The holiday season is quickly approaching and Pennsylvania’s shops, attractions, parks, and venues are ready to put on a show! From twinkling holiday lights to splendid Christmas markets and festive trolley rides, discover holiday spirit in PA this November.
To see a full list of the events and festivals happening this fall, check out the visitPA website.
Know before you go: We recommend contacting your destination before your visit for their latest rules and regulations. Find up-to-date COVID-19 traveler resources on the visitPA website.
1. Cook Forest Gingerbread Tour
Shop the 20-mile corridor of unique shops and boutiques between Cook Forest State Park and Historic Brookville along the Cook Forest Gingerbread Tour. This pre-Christmas shopping extravaganza features a diverse selection of beautiful creations that will make the most tempting of gifts this holiday season!
When: Nov. 5 – 7
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
2. Peddler’s Village Apple Weekend
Embrace the last few moments of Pennsylvania’s apple season at Buck’s County’s Peddler’s Village’s Annual Apple Weekend. Tour the charming village as you shop for holiday gifts while sampling the area’s best apple-themed treats. Get a jump on the crowds and pre-order one of the Village General Store‘s signature apple pies for pick up before they sell out!
When: Nov. 6 – 7
Where: New Hope
Cost: Free
3. PA Bacon Fest
Hear that sizzle in the pan? That’s the sound of delicious bacon, the centerpiece of the Lehigh Valley’s annual PA Bacon Fest. Celebrating all things bacon, this year’s salty, sweet, smoky treats include bacon on a stick, chocolate-covered bacon, the 50/50 bacon burger, a bacon bloody Mary, bacon mac and cheese, bacon Poutine, and bacon sticky buns. Finish the day with the Bacon & Brew tasting that will have you singing bacon’s praises!
When: Nov. 6 – 7
Where: Easton
Cost: Free
4. Koziar’s Christmas Village
The holiday season starts early in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region with the opening of Koziar’s Christmas Village, one of the most spectacular Christmas display in the entire country. This festive holiday attraction is a must for all who love the magic of Christmas. One visit to the tiny village of dazzling lights and you’ll understand why it has become a Christmas tradition for so many!
When: Nov. 6 – Jan. 1
Where: Bernville
Cost: $10 for children 4-10; $12 for persons 11-64; $11 for ages 65+; Free for children 3 and under
5. Open Farm Days at Terrace Mountain Alpaca Farm
In the market for some unique gifts this holiday season? Check out Open Farm Days at Terrace Mountain Alpacas and get up close and personal with this furry friend and their luscious wool. From a variety of clothing options to adorable toy alpacas and teddy bears, even the most hard-to-please person on your list is sure to be delighted!
When: Nov. 6 – 7
Where: Huntingdon
Cost: Free
6. Winter Light Spectacular
Bundle up and enjoy the beauty of nature as you stroll through tree-lined paths aglow with over 1.2 million twinkling lights at Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Winter Light Spectacular. Featured in USA Today for “Holiday light displays worth traveling for across America,” enjoy breathtaking light displays, classic holiday scenes, fire pits, and live performances by princesses Anna, Elsa, Belle, and Cinderella. Splurge for a VIP ticket for even more and the opportunity to warm up from the cold in the Jingle Lodge Lounge!
When: Select evenings, Nov. 12 – Jan. 1
Where: Schnecksville
Cost: $8 for Members; $10 for children 2–11; $15 for ages 12+; Free for children under 2
7. Hershey Sweet Lights and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Travel through 2 miles of fields and wooded trails resplendent with nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays crafted from 2 million lights at Hershey Sweet Lights. Themes include the 12 Days of Christmas, favorite fairy tales, a Victorian village, and even Hersheypark rides.
When: Nov. 12 – 14, Nov. 19 – Jan. 2
Where: Hershey
Cost: Prices vary by day.
Afterwards, visit Hersheypark Christmas Candylane for even more holiday lights and fun. The park is resplendent with more than 5 million twinkling lights. Get in the holiday spirit with NOEL, a light show featuring more than 250,000 lights dancing to classic holiday tunes, or visit Santa and all nine of his reindeer. Enjoy family-friendly rides, thrilling roller coasters, and shopping galore!
