2024 central Pa. holiday shopping center guide: Hours, Santa Claus, carriage rides and more

With Black Friday just around the corner, area retailers and shopping centers are getting ready for the holiday shopping season.

When will malls open on Black Friday? Where can you visit Santa Claus? What stores have opened since last year? Who has free carriage rides?

We’ve got the details about all the major shopping centers in the Harrisburg, Hershey, Camp Hill, Lancaster, Lebanon, York and Gettysburg areas for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

The Shops @Rockvale

35 S. Willowdale Drive, East Lampeter Township, Lancaster County

Thanksgiving: Closed

Black Friday hours:

• Burger King: 6 a.m – midnight
• Busy Bodies Play Café: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Carter’s | OshKosh B’gosh: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Cracker Barrel: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Crate & Barrel Outlet: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Direct Tools Factory Outlet: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Disney Outlet: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• KFC | Long John Silver: 10:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• King’s Amish Furniture: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Kirkland’s: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Lane Bryant: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Lee Wrangler Clearance Center: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Loft Outlet: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Maurices: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Nissley Vineyards Wine Shop: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Olive Garden: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Oola Bowls: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Orvis: 9 a.m. – 7 a.m.
• Panera Bread: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Pepperidge Farm: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Pinspiration: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Rawlings: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Reading China & Glass: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Sushi Heaven: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• The Children’s Place | Gymboree: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• The Scent Masters: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Tobacco King: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Truist Bank: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

New tenants in 2024: Panera Bread and King’s Amish Furniture

Future tenants: As part of the mall’s redevelopment, the shopping center will have more new tenants in 2025. Construction will begin on four residential buildings in the spring.

Other holiday information: Merry Makers Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7. The first 100 guests will receive a special treat. Two mini Highland Cows will be present for pictures. Santa will also be present for pictures. The market will feature more than 60 local makers and artists. There will also be food trucks and vendors, craft brews, beverages, a photo booth and live music by Ethan Burkhart.

Website: www.shoprockvale.com

The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg

1863 Gettysburg Village Drive, Mount Joy Township

Thanksgiving: Closed

Black Friday: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The first 300 shoppers to visit customer service will receive a gift bag with a surprise Outlet Shoppes gift card that could be worth anywhere from $10 to $100, a free hot beverage coupon from the Gettysburg Smoothie Co., coupons and Pepperidge Farm Cookies.

From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., the outlets will host “Sip and Shoppe” at the gazebo, featuring Atomic Dog Hard Cider

Santa, Frosty and Rudolph will arrive at the food court by horse-drawn carriage at 4 p.m. The first 100 children to visit Santa will get a goodie bag.

From 4-8 p.m., there will be free carriage rides. From 5-6 p.m., there will be free hot chocolate at the tent near Old Navy.

At 6 p.m. Santa will light the Christmas Tree.

The Adams County SPCA will host Holiday Pawlooza in suite 740 next to Talbots from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Customers can shop for gifts for their pets while supporting the Adams County SPCA.

Holiday shopping hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday – Saturday.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Christmas Eve.

New tenants in 2024: Emerald & Onyx Luxury Salon; Eternia Dreams; Fancy Some Drama; Fitzgerald Furniture Outlet; Gettysburg Jewelry Repair; Gettysburg Performance Gym; Gettysburg Print, Frame & Ship; Gettysburg Smoothie Co (opened last year, but are now also a full-service coffee shop and retail location for Mason Dixon Distillery); The Primitive Daughter (will be closing in February); and Rebel’s Roost Antique Emporium and Retreads.

Future tenants: The Succulent Hippie will be open on Black Friday. The Center of the Arts will be opening soon. A date hasn’t been set for the opening.

Santa Claus: Between Nov. 29 and Dec. 22, Santa Claus will be at the shopping center from noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. A sensory-friendly visit with Santa will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Dec. 8. Frosty and Rudolph will be at the shopping center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 21 and 22.

Other holiday information: The Adams County SPCA will host Holiday Pawlooza in suite 740 next to Talbots from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 30.

There will be complimentary carriage rides from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 21. The carriages depart from the food cart.

The shopping center says it will have well over a quarter of a million lights on display.

Website: www.theoutletshoppesatgettysburg.com

Tanger Outlets Hershey

46 Outlet Square in Derry Township

Thanksgiving: Closed

Black Friday: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Some stores may open earlier on Black Friday. Guests are encouraged to check with individual stores for specific opening hours.

Holiday shopping hours: Saturday, Nov. 30: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 1: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

New tenants in 2024: Black + Decker and Simply Southern

Future tenant: Build-A-Bear to open in early 2025.

Holiday events: The Holiday Cheer Truck Tour will be held Dec. 5-8 and will include giveaways, festive treats and more.

Website: www.tangeroutlet.com/hershey

Tanger Outlets Lancaster

312 Stanley K. Tanger Blvd. in East Lampeter Township

Thanksgiving: Closed

Black Friday: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Some stores may open earlier on Black Friday. Guests are encouraged to check with individual stores for specific opening hours.

