‘Tis the season to bask in the magic of the holidays across the Keystone State. With these festive holiday events on your winter #PABucketList, it’s easy to see why PA is a must-visit destination this December!
1. Factoryville Christmas Market
The town of Factoryville kicks of the area’s holiday season in a big way with a tree lighting ceremony and Santa’s arrival via firetruck, followed by a delicious barbecue dinner and live music from fabulous local musicians during the Factoryville Christmas Market. Enjoy the market throughout the weekend, shopping at the more than 40 vendors while delighting in seasonal food, drinks, and music! Take a horse-drawn carriage ride and bring the little ones to experience the Children’s Wonderland featuring the Elf School and pictures with Santa!
When: Dec. 1-3
Where: Factoryville
Cost: Free
2. 39th Annual Dickens of a Christmas Celebration
Get into the old-fashioned holiday spirit at Wellsboro's 39th Annual Dickens of a Christmas Celebration. The historic downtown turns into a Victorian-era holiday market for this “A Christmas Carol”-inspired event. The Arcadia Theater and many local churches offer special performances celebrating Charles Dickens and Christmas. Stroll the streets of downtown as they fill with vendors, costumed entertainers, and great food. Scrooge doesn't stand a chance with these merry festivities!
When: Dec. 1-3
Where: Wellsboro
Cost: Free
3. Annual Christmas Tea at the Oldest House
Step into the past this holiday season during the Annual Christmas Tea at Laceyville’s Oldest House. Sip mulled cider and snack on cookies as you wander from floor to floor discovering fiber and textile arts decor. Test your knowledge of the season’s traditional tunes with a kickoff event on Friday featuring a Dulcimer concert and sing-along. Later in the month, spend an evening with Santa and Mrs. Claus and be sure to bring your little ones and their holiday wish lists along!
When: Dec. 1-3
Where: Laceyville
Cost: Free
4. Delco Holiday Village
Cross items off your wish list while shopping local in Delaware County this holiday season at their annual Holiday Village. Roam Rose Tree Park after taking in the dazzling light displays of the Festival of Lights to find local merchants and food trucks. For three consecutive weekends in December, Friday and Saturday will feature different vendors, so return often for more holiday shopping and festive fun.
When: Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16
Where: Media
Cost: Free
5. Spruce’d Up: A Celebration of Trees
Join the York Revolution baseball team for some offseason entertainment at Spruce’d Up: A Celebration of Trees, a luminescent tree display experience at WellSpan Park. Give back to local nonprofits this by voting for one of the many trees, decorated by local organizations around York. You’ll hit a grand slam with the family taking them to this holiday event filled with festive music, refreshments, fun baseball team promotions throughout the park, and special appearances by Santa and his elf along with Olaf, Elsa, and Anna on select nights.
When: Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16
Where: York
Cost: Free
6. 12 Movies of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...a free Christmas film festival in PA! Visit the Dietrich Theater for their 4th Annual 12 Movies of Christmas. For two weeks straight, watch 12 classic holiday films on the Dietrich Theater’s big screen, with three showings of the quintessential holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Dec. 12!
When: Dec. 1-14
Where: Tunkhannock
Cost: Free
7. West Reading Holiday Glow
Watch as West Reading decks the halls for their annual West Reading Holiday Glow Event. Enjoy the charm of the town’s independently owned boutiques and restaurants, which are offering special holiday hours, in-store specials, and personalized service. For the ultimate holiday experience, reserve a horse-drawn carriage ride and find merry and bright magic throughout the downtown!
When: Dec. 1-23
Where: Reading
Cost: Price varies
8. An Endless Mountain Christmas
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, experience the nostalgic charm of the season with festive events and activities across the small mountain towns and farm communities of northeastern PA at An Endless Mountain Christmas. From exquisite light shows and Santa visits to nurseries where families can cut down their own Christmas tree, this month-long celebration invites you to make magical memories across the region.
When: Dec. 1-31
Where: Various locations across Wyoming, Sullivan, Bradford, and Susquehanna counties
Cost: Price varies
9. The St. James Players present "A Christmas Carol"
The classic Charles Dickens tale comes to life on the St. James Player’s stage, just in time for the Christmas season. See “A Christmas Carol” like you’ve never experienced it before, performed by a talented troupe of local actors of all ages. Be sure to book your ticket ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss out on this wonderful holiday event. After the curtain closes, shop around the Lebanon Valley Mall for all your last-minute present needs!
