THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Gettysburg’s festive spirit aboard a warm, horse-drawn carriage ride through the town’s shining Christmas lights. Perfect for families and visitors seeking holiday charm in a historic setting.
Discover Gettysburg’s festive spirit aboard a warm, horse-drawn carriage ride through the town’s shining Christmas lights. Perfect for families and visitors seeking holiday charm in a historic setting.
Book with Horse Tours of Gettysburg
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
441 ratings
Operated by Horse Tours of Gettysburg · Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Experience the charm and warmth of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in a way that blends history, holiday spirit, and winter magic during the Christmas Carriage Ride. This unique 30-minute horse-drawn carriage tour takes you through the heart of Gettysburg’s festively lit streets, where the glow of holiday decorations meets the crisp winter air. As the only carriage company offering this experience in town, this is an opportunity to gather friends and family, snuggle under provided soft throw blankets, and sing classic Christmas carols while being pulled by two powerful draft horses steady on their historic path. Gettysburg, renowned for its Civil War heritage, transforms into a cozy, twinkling landscape during the holiday season, with lights adorning its historic buildings and Lincoln-era landmarks. The ride begins near Mr. G's Ice Cream, providing an easy meeting point in the town center, ensuring guests can explore downtown before or after their ride. This tour is veteran-owned and operated, underscoring a genuine local connection and commitment to service. It’s perfect for those looking to experience Gettysburg beyond its Civil War battlefields—offering a unique seasonal perspective on this storied town. Family-friendly and inclusive, children four and under may lap sit for free, making it a great outing for families with young kids. The ride’s small group setting, accommodating up to 11 passengers, creates an intimate atmosphere ideal for gatherings or quiet reflection amid the holiday festivities. Weather can be chilly, so bundling up with a sturdy coat is advised, but the experience of the horse-drawn carriage weaving through the decorated streets, with the sound of caroling in the air, makes the cold a small tradeoff for seasonal bliss. It’s a rarity in the region—the comforting clip-clop of horses combined with festive lights and song—and a charming way to celebrate winter and community. Since the tour is weather-dependent, the operators offer rescheduling or full refunds if conditions interfere, ensuring flexibility. Whether you’re a Gettysburg local or a traveler visiting Pennsylvania during the holiday season, this Christmas Carriage Ride adds a nostalgic and joyful dimension to your winter itinerary. It’s a simple but deeply evocative journey through one of America’s most historic towns, wrapped in holiday cheer and tradition.
easy.
0.5 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels, no physical exertion required
Yes, children 4 and under can lap sit for free when accompanied by an adult, but each adult may only have one lap child.
The ride is weather-dependent; if unsafe conditions occur, the company will offer a reschedule or full refund.
The meeting point is by Mr. G's Ice Cream in downtown Gettysburg.
The carriage holds up to 11 passengers, allowing for small groups or families.
Yes, soft throw blankets are provided to help keep guests warm during the ride.
No, gratuities are not included and are left to the discretion of the guest.
Gettysburg’s fully preserved historic district often lights up with holiday decorations, reflecting its Christmas traditions dating back over a century.
This veteran-owned carriage service supports sustainable tourism by maintaining horses carefully and minimizing environmental impact in the town center.
Horse Tours of Gettysburg is a Gettysburg, Pennsylvania-based tour operator offering licensed-guided horseback, carriage, car, and walking tours that focus on the town and battlefield history of July 1863. The business features experiences led by licensed Battlefield Guides, accessible walking tours through paved town streets, and seasonal carriage rides for holidays and special events. Tours include two-hour licensed battlefield horseback rides and carriage tours, two-hour walking town tours with detailed civilian and battlefield narratives, and a two-hour personalized car tour led by a selected licensed guide. Special events include holiday carriage rides, a Main Street Christmas carriage experience, and community celebrations such as Gettysburg Loves Love with a vow renewal and family activities. The company also offers a daily waitlist for sold-out licensed guided tours to capture last-minute cancellations. Horse Tours of Gettysburg emphasizes safe, interpretive experiences on maintained routes, pairing equine and carriage access with professional historical commentary. Reservations are available online for many trips, and the operator highlights accessibility on town walking tours using paved paths. The business is veteran-owned for select holiday carriage events and aims to provide memorable, educational visits for families, history enthusiasts, and visitors seeking guided exploration of Gettysburg’s most significant sites.
Book with Horse Tours of Gettysburg