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Best time to go to Pennsylvania

Christmas Lights in PA 2024-2025, Pennsylvania

Best places in the state to get yourself into the Christmas spirit

Dates: early November–early January

Koziar's Christmas Village
Lehigh Valley Zoo's Winter Lights Spectacular
Overly's Country Christmas
Longwood Gardens Christmas Display
Kennywood Holiday Lights, West Mifflin
Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show

Pennsylvania’s rich heritage and festive traditions make it an ideal destination for celebrating Christmas. The state comes alive during the holiday season with vibrant parades, winter activities, scenic holiday train rides, and enchanting light displays. From historic towns to bustling cities, Christmas in Pennsylvania offers a magical atmosphere, making it one of the most picturesque times of the year to visit.

Koziar’s Christmas Village, Bernville (November 2, 2024–January 4, 2025)

Koziar’s Christmas Village near Bernville, Pennsylvania, is a beloved holiday destination celebrating over 75 years of magic. Driving through the dark countryside and cresting the final hill reveals a dazzling valley lit by over one million twinkling Christmas lights. The lights, reflected in the village lake, adorn buildings, gift barns, and trees, creating a fairyland atmosphere.

Opening on November 2, 2024, Koziar’s will be open weekends until Thanksgiving, then nightly through January 4. Visitors can stroll through festive walkways, enjoy enchanting displays, and visit Santa. Admission ranges from $11 to $13, with prime nights costing an additional $5 per ticket.

Christmas in Hershey (Select Dates November–January)

Christmas in Hershey is a magical experience for families and friends to create lasting holiday traditions. The town-wide celebration includes Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, Hershey Sweet Lights, and more, offering over five million sparkling lights, thrilling rides, and festive entertainment. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane features popular coasters like Laff Trakk, Jolly Rancher Remix, and Cocoa Cruiser, along with family rides and the dazzling NOEL light show, where 250,000 lights dance to holiday music.

Visitors can also meet Santa and his nine live reindeer, including Rudolph, at Santa’s Reindeer Stables. The Kissmas Tree and Kisses Fountain add to the festive atmosphere, while Hershey characters are available for photo opportunities. On select dates in November and December, guests can also enjoy Christmas shows at the Hershey Theatre, rounding out the holiday spirit at "The Sweetest Place on Earth."

Lehigh Valley Zoo's Winter Light Spectacular, Schnecksville (2024 dates TBA)

Lehigh Valley Zoo transforms into a wonderland with Winter Light Spectacular during the most wonderful time of the year. About 70,000 visitors come to the zoo to be enchanted by fantastic light displays and enjoy festive entertainment every season. It has become the favorite family tradition of the Lehigh Valley. Stroll through tree-lined paths lit up by over 1.2 million lights and cozy up by outdoor fire pits with a cup of hot cocoa and s’ mores. Kids can meet Santa, The Grinch, Radley the Sea Turtle, Woody, Buzz, Princess Belle, Olaf, and Elsa. Cinderella’s magical carriage sparkles with hundreds of shimmering lights!

Overly’s Country Christmas, Greensburg (November 21–December 30, 2024, on selected dates)

Overly's Country Christmas in Greensburg is a beloved holiday attraction in the Pittsburgh area, featuring a unique walk-around Christmas village brought to life by over 300 dedicated volunteers. This enchanting experience includes a stunning light display, a live nativity scene, and Henny Hemlock, the Talking Christmas Tree, who shares magical stories and jokes. Families can explore a Christmas market, gather around fire pits, and enjoy activities like visiting Santa's workshop, riding trains and horse-drawn carriages, and singing carols.

Guests can choose between two payment options: $25 per family carload (up to 8 people) for both the drive-through light display and village access or $5 per person for direct entry into the village. Open on select days from Thursday, November 21, Overly will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. This festive attraction not only spreads holiday cheer but also supports local charitable efforts, creating memorable moments for children in need.

A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square (November 22, 2024–January 12, 2025)

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square (about an hour's drive from Philadelphia) is set to enchant visitors with "A Longwood Christmas." Guests can explore a dazzling display of hundreds of thousands of lights, artfully designed to evoke traditional holiday favorites such as ribbons, candy canes, and snowflakes. Stroll through shimmering trees, vibrant orbs, and glowing light tunnels, all while enjoying the synchronized music at the Main Fountain Garden and Large Lake.

Timed admission tickets are required for entry, with prices set at $42 for adults (19 years and older), $23 for youth (ages 5 to 18), and $8 for SNAP/EBT/PA ACCESS cardholders. Children aged four and under can enter for free. The Gardens are open daily from 10 am to 11 pm, and members can make timed reservations for a seamless experience. For a unique holiday dining option, guests can indulge in "Taste of Christmas" in the newly opened Fountain Room, which offers a special menu and breathtaking views of the displays.

Christmas Magic “A Festival of Lights” at Rocky Ridge County Park (November 29–December 30, 2024)

Christmas Magic at Rocky Ridge County Park is one of York County’s most cherished family-friendly holiday events. This annual celebration features over one million twinkling LED lights that illuminate a half-mile ADA-accessible walking trail. Visitors can wander through a candy cane-lined path, marvel at trees adorned with colorful lights, and discover festive characters hidden among the woods. Christmas Magic, "A Festival of Lights," offers photo opportunities, a miniature train exhibit, Bricker’s famous French fries, and a stand serving hot chocolate and cookies. The trail winds through both woods and open pavilions, providing a memorable holiday experience for guests of all ages.

Timed-entry ticket sales begin in mid-November and reservations are required as walk-ins are not permitted. This system ensures a smooth flow of visitors, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall experience. Hours of operation are from 6 to 9 pm on weekdays and 5 to 9 pm on weekends. Please note, the event will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Kennywood Holiday Lights, West Mifflin (2024 dates TBA)

Kennywood is one of the best places to visit during the holiday season in Pittsburgh. One of America’s finest traditional amusement parks offers excellent rides, entertainment, and holiday decorations adorned with nearly two million twinkling lights during the Holiday Lights event. The park features the tallest Christmas tree in the state of Pennsylvania, holiday performances, and light shows. Kids can visit Santa Claus and other famous characters.

Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show, Yardley (November 23, 2024–January 28, 2025)

Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, Pennsylvania, has hosted its Holiday Light Show for nearly 30 years. The event features over three million dazzling lights that illuminate the expansive farmland, barns, and buildings. Visitors can choose to enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of their own car or hop on an open-air wagon ride. The illuminated two-mile trail, complete with whimsical displays and familiar holiday characters, takes about 20 minutes to complete.

The light show runs from November 23, 2024, to January 5, 2025, with hours from 5 pm to 10 pm on weekdays and until 11 pm on weekends. Ticket prices for the drive-through range from $30 to $150 per vehicle, depending on the date. Open-air wagon rides are priced at $15 to $20 per person, and private wagons, perfect for large groups, range from $400 to $600. After the light show, visit Santa’s Village for photos, treats, and holiday gifts.

Macy’s Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village, Philadelphia (2024 dates TBA)

Macy's Christmas Light Show is a popular holiday tradition for many Philadelphia families for over 50 years. It takes place at the Center City store in the historic Wanamaker Building. The fantastic light display comprises over 100,000 LEDs. See shimmering snowflakes, ballerinas, reindeer, and other popular symbols and characters floating beyond the curtain of the Grand Court atrium. Starting at noon, the light show features a concert of organ music from Wanamaker Grand Organ. You can read more about Christmas lights in Philly here.

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