Lancaster Central Market

Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Central Market is a true American treasure. As the country’s oldest farmers’ market, it is housed in an 1889 "Romanesque Revival" building designed by James H. Warner. The 60+ Market stand holders offer a wide variety of foods during the three market days-Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Market also includes non-food gift items.

Lancaster residents have long recognized Central Market as one of the City’s great places.  The historic market recently received national recognition from the American Planning Association (APA) as one of 10 Great Public Spaces in America.  In an October announcement, the APA noted, “This historic market with its rich architectural details is the crown jewel of downtown Lancaster.” 

Central Market’s history dates back to 1730 when Andrew Hamilton laid out the original town plan for Lancaster.  Hamilton designated a lot adjacent to the town square as a public marketplace in perpetuity, making our historic Central Market the oldest continuously operating public marketplace in the United States.  Central Market’s long operating history combined with its architectural design provides our historic Market local, regional and national significance.