help spread out the crowd inside the Mansion. Guests explore the Mansion at their own pace with an average visit lasting about 60–75 minutes. Activities in the Hand Mansion and the Barn close promptly at 8 PM. If your timed entry ticket for the Hand Mansion is closer to 8 PM, please plan accordingly to include time to visit the Barn. Please note that the Snyder Gallery is not open during this event.
Please note that the Hand Mansion does have steps and does not have a restroom in a publicly accessible area. The restrooms in the Rock Ford Barn will be open for use by guests during this event.
Date & Time
Dec 26 - 27, 2026
Venue Details
Historic Rock Ford
881 Rockford RoadLancaster, Pennsylvania 17602
