By Sam Thrush, AICP, Executive Director, Venture Lititz

A feature piece from our Summer 2026 issue of the Lancaster Thriving Publication.

Downtown Lititz is home to Wilbur Chocolate, Sturgis Pretzels, and more than 50 independent retailers and eateries. Known for being walkable, quaint, and charming, downtown Lititz offers visitors a unique blend of history, shopping, dining, entertainment, and hospitality. At its heart is Lititz Springs Park, which annually hosts one of the country’s longest Fourth of July celebrations.

History continues to shape the character of downtown. Lititz Springs Park traces its history to 1778. Sturgis Pretzels opened in 1861, becoming America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, while Wilbur Chocolate’s flagship store opened in 1934. More recently, the Wilbur Hotel opened in 2019, adding another destination and gathering place within the downtown district. Together, these milestones reflect the balance of historic preservation and continued investment that defines Lititz today.

That blend of history and innovation is reflected in the variety of businesses found throughout downtown. Visitors can explore retailers, eateries, drinking establishments, live music venues, museums, lodging, and more. From the Wilbur Hotel to Alden House, Stoll & Wolfe to Collusion Tap Works, Lititz Shirt Factory to the Lititz Historical Foundation, Rooster Street Brewing to Appalachian Brewing, Atlas General Store to Purple Robin, and Bulls Head Public House to New Holland Coffee, downtown offers a wide range of amenities and experiences.

Supporting those small businesses remains a priority for Venture Lititz. Promotions and marketing are among their greatest strengths. Their Lititz Magazine serves as a valuable tool for attracting visitors, while the organization’s e-newsletter and social media channels reach more than 65,000 people. One of the most successful promotional initiatives is the Holiday Shopping Card program. Through submitted cards alone, more than $600,000 was spent in downtown Lititz between mid-November and January 5. In addition to marketing efforts, the organization actively seeks grants and programs that support businesses and strengthen the downtown district.

The mix of businesses in Lititz continues to be one of the community’s greatest assets. Tourism anchors such as Wilbur Chocolate, Sturgis Pretzels, and the Lititz Historical Foundation bring visitors to town and encourage them to explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Signature events further contribute to downtown’s vitality. Fire & Ice, the Fourth of July celebration, the Craft Show, and the Art Show attract residents and visitors throughout the year while supporting local businesses and creating memorable community experiences.

Looking ahead, planning and investment continue to shape Lititz’s future. Between now and Fire & Ice 2027, downtown leaders will be working on a five-year action plan designed to guide future growth and development. Excitement is also building around the WERT rail trail extension into downtown, a project identified in Lancaster County’s MPO’s Transportation Improvement Plan. Together, these efforts will help strengthen downtown Lititz while preserving the qualities that have made it one of Lancaster County’s most recognizable destinations.

Explore Venture Lititz’a website at www.lititzpa.com and follow them on social at Downtown Lititz on Facebook or LititzPa on Instagram. If you are interested in volunteering or sponsoring, email venturelititz@lititzpa.com.

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