When: Dec. 7-10, 14-17
Where: Lebanon
Cost: $15
10. Christkindlmarkt at Dill’s Tavern
Visit historic Dill’s Tavern for Christkindlmarkt, a quaint and festive holiday market on the tavern’s beautiful grounds. Browse handmade gifts from 80 vendors and artisans while snacking on delicious holiday treats. Bring the entire family so the kids can visit with Santa and partake in the merriment with children's activities!
When: Dec. 8-9
Where: Dillsburg
Cost: Free
11. Historic Schaefferstown Christkindlmarkt
Immerse yourself in Pennsylvania’s festive German folk culture this holiday season during Historic Schaefferstown’s authentic Christkindlmarkt! Stroll the authentic, one-of-a-kind village and museum while shopping for handmade period presents. Uncover a story in every holiday gift you find as you browse the wares of more than 20 artisans all local to southeastern Pennsylvania.
When: Dec. 8-9
Where: Schaefferstown
Cost: Free
12. 8th Annual Christmas on Main Street
Stroll along Wellsboro’s picturesque Main Street with its gas-lit light fixtures and unique local shops during Christmas on Main Street, and you just might think you’ve stepped onto the set of a Hallmark holiday movie! Now in its eighth year, the town celebrates its crucial role in keeping the country’s Christmas spirit alive in the years just before and then during World War II when the local glass factory first churned out its Shiny Brite ornaments to adorn family Christmas trees. See 30 displays of ornaments made in the early 1940s, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, and celebrate the season in the “town that saved Christmas.”
When: Dec. 8-10
Where: Wellsboro
Cost: Free
13. Bellefonte Victorian Christmas 2023
A cherished Happy Valley tradition that has enchanted generations for more four decades, Bellefonte Victorian Christmas returns for a full weekend of holiday delight. Make lasting memories with brand new live performances, rides on the Bellefonte Historical Railroad, and the open-air market in Talleyrand Park featuring artisan vendors and a variety of craft food and beverages. Santa arrives at his House on Diamond on Saturday morning, an event the little ones won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to buy a gift for those on your nice list from the talented artisans at the Victorian Christmas Arts and Crafts Show!
When: Dec. 8-10
Where: Bellefonte
Cost: Price varies
14. Mifflinburg's Christkindl Market
Mifflinburg’s Market Street overflows with holiday cheer in December, but especially during Christkindl Market, a traditional German Christmas market filled with festive outdoor huts offering unique handmade crafts and traditional Christkindl treats. This family-friendly event features more than 100 craft vendors, traditional German foods including freshly baked Apfel Streudel and German sausages along with American favorites, a live nativity, parades, music, and carriage rides — plus, pictures with Santa!
When: Dec. 14-16
Where: Mifflinburg
Cost: Free
15. Shop Late Nights
Located in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, the small town of Kane goes big during the holiday season! Gather under the glow of a winter’s night during Kane’s Shop Late Nights festivities with horse-drawn carriage rides, special guest appearances, and fantastic holiday sales for all your shopping needs. You can even bring your furry friend for a photo with Santa!
When: Fridays in December
Where: Kane
Cost: Price varies
16. Santa Train Rides
Choo choo! Take a trip with the big man in red on one of Allentown & Auburn Railroad’s Santa Train Rides. Bring the kids for a festive ride with Mr. and Mrs. Claus this holiday season, featuring picturesque winter scenery and lots of candy canes. Santa’s making his list and checking it twice, so don’t miss out on this fun weekend activity in Berks County.
When: Weekends in December
Where: Kutztown
Cost: Price varies
17. Country Christmas at the Farm
Find your perfect Christmas tree and enjoy more festive fun at Port Farms’ Country Christmas at the Farm. Hop on a horse-drawn sleigh, wagon, or carriage to ride throughout the farm’s scenic tree farm then shop for holiday décor, handmade wreaths, and Christmas trees at their Harvest Barn gift shop. Venture into Santa’s Workshop (aka the events barn) every Saturday and Sunday to find live music, holiday food and drink specials including a few adult beverages, crafts, and cookie decorating.
