Make the Most of Your Thanksgiving Getaway to Hanover, PA
Thanksgiving week is one of the most traveled weeks of the year. It's essential to plan— plane tickets can sell out, traffic jams may occur, or there may be no rooms left to book. Whether you are visiting family, stopping by on a road trip, or visiting for fun, it's essential to plan your trip. Here is your ultimate guide to making the most of your Thanksgiving getaway to Hanover, PA.
Where to Eat: Thanksgiving Dining and Local Favorites
To make the most of your Thanksgiving getaway in Hanover, PA, planning out dinner is essential. If you don't want to cook dinner on Thanksgiving, it can be challenging to find a place to eat, as most businesses close for the holiday. Below are some restaurants that offer dine-in and/or takeout options on Thanksgiving Day.
Starlight Diner, located on Carlisle Street, will be open from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM (subject to change) on Thanksgiving Day. They will feature their regular menu, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with special Thanksgiving editions. They offer dine-in and takeout. We recommend making a reservation if you plan to dine on Thanksgiving Day.
C&D Bar & Grill, located on York Road just outside Hanover, will be open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Their menu will consist of a Thanksgiving platter, special appetizers, soups, entrees, and cocktails. Dine-in is available, but reservations are highly recommended. Takeout options are available, but only Thanksgiving platters are available for takeout. You must call before Thanksgiving Day to place an order.
Dutch Country Restaurant, located on Baltimore Street, will be open, but hours may vary on Thanksgiving Day. Although available on the menu all year round, Dutch Country's turkey dinner is so popular that it draws individuals back for more. Their regular menu will also be available to try. Dine-in will be available, but reservations are recommended. Takeout is also available, but place your order in advance.
Altland House, located on the center square of Abbottstown, will feature a Thanksgiving Day buffet and its annual to-go menu. The buffet will be open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and reservations are required for dine-in service. Their fully cooked-to-go Thanksgiving meal must be ordered by November 21st, with pick up on November 26th from 11 AM to 8 PM. All you need to do is heat it on Thanksgiving Day and savor the flavors.
Holiday Shopping in Downtown
Family and friends can complete holiday shopping in just one trip in Downtown Hanover, PA. Before or after your Thanksgiving activities, explore the local shops that have gifts for everyone. Dawg Gone Bees has pre-made gift boxes that are perfect for teachers, coworkers, family, or friends. The Hanover Market House (open only on Saturdays) is filled with vendors offering a variety of crafts and treats that are perfect for those hard-to-shop-for individuals. A2Z Toys is ideal for the little ones or those who love collectables.
There is an abundance of shops just in Downtown Hanover, ranging from items that will make finding the perfect gift easy. We can't list them all, but shops are within walking distance from each other, and there are plenty of coffee and restaurants along the way to refuel on your busy shopping day.
Family-Friendly Fall Activities
Spending time with family and friends is what matters the most during Thanksgiving week. Here are two exciting activities to enjoy in Hanover, PA, for everyone to experience.
Visit Codorus State Park. Although the weather may be brisk, it is the perfect time to walk their designated trails to see fall in full effect. Trees will be changing color, and animals will be out looking for winter meals.
Santa's Cabin will be opening at the Christmas Festival on November 28th. Activities start at 11 AM for the Santa parade and continue till 6 PM for the tree lighting ceremony. There will also be live music all day, Christmas carolers, and showings of The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) at the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center. This is a fun Christmas-filled day you won't want to miss.
Plan Your Visit Today!
The ultimate weekend trip to Hanover, PA, for Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It's never too early to plan, especially if you don't want to miss these exciting activities or meals. At Discover Hanover, we make trip planning easy. From shopping to dining to lodging, we have it all mapped out for you to explore Hanover with ease. See the most this Thanksgiving in Hanover and plan your trip today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about dietary options, reservation policies, and hours of operation.
Visitors often inquire about the Hanover Historic District, which is known for its over 2600 mid-19th to mid-20th-century buildings.
In Hanover, Pennsylvania, history enthusiasts can enjoy a journey through time with visits to the Hanover Area Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town’s rich past; the Warehime-Myers Mansion, a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century architecture; and the Neas House, one of the oldest surviving structures in Hanover, offering a glimpse into the life of the 18th-century Pennsylvania German settlers. These historical landmarks provide a captivating window into Hanover’s heritage and are a must-visit for those looking to experience the town’s historical charm.
In addition to Codorus State Park and Hickory Falls, Hanover is also known for the Snack Town Street Fair, a vibrant festival celebrating the town’s snack food heritage with craft vendors, food, and entertainment, created in partnership between the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce and Utz Brands.
Hanover provides a rich historical experience with tours like the Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour and the Spirits of Jennie Wade Ghost Night Tour in nearby Gettysburg.
Hanover, Pennsylvania, is renowned as the Snack Food Capital of the World, home to iconic brands like Utz Quality Foods and Snyder’s of Hanover, which is part of the Campbell Snacks portfolio.
Dolphin & Anchor Pub: Located in the heart of Hanover, they offer traditional beer styles with a twist.
Fat Bat Brewing Company: A local brewery started by a beer-loving brother and sister team, known for their craft beer selections.
Sign of the Horse Brewery: A contemporary brewery catering to craft brew enthusiasts with a range of house taps.
Lydian Stone Brewing Company: A nano brewery offering a variety of craft beers, from the light or malty to the hoppy or stouts; and, plenty of conversation.
The Borough office at 33 Frederick St, Hanover has everything you will need to find your way around Hanover.