When: Nov. 12 – Jan. 2
Where: Hershey
Cost: Prices vary
8. Greater Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Spectacular
Whether you’re in the market for holiday décor to deck your halls or looking for gifts for all the special someone on your list, the 24th annual Greater Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Spectacular is the place to be. This holiday shopping extravaganza features more than 250 indoor booths filled with beautiful arts, crafts, and delicious foods, as well as musical entertainment, clowns Glitter Dot & Dapper who will be painting faces and creating balloon animals, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
When: Nov. 19 – 21
Where: Monroeville
Cost: $3 for children 12-15; $6.50 for persons 16-64; $6 for 65+; Free for children under age 12
9. Christkindlmarkt
Located in the heart of the Christmas City, Christkindlmarkt is a one-of-a-kind family event celebrating the spirit of the season. Recognized as one of the best holiday markets in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure and now in its 29th year, this heart-warming holiday event features handcrafted works by more than 50 of the nation’s finest artisans, the ring-ting-tingling sounds of live Christmas music, and a visit from Santa.
When: Select weekends and days, Nov. 19 – Dec. 19
Where: Bethlehem
Cost: Prices vary
10. Once Upon a Christmas
Join fellow holiday revelers for the 31st annual Once Upon a Christmas in Knox’s scenic downtown. Shop vendors stands filled with decorations and gift ideas just for you. Cheerful snowmen show the way to participating shops, homes, and businesses of artists, crafters, antiques, and the Deer Creek Winery.
When: Nov. 19 – 20
Where: Knox
Cost: Free
11. Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo
Elmwood Park Zoo is transformed into an even brighter and magical winter wonderland during its favorite holiday tradition, Wild Lights. Experience the magic of thousands of lights adorning the zoo’s trees, exhibits, and buildings with live entertainment, holiday music, unique animal encounters, and a chance to see the spectacular Santa himself!
When: Nov. 19 – Dec. 30
Where: Norristown
Cost: $14.95 for ages 3 and up; Free for children under age 3
12. Easton Winter Village
Visit the city of Easton this holiday season when it is transformed into a fun-filled Winter Village complete with ice skating, hot cocoa, mulled wine, and tasty treats! Enjoy twinkling lights as you stroll around the Peace Candle and shop for holiday gifts at vendor huts in and around Centre Square. While downtown, be sure to stop in at the more than 30 downtown shops for great gift finds.
When: Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 19 – Dec. 19
Where: Easton
Cost: Free
13. The National Dog Show Presented by Purina
Paws up for the 20th anniversary of The Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show Presented by Purina, the most widely viewed dog show in the nation! Cheer on your favorite pup among the 2,000 beauties from 205 breeds and varieties competing for Best of Breed, First in Group, and the highly coveted Best in Show. Sunday’s show offers more canine competitions, enhanced athletic dog exhibitions plus family-friendly activities and hands-on fun.
When: Nov. 20 – 21
Where: Oaks
Cost: $16 for ages 12+ who are fully vaccinated
Note: All attendees must show proof of COVID vaccination to gain admittance.
14. Saint Vincent Festival of Trees
Explore a gallery of 80 uniquely decorated trees and enjoy local entertainment, live reindeer, holiday displays and shopping, a visit with Santa, and rooms from Santa’s castle at AHN Saint Vincent Hospital’s Festival of Trees. Bonus: Little ones can have their favorite teddy bear or other stuffed toy examined by the hospital’s team of teddy bear specialists to make sure their treasured teddy is in tip-top shape this holiday season!
When: Nov. 26 – 28
Where: Erie
Cost: $6 for children 2-12; $10 for adults
15. Benigna’s Creek’s Lighting of the Vineyard
The vineyards of Benigna’s Creek Vineyard and Winery are festooned in lights as they “dance” to holiday music during the annual Lighting of the Vineyard. This year’s event features even more Christmas light displays as well as live nativity animals, fun tractor rides through the vineyard, warm campfires, delicious homemade food, and of course, their wonderful wine!