When: Now-Dec. 17
Where: Waterford
Cost: Free
18. Open Stage presents “Who’s Holiday”
She's back! Cindy Lou Who is ready to dish in “Who’s Holiday!” Cindy Lou is all grown up and life did not go as planned; she spills the tea on her chaotic journey since that fateful Christmas Eve meeting with the Grinch. This one-woman, adults-only parody is raunchy, irreverent, and downright hilarious!
When: Now through Dec. 23
Where: Harrisburg
Cost: $35, $25 for students
19. Peoples Gas Holiday Market™
Visit the Peoples Gas Holiday Market in downtown Pittsburgh for a hefty dose of holiday cheer all season long. Stroll the Alpine-style wooden chalets for a shopping spree where you’ll find unique gifts, delicious food, and live entertainment. Bring the kids to explore the Holiday KidsPlay & Selfie Garden or check out Santa’s House. Once it gets dark, lace up your skates at UPMC Rink and glide around the giant Christmas tree.
When: Now-Dec. 24
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Free
20. Santa's Steam Train Ride
All aboard Santa’s Steam Train Ride at New Hope Railroad! Join Mr. and Mrs. Claus for a magical adventure through Bucks County’s historic countryside. Departing from New Hope Station, the iconic #40 steam engine takes you straight to the (fictional) North Pole. Along the ride, watch wandering carolers, indulge in hot cocoa and fresh baked cookies, and open gifts from Santa himself.
When: Now through Dec. 24
Where: New Hope
Cost: Price varies
21. Yuletide at Devon
Yuletide at Devon is a brand-new holiday spectacular that blends a traditional European Christmas market with the thrill of a top-tier music festival and gourmet farm-to-table food experiences. Enjoy free rides and live music, fresh food offerings, craft drinks, and more than 35 high-end market shops throughout the holiday season.
When: Now-Dec. 31
Where: Devon
Cost: Price varies
22. Five Christmases at the Shriver House
Take a candlelight tour of the exquisitely decorated Shriver House for a glimpse of how Christmas was celebrated in the mid-1800s during Five Christmases at the Shriver House. See the decorations, stockings hung on the mantle, the Christmas tree sitting in its place of honor in the holiday greenery room, and the candy and springerle cookies set out in anticipation of a visit from Santa.
When: Now-Dec. 31
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: $15 for adults, $12 for children ages 7 to 12
23. Historic Grange Estate
You’ll find history and holiday merriment at the Historic Grange Estate, one of Delaware County’s hidden gems and home to more than 300 years of history. Uncover the joy of Christmases past with a themed tree in every room and the Cobbs Creek Lines Holiday Railroad model train rumbling through mini magical scenes. Delight in the fun-filled, fantastic displays scattered throughout this unique architectural marvel.
When: Every weekend until Jan. 7
Where: Havertown
Cost: $5 for adults; $1 for children ages 5-12
24. Sesame Place's A Very Furry Christmas Celebration
Ring in the holidays with your favorite Sesame Street characters at A Very Furry Christmas! Sesame Place transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, whirling rides, and festive decorations. Enjoy savory Christmas menus, shop for holiday gifts, take photos with Sesame Street friends, and visit Santa in his Furry Workshop this holiday season.
When: Now-Jan. 7
Where: Langhorne
Cost: Included with admission
25. Christmas Tree Tours at Warehime-Myers Mansion
Hanover’s stunning neo-classical Warehime-Myers Mansion sparkles and shines this holiday season with two beautifully decorated floors lined with dozens of dazzling trees decorated by local civic and school groups. There will be live music on select evening tours adding to the festive atmosphere. As a bonus, stop in the Hanover Area History Museum located behind the historic mansion to learn a bit more about the region’s history and heritage.
When: Now-Jan. 13
Where: Hanover
Cost: $5 for adults; free for children ages 12 and under
26. Peddler's Village Gingerbread Competition & Display
Feast your eyes on more than 100 amazing masterpieces crafted from gingerbread at Peddler’s Village’s annual Gingerbread Competition & Display! A tradition since 1984, professional and amateur bakers of all ages showcase their gingerbread baking, decorating, and construction skills with creations ranging from the whimsical to the fantastical, and featuring holiday scenes and local landmarks. Pick your favorite gingerbread creation and vote for the winner of the coveted People’s Choice Prize.
When: Now-Jan. 13
Where: New Hope
Cost: Free
Looking for more holiday events in PA, check out the visitPA.com website. Follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up to date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter.