Good morning, Lancaster.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.