We all have our own holiday traditions. For some, the Christmas season doesn’t officially start until Christmas carols start playing non-stop on the radio. For others, the initial appearance of that mischievous elf on the shelf signals the beginning of the holiday season. No matter what it is, there is something truly special about Christmas in the Keystone State. Here are 9 enchanting things to do for Christmas in Pennsylvania that will kick your holiday season off right.

1. Peddlers Village
100 Peddlers Village, New Hope, PA 18938, USA
Facebook/Peddlers Village
Embrace the holiday spirit at Peddlers Village's annual Christmas Festival. The Christmas Festival features a Santa Parade, live entertainment, and the annual gingerbread house display and competition. After getting into the holiday spirit, finish Christmas shopping at the nearly 60 shops or grab dinner at one of the village restaurants.
2. Dickens of a Christmas Festival
Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Wellsboro, PA
Journey back to the life and times of Charles Dickens with one of the most fun Christmas events in Pennsylvania. the annual Dickens of a Christmas Festival happens in early December every year. The Dickens of a Christmas Festival will include a variety of activities, including strolling musicians, craft vendors, food vendors, Dickens characters, and an evening Peace Walk. This is one of the most festive Christmas events in Pennsylvania.
3. Christkindlmarkt
SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem/Facebook
Looking for "Christmas things to do near me?"What better way is there to celebrate the holiday season than with a visit to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, commonly known as Christmas City? Bethlehem holds the annual Christkindlmarkt, a vibrant celebration of the Christmas season featuring local artisans and retailers, foods vendors, performers, and visits from St. Nicholas himself.

Take a look at this video by @thetravelingstewarts:
4. Christmas in Glen Rock
Glen Rock, PA 17327, USA
Facebook/Glen Rock Carolers
Enjoy a holiday tradition in Glen Rock since 1848 when you visit the quaint town for a performance by the famous Glen Rock Carolers, who perform throughout the Christmas season.

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5. Sesame Place
100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047, USA
Facebook/Sesame Place
Channel your inner child for a Christmas visit - with your kids, grandkids, or friends - to A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place. Greet your favorite characters - Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird - from Sesame Street as you view the spectacular Christmas light displays. Visit Santa's Furry Workshop, sing Christmas carols aboard the Sesame Place Furry Express, and play games with Lightning the Reindeer.
6. Christmas Village in Philadelphia
1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Facebook/Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Celebrate the Christmas season with a visit to Christmas Village in Pennsylvania, which runs from Thanksgiving Day until Christmas Eve. Christmas Village, a replica German Market, features over 80 wooden cottages inhabited by vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, ornaments, and other unique items. Indulge in popular European drinks, foods, and candies during your visit.

Take a look at this video by @cbsphilly:
7. Strasburg Express Rail Road
301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, USA
Strasburg Rail Road/Facebook
Climb aboard Santa's Paradise Express at the Strasburg Express Railroad. Santa will be on hand to meet, greet, and give children (11 and younger) a special gift. Kids can hand Mrs. Claus their personal Christmas letter to Santa, which will be answered by the jolly fella himself.
8. Rockhill Trolley Museum
430 Meadow St, Rockhill, PