Today
in Lancaster
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Lancaster. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bird-in-Hand Smorgasbord reopened on New Year’s Day in Lancaster County (its first service in years after a fire forced a long closure) and welcomed longtime customers with traditional pork and sauerkraut dishes. It will close January 4 through January 26 to finish remodel work. FOX43
- ➤ The Pequea Valley Fire Department at Kinzer Station is hosting its annual pork and sauerkraut dinner to support volunteer firefighters and bring neighbors together with family-style dining, takeout, and pre-sale sauerkraut; tickets are $19 for adults and $9 for children. WGAL
- ➤ On New Year’s Day, WellSpan Hospital in Ephrata welcomed its first baby of 2026, Zoey Skye Lynn, at 12:30 a.m.; UPMC Lititz and Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center welcomed Julia Rehrer (12:33 a.m.) and Khaza Roque Dykes (12:51 a.m.) respectively. WGAL
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Grotto Pizza, a Delaware-based chain popular with beach-goers, is set to expand to Lancaster in summer 2026 at a Manheim Township plaza located at 1515 Lititz Pike (home to Planet Fitness, Pet Supplies Plus, and R B Shap Shoe Store). FOX43
- ➤ The Cartoon Network Hotel in East Lampeter Township closed as it prepares to reopen as the Dutch Wonderland Inn in March+ the new inn will offer 155 rooms for families, four suites and amenities including an arcade, outdoor pool with splash pad, indoor pool open year-round and a restaurant. WGAL
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents in Penn Township continue to endure foul-smelling smoke from a fire that began on Dec. 6 at A&M Composting nearly a month ago. State Sen. James Malone said the company is working with the Department of Environmental Protection — testing air quality and addressing local concerns. WGAL
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Lebanon mom gave birth to her baby girl at 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026 at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, marking the hospital's first delivery of the year near Lancaster. Baby Zoey weighed 5 lbs+15 oz and measured just over 19 inches long. Local 21 News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Lancaster County native Sophia Lutz performed as Clemson’s feature twirler at the Pinstripe Bowl held at Yankee stadium. She followed a family tradition in baton twirling and is pursuing nursing studies while her mother Angela—a former Penn State twirler—cheered her on. FOX43
- ➤ Hershey Bears will host their annual GIANT Teddy Bear Toss on Sunday, Jan. 4 at the Giant Center during an afternoon game against the Rockford IceHogs. Fans will donate thousands of stuffed animals to help local charities, with a $100,000 pledge if they set a new world record. Local 21 News
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Candlelight Concert: The Best of Hans Zimmer
6-7 p.m. — Barshinger Center — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting music of Hans Zimmer performed by the Listeso String Quartet in a unique candlelit atmosphere.
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Handmade Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings Workshop
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen — $50 materials fee — Create your own sterling silver hoop earrings in this immersive beginner workshop led by a Master Artisan.
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The Sixties Show
7:30-11:30 p.m. — American Music Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a vibrant journey back to the 1960s with a live multimedia concert featuring iconic hits and captivating stage production.
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