Is Gettysburg Open In The Winter?

At Gettysburg Battlefield Tours, you’ll find tour guides who love sharing historical facts about the most important engagement of the American Civil War.

When winter arrives, that doesn’t stop.

Is Gettysburg open in the winter? You bet! The town known for one of America’s bloodiest battles is now perhaps one of the most peaceful places to visit in winter. Not only is the town of Gettysburg open to visitors hoping to dine and shop in this quaint historic town, but our guided tours of the battlefields and Winter Combo Deals make Gettysburg a wintertime destination.

Read further to learn more about winter in Gettysburg.

Gettysburg National Military Park in Winter

The battlefields at Gettysburg National Military Park are open daily, 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset. Comfort stations, however, are closed from mid-November through March. Portable toilets are located throughout the area.

The museum and visitor center is open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. from Dec. 1 to Feb. 28, with early closure on Christmas Eve (1 p.m.). On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the museum and visitor center is closed but the battlefields remain open. From March 1 to Oct 31, the museum and visitor center operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Just a note before you finalize your winter trip to Gettysburg: Currently, masks are required for everyone, regardless of location or vaccination status, in all NPS buildings, crowded outdoor spaces, and all forms of enclosed public transportation. Before visiting, please check the park website for updates prior to your visit.

Battlefield Tours In Winter

For history fans and ghost hunters, winter is one of the best times of the year to visit Gettysburg. For just $20, you can take advantage of our Winter Combo Tours, weather permitting, on Saturday nights from Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. and run through March 12.

The combo includes both a private tour of the Jennie Wade House and the Haunted Orphanage.

Our licensed, guided battlefield bus tours are not available in January, however, they resume in February on a limited schedule. All guided bus tours are conducted by guides licensed by the Gettysburg National Military Park. View our online schedule to best plan your winter visit.

Special Events in Gettysburg this Winter

Explore the history of the famous Gettysburg Cyclorama depicting Pickett’s Charge on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg during “An Evening with the Painting.” This after-hours program takes place 4-6 p.m. December-February and 5-7 p.m. March-November. Licensed Battlefield Guide and author Chris Brenneman discusses the creation of the painting, its symbolism, and efforts to preserve this treasured piece of history. Visitors can examine the cyclorama up close and there will be a question-and-answer session.

Also, there’s still time to experience Christmas at the Jennie Wade House (up until Dec. 31), where you can see how Gettysburg residents of 1863 decorated for the holidays and learn about the significance of Jennie Wade and the tragedy that befell her and her family.

Do you love to ski? Liberty Mountain Resort is only a 10-mile drive from Gettysburg National Military Park and a favorite winter destination. The ski season at Liberty Mountain starts on Dec. 17, weather permitting. They offer adult and child ski lessons as well as ski and snowboard programs. Find more details at libertymountainresort.com.

If you’re looking for a unique day trip or extended weekend destination during the winter, Gettysburg is waiting to help you make memories!