Find Your Belsnickle Tour of Inns in Lancaster County

The first weekend of December come play with us for the second annual Find Your Belsnickle Tour of Inns. In Lancaster County, we embrace the mischievous Christmas tradition of Belsnickle.

Who is  Belsnickle?

During the 18th and 19th centuries, immigrants from Germany seeking freedom of religion settled in Lancaster County which offered a mild climate and rich soil ideal for farming. The Pennsylvania German word for Lancaster is Lengeschder. The dialect is Pennsylvania Dutch which is a derivative of the German language. And, you can still see old-world farming on the many Amish farms throughout the county.

These immigrants also brought their German traditions such as Belsnickle. The traditional Belsnickle would make home visits one to two weeks prior to Christmas to check up on the behavior of the children. He was ragged and disheveled and carried a switch to rap on the windows and doors and swat naughty children. Often the children would have to answer a question or recite a song or poem. In exchange, he would toss candies and gifts onto the floor and if the children picked up the gifts in front of Belsnickle they would receive a swat. While it may seem like a scary and harsh character, the tradition of Belsnickle is meant to be fun and amusing.

By the early 20th century, this tradition transformed from a single Belsnickle to a group of Belsnicklers, no longer carrying switches. The group would travel from farm to farm, invited in, then once they were unmasked, the hosts would give them donuts, molasses cakes and coffee. The rowdy merriment would begin after dark and end before midnight.

In celebration of this tradition Authentic Bed & Breakfasts of Lancaster County has brought together over 15 member inns to create the Find Your Belsnickle Tour. You are invited to come to experience the beautiful homes and properties decked out for the holidays and enjoy Christmas treats during your visits. Be sure to look for the Belsnickle at each inn and be entered in a prize drawing for every Belsnickle you find.

Tickets offer you the opportunity to tour the participating bed and breakfasts Saturday, December 3, 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 4, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., and includes an entry voucher for the National Christmas Center in Lancaster County. This one-of-a-kind museum explains the history of Christmas where you can discover worldwide traditions, walkthrough indoor exhibits, view antique Santas and experience memories that bring the holiday to life for all ages. (Voucher redeemable for one visit throughout the month of December).

Contact us at B.F. Hiestand House Bed & Breakfast for more information and to get your tickets in advance for $15 or $20 at the door on the day of the tours. Proceeds from the ticket sales go to Make A Wish foundation.  We also have rooms available the weekend of the tour so you can enjoy a full weekend of Christmas tradition, Lancaster style. You never know when Belsnickle will come tapping at your window!