Holiday shopping hours: Saturday, Nov. 30: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 1: 10 a.m.– 7 p.m.

New tenants in 2024: Cole Haan, Ann Taylor and Loft.

Holiday information: The Toy Express Holiday Gift Giveaway will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14. Celebrate the season with the Lafayette Fire Department and First Responders Children’s Foundation as they spread holiday cheer with a special gift giveaway.

Website: www.tangeroutlet.com/lancaster

North Cornwall Commons

118 Springwood Drive, North Cornwall Township, Lebanon County

On Dec. 5 many of the retail stores located within North Cornwall Commons will have special deals, sponsorships, or activities. A tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Blackford Boulevard and Springwood Drive. The event will include hot cocoa and cookies, holiday jingles, and visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. There will also be a donation box for Toys for Tots.

Website: www.northcornwallcommons.com

Lebanon Valley Mall

2231 Lebanon Valley Mall in North Lebanon Township

Thanksgiving: Closed

Black Friday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Holiday shopping hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Christmas Eve.

Website: www.lebanonvalleymall.com

Harrisburg Mall/Swatara Exchange

3501 Paxton St., Swatara Township

Holiday information: Santa has arrived at Bass Pro Shops. Customers can receive a free 4×6 photo with Santa now through Tuesday, Dec. 24. Every Tuesday at 5 p.m. until Dec. 17, Santa or Mrs. Claus will read holiday stories to families, followed by photos. Reservations are free. Customers can join Santa and his helpers for a festive breakfast at 9 a.m. on Dec. 7. Reservations are free, required and limited to six seats per family with photos included. Santa’s Wonderland features games, toy stations and crafts. Visitors can make a reservation at www.basspro.com/santa.

Park City Center

12 Park City Center, Lancaster

Thanksgiving: Closed

Black Friday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Kohl’s: 5 a.m.- Midnight
• JCPenney: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Boscov’s: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Raymour & Flanigan: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Round 1: 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Holiday shopping hours Dec. 6-23: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday.

Dec. 24: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Seasonal tenants: Hickory Farms, Go Calendars, Polar X Ornaments, Jersey King, Crochet Creations, Foozy Crazy Fun Socks, Charm King, Fandom, One Sweet World, Mosaic Lamps and Kirsh Lighting

New tenants in 2024: Raymour & Flanigan Furniture, Offline by Aerie, Lids Locker Room, Stone Haven and Spanish Island Foods

Santa Claus: Santa is at the shopping center daily until Dec. 24. For hours and to make a reservation go to this website. Visitors can bring their pets to take photos with Santa from 4-7 p.m. on Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10.

Gift wrapping: The United Disabilities Services Foundation will have a gift-wrapping booth at Park City Center from Nov. 29 to Dec. 24.

Capital City Mall

3506 Capital City Mall Drive, Lower Allen Township

Thanksgiving: Closed

Black Friday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Holiday Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 8; 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Dec. 9-12; Dec. 13-24: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Dec. 13, 14, 16, 17, 18 and19; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Dec. 1, 8, 15; 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Dec. 20-23; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Dec. 24.

Seasonal tenants: NFL Gifts (cart), Turned to Perfection (table setup), Toy World (cart), Classic Atari (cart), Che Natural (weekend cart), Jerusalem Gifts (cart), Soccer Station (cart), Sleezys (cart), Katsu’s Dojo 3D (table setup), Native Craft (2 carts), Stockings to Stuf (cart), Hickory Farms (kiosk), Go! Calendars (kiosk), Creative Crafts (in-line/ former Rue 21 space)

New tenants in 2024: Minioso, HBG Jewelers, Asoul Ramen

Other holiday information: Santa Claus will be at the center court at the mall until Dec. 24. Digital photo packages are available with options to purchase prints. Reservations are strongly recommended as walk-ups are not guaranteed. Guests without a reservation may experience longer wait times or be asked to visit at a different time, especially in December. Reservations can be made at this website. Hours can be found here. Pet photos with Santa will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 16 (Santa break time: 3-4 p.m.)

Website: www.shopcapitalcitymall.com

Colonial Park Mall

4600 Jonestown Road, Lower Paxton Township

Santa will be in Center Court from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 8, 15, 21 and 22. Pets are welcome as well. A sensitive Santa event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 15.

Website: www.colonialparkmall.com

York Galleria Mall

2899 Whiteford Road, Springettsbury Township

Thanksgiving: Closed

Black Friday: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Holiday shopping hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Dec. 1; 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Dec. 8, 15, and 22; 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Dec. 16 – 21 and Dec. 23; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24.

Other holiday information: Santa is at Center Court, level 2. Visit the mall’s website for Santa’s hours and reservations. Pet photos with Santa will take place on Mondays through Dec. 16.

Information: www.yorkgalleria.com/content/santa