When: Nov. 26 – 27
Where: Klingerstown
Cost: $10 General Admission (includes a wine tasting and food voucher); $5 Designated Driver Admission (no vouchers); Free for children under 12
16. Winter Wonderland
Downtown Honesdale once again is celebrating their hometown lyricist, Richard “Dick” Smith, who composed the lyrics to that favorite holiday classic, “Winter Wonderland,” at their Winter Wonderland holiday happening. Starting on Black Friday with a Santa Parade and ceremony to light the tree and star, shop the local stores for some wonderful gift finds then dine at one of their downtown eateries.
When: Nov. 26 – 27
Where: Honesdale
Cost: Free
17. Christmas at the Expo – A Holiday Gift Show
Get ready to shop ‘til you drop at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center’s 7th Annual Christmas at the Expo. As the largest holiday gift show and shopping event in the area, shop small and shop local with nearly 200 artisans and vendors while singing along to live holiday music playing throughout the weekend. Be sure to take a moment from your shopping to snag a picture with Santa!
When: Nov. 26 – 28
Where: Lebanon
Cost: Free
18. Christmas Open House
The Greene County Historical Society Museum is opening its doors for some holiday fun at its Christmas Open House. Enjoy the museum decorated in the season’s splendor as well as the ever-popular Christmas Tree Auction, music, train sets, visits with Santa, and lovely refreshments .It’s the perfect way to welcome some holiday cheer!
When: Nov. 27 – 28, Dec. 4 – 5
Where: Waynesburg
Cost: Free (Donations welcome for the Corner Cupboard Food Bank, Rolling Meadows Nursing Home and the Greene County United Way)
19. Christmas in Coal Country
Bundle up and gather your friends and family for a heart-warming holiday experience at Christmas in Coal Country. Climb aboard a historic train and vintage trolley for a trip through the Blacklog Narrows decked out in holiday lights. The railroad cars for the one-hour, diesel-powered train ride are heated and along the ride you will encounter Santa where he will give every child a special gift.
When: Nov. 26 – 28, Dec. 3 – 5, and Dec. 10 – 12
Where: Rockhill Furnace
Cost: Prices Vary
20. Beaver County Model Railroad Club Christmas Season Open House
The Beaver County Model Railroad Club is once again throwing open its doors and inviting the public to see its model trains in action at its annual Christmas Season Open House. You can even bring your own train equipment to join in the layout and the fun! Be sure to explore the club’s headquarters and library to learn even more about this fascinating hobby.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 27 – Dec. 19
Where: Monaca
Cost: Free
21. Holiday Trolley Excursions
Take a trip on a vintage electric trolley car during a weekend filled with the Electric City Trolley Museum Association’s holiday trolley excursions. Take a trip with Elf on the Shelf on Friday or enjoy a ride with Santa on Saturday! After your excursion, be sure to visit the museum to explore more vintage trolleys and their gift shop.
When: Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 27 – Dec. 19
Where: Scranton
Cost: Prices vary
22. Hygge Hike
Feeling harried by all the hustle and bustle of the holidays?! Here’s your chance to decompress and get in touch with nature during a 2-mile Hygee Hike in Forbes State Forest’s North Woods tract. After all, Hygge (hoo-gah) is the Danish principle, feeling and lifestyle that encompasses wellness, comfort, and coziness and may be just what your flagging spirit needs to reclaim that holiday joy!
When: Second Saturdays, Nov. 13 – Feb. 12
Where: Laughlintown
Cost: Free
23. Harmony Museum’s Annual WeihnachtsMarkt
Enjoy a Christmas market in the true German tradition at Harmony Museum’s annual WeihnachtsMarkt. Featuring close to 50 artisans and specialty vendors selected based on the quality of their work, you’ll find a beautiful selection of their finest artwork and handcrafted goods, as well as imported goods from Germany and other European countries, entertainment, food and refreshments that all reflect Harmony’s German heritage.
When: Nov. 13 and 14
Where: Harmony
Cost: Free
24. Holiday Light Spectacular at Nay Aug Park
Scranton once again is lighting up winter’s night sky with sparkling holiday scenery at the magically illuminated Nay Aug Park. Marvel at the nostalgic displays of holiday cheer! Santa will be there for the opening night that also features Santa hayrides and horse and buggy rides! Then on Sunday, Nov. 21, bring the family to the bandstand for more holiday fun with family tree decorating.
When: Nov. 19 – Jan. 7
Where: Scranton
Cost: Free