Pennsylvania has a rich heritage and traditions, which makes it a perfect Christmas destination. Beautiful parades, winter activities, holiday train rides, and dazzling light displays make Christmas the most beautiful time of year in Pennsylvania.
Koziar’s Christmas Village, Bernville (November 4, 2023–January 1, 2024)
Koziar's Christmas Village is the prime holiday destination in Pennsylvania. Located near Bernville, the Christmas Village can be reached by a country road that will get you straight into a fairytale. More than one million Christmas lights illuminate a dazzling valley. Buildings, barns, and trees are decorated with lights creating a truly magical atmosphere. A reflective lake adds to the stunning beauty of this beautiful place. Enjoy the displays as you stroll down charming walkways, take in the light displays, and don't forget to visit Santa.
Christmas in Hershey (November 10, 2023–January 1, 2024, on selected dates)
Christmas in Hersheypark is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends during the holidays. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane sparkles with four million bright lights, offers several rollercoasters, dozens of rides, plenty of festive entertainment, and, of course, chocolate. The festive season at the sweetest place on the planet features more than forty-five rides for all ages, including Laff Trakk, Sidewinder, SooperdooperLooper, Wild Mouse, Wildcat, and Cocoa Cruiser. A choreographed light show is accompanied by festive music. Don't forget to visit Santa and his reindeer. Also, on select days in December, Hershey Theatre hosts Christmas shows.
Lehigh Valley Zoo's Winter Light Spectacular, Schnecksville (November–January 1, 2024, on selected dates)
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 16–December 30, 2023, on selected dates)
Overly’s Country Christmas in Greensburg is a popular holiday attraction in the Pittsburgh area. The old-fashioned Christmas village features a light display, a live nativity scene, and a talking Christmas tree. There is also a Christmas market, fire pits, and a model train exhibit. Children can visit Santa's workshop, ride the train, sleigh, or a horse-drawn carriage, sing carols ’round the bonfire, and enjoy other activities. Henny Hemlock, the Talking Christmas Tree, will tell his magical story and silly jokes to all who stop to chat with him.
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square (November 17, 2023–January 7, 2024)
Every winter Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania (about an hour drive from Philadelphia) put on a dazzling seasonal display of Christmas Lights. The spectacular illumination is inspired by traditional holiday favorites' contours—ribbons, candy canes, and other colorful confectionery. There are also figures inspired by nature, from pine cones to snowflakes. Take a stroll among shimmering trees, colorful orbs, and glowing light tunnels. The main light display is synchronized to music at the Main Fountain Garden and by the Large Lake.
Christmas Magic “A Festival of Lights” at Rocky Ridge County Park (November 24–December 30, 2023)
Christmas at Rocky Ridge County Park is one of the best family-friendly events of York County. A spectacular Christmas tree sparkles with thousands of shimmering lights. There you will find candy canes, gingerbread men, and lanterns along the beautifully illuminated trail. Altogether Christmas Magic "A Festival of Lights" features about 600,000 lights along a half-mile route.
Kennywood Holiday Lights, West Mifflin (November 24, 2023–January 1, 2024)
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 (mid-November, 2023–January 28, 2024)
Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, Pennsylvania, has been hosting an annual Holiday Light Show for about 30 years. Many families visit the farm to experience the magic of more than 3 million lights illuminating farmland, barns, and other buildings at the Shady Brook Farm. Kids of all ages will enjoy the whimsical displays and meet familiar characters. You can drive-through in your car or opt for an open-air wagon. The illuminated two-mile trail takes about twenty minutes to complete. Don't forget to drop by the Farm Market to meet Santa, pick a Christmas tree, or relax with a cup of hot cocoa by the bonfire.
Macy’s Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village, Philadelphia (November 24–December 31, 2023)
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.
