Getting ready forthe Christmas lights at Refreshing Mountain.
A walk-through forest of Christmas lights at Refreshing Mountain in Stevens, Lancaster County, on select nights through Sat Jan 2 2027. You book a start time ahead, check in 15 minutes early, then walk the lit trails at your own pace past campfires and music to the Wildlife Center's reptiles and amphibians.
Know before you go. Refreshing Mountain doesn't list sensory nights or a quiet room. Here's what it does say about booking, the path, the music and campfires, and how long to stay.
Hours
Select nights through Sat Jan 2 2027, at the start time you book. Open nights: Fridays and Saturdays in November plus Sun Nov 29 2026; every night in December except Wed Dec 2 2026, Thu Dec 3 2026, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve; and Fri Jan 1 2027 (New Year's Day) and Sat Jan 2 2027. Closed all other November nights, including Thanksgiving. The 319Cafe is open 5 to 9 pm any night the lights are open.
Refreshing Mountain, 455 Camp Rd, Stevens, PA 17578
“We encourage advance reservations. This will ensure you are able to enjoy the activities you want to. It is not uncommon for us to sell out. Those registered will be permitted to park.”
“Zipline times are important for scheduling, but walking path times simply help us spread out arrivals.”
“Walk Thru our Christmas Forest on a 1/2 mile trail, stopping along the way at various interactive displays. This tour option includes our Wildlife Center, campfires, music, and more.” Refreshing Mountain booking page
“The walking path has some rough and uneven surfaces. We are on a hill with declines and inclines at varying points.”
“Please note for those in wheel chairs or with ambulation concerns the walk around experience is a walk through of wooded areas and the paths are not paved, have mulched/gravel sections and at times uneven surfaces.” Refreshing Mountain booking page (Minimum Age & Physical Considerations)
“Registered service animals are welcome! Otherwise, pets are not.”
Refreshing Mountain describes the walking path two ways. The lights page calls it about three quarters of a mile, with paved areas, some rough and uneven surfaces, and hills; the booking page calls it a half-mile trail through wooded areas that isn't paved, with mulched and gravel sections and at times uneven surfaces, and mentions climbing the observation deck stairs. Plan for the rougher version. The FAQ says an electric wheelchair or stroller with larger tires does well on all paths.
Only one car is included per reservation, and parking is guaranteed for those who pre-registered. If two cars are coming, add a $10 vehicle pass when you book.
Advance reservations are required, and it's not uncommon for the lights to sell out. Book a walking time online; walking times spread out arrivals, and you arrive 15 minutes before yours to check in. If a night shows no availability, call the office at (717) 738-1490 to be put on a waitlist.
The Christmas Light Walking Path is $13 for adults 18 and up and $7 for kids 5 to 17 ($14 and $8 on Saturdays), plus taxes and fees at checkout; kids 4 and under are free. Kids 5 to 17 need a paying adult with them. There's no free walking option.
The walk is self-guided and ends at the Wildlife Center, where you can see the reptiles and amphibians. Along the way there are campfires and music, and the 319Cafe is open 5 to 9 pm.
Discounts (online only, one promotion per reservation, can't be combined): 15% off with code LIGHTS2026 Sunday to Friday all season, for groups of 1 to 8; 25% off with code 2026CHRISTMAS25% through Sat Nov 21 2026, for groups of 1 to 8; 20% off for groups of 10 or more with code GROUPDISCOUNT2026.
Christmas Market, Sun Dec 6 2026, 3 to 8 pm: local vendors sell handcrafted holiday items among the lights. You need a Christmas Light reservation for Dec 6 2026 to get in, and that night the walking path is half price, applied automatically at checkout.
Parking: one vehicle pass comes with each reservation, and more are $10 per vehicle, added when you book. Parking is limited to one car per reservation.
The property map linked from the lights page shows parking, the Activity Check-In, the walking path entrance, campfire locations, a wheel-friendly shortcut and areas marked "Wheel Accessibility Limited".
Ziplines over the lights run on select nights as a separate, pricier ticket; walkers can wait and watch the zipliners first, then join them for the walk.
Pets: registered service animals are welcome; other pets are not. Anyone suspected to be under the influence of any substance is asked to leave without a refund.
Refunds and weather: Refreshing Mountain's Adventure and Overnight Policies for guided adventures, all activities for groups of 1 to 8 (they list ziplines, the Wildlife Center, the farm area and escape rooms), say full payment is due with the reservation. Up to 3 days before the start time you can change the date or time at no cost, cancel for store credit for the full value, or cancel for a refund minus the booking fee; within 3 days, no changes are possible and there are no refunds for cancellation, except in cases of inclement weather. They run rain or shine, but if they decide inclement weather would affect comfort or safety (for example high winds, lightning, heavy downpour or extreme temperatures), you can reschedule at no cost or take store credit. If someone feels unwell before the visit, call the office to reschedule; the full amount becomes store credit with no fees.
