Date(s): 12/26/2025 - 01/03/2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Lantern Tours for Saturday, 12/27 are still on!
If your tour slot was cancelled on Friday, December 26, we are offering two options:
Option 1: Reschedule Your Tickets
We have added limited, first-come/first-served availability on the remaining Lantern Tour dates to accommodate tonight’s ticket holders.
Newly added tour times:
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Saturday, December 27: 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM
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Friday, January 2: 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM
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Saturday, January 3: 5:30 PM
In addition, we have opened five additional spots on each regularly scheduled tour time (6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, and 8:00 PM) on:
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December 27
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January 2
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January 3
All rescheduled spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please respond via email (ephrata1732@gmail.com) or phone (717-733-6600) as soon as possible so we can get you in for your choice of Lantern Tour time.
Option 2: Request a Refund
If you are unable to attend one of the remaining Lantern Tour dates, we completely understand. You may instead request a full refund for your tickets. When doing so, please let us know the name the transaction was made under and the number of tickets you would like refunded.
We know how disappointing it is to have plans changed, especially for a sold-out program, and we truly appreciate your patience and flexibility. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance selecting the option that works best for you.
Thank you for your understanding.
Lantern Tours at Historic Ephrata Cloister
Theme for 2025–2026: 1777: When War Came to Ephrata
Date(s): December 26 and 27, 2025 and January 2 and 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM each night
Experience history by lantern light during Lantern Tours, Historic Ephrata Cloister’s immersive, student-led theatrical program. This year’s production, 1777: When War Came to Ephrata, explores the winter when Ephrata’s peaceful community was transformed into a military hospital during the Revolutionary War. Visitors follow a guide through several historic buildings, meeting soldiers, Sisters, Brothers, and householders brought to life by our Student Historians and adult volunteers.
Each tour lasts approximately 45–60 minutes. Capacity is limited to 25 participants per tour.
Tickets:
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Adults: $15
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Seniors (65+): $12
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Youth (ages 3–17): $10
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Children 2 and under: Free
Tickets go on sale December 1 and may be purchased in person at the Visitor Center or online using this button:
Please note that tickets are not refundable. Only in the event that the site cancels a scheduled date or performance will refunds be issued.
What to Expect
- Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
- Tours take place inside and outside, so dress for the weather.
- Some paths may be dimly lit; you’re welcome to bring a small flashlight.
