TLR Early Edition: Lancaster Leaders Share Advice and Tips For 2026

Good morning, Lancaster,

We're sending this one a day early (nobody needs an inbox notification on New Year's Day). We're wrapping up the year with something we hope you'll find useful in the next one: advice for 2026. Local leaders, business owners, creatives, and experts shared what's on their mind heading into 2026.

Here's what we have for you this week:

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Kids Party at Penn Medicine Park - Wednesday, Dec 31 @ 8–10 pm
Ring in the new year with the kids before their bedtime. There's a DJ dance party, face painters, balloon artists, character photos, a scavenger hunt, and free play in the park, all leading up to a 10 pm balloon drop countdown made just for little ones.

Passport to Spain: Interactive Food Experience - Sunday, Jan 4 @ 3 pm
Work your way through five interactive tasting stations during this one-hour tasting adventure at Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom. Enjoy fresh pasta, locally made bread, naturally infused balsamics, artisanal desserts, and premium olive oils sourced from a small family-owned farm in Spain. Along the way, you’ll add your own seasonings, salts, and infusions to create flavors you love.

New Year Hike at High Family Nature Preserve - Thursday, Jan 1 @ 1 pm
Join Keith Williams from the Lancaster Conservancy and explore the High Family Nature Preserve, which was recently opened to the public, on a 3-mile hike. This hike will explore meadow, wetland, hardwood forest, and rock outcrop ecosystems.

Southern Market New Year’s Eve Party - Wednesday, Dec 31 @ 6 pm
Doors open at 6PM, kicking off an evening filled with incredible food, live music, and celebrations. Enjoy a global-inspired buffet from 7-9PM, showcasing chef stations from around the world. DJ Fox will be spinning from 7-10PM, leading up to a screaming performance by the Screamin Daisys from 10PM-12AM.

We gathered wisdom from local leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and experts across Lancaster County. Whether you're looking for motivation, perspective, or just a fresh way to think about the year ahead, there's something here for you.

Roughly 40% of Americans make New Year's resolutions each year. By February, about half have already abandoned ship. Some people swear by them. Others gave them up years ago. Where do you stand? Are you setting resolutions for 2026?

We have a new classifieds section! Each week, we will promote some great local businesses and organizations, and highlight a dog that is available for adoption at the Brandywine Valley SPCA Lancaster location (2195 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602).

And that's a wrap on 2025. Whether you're counting down at midnight or asleep by 10, we hope you head into the new year with good friends and a little optimism.

Thanks for reading, for sharing, and for being part of this community.

Happy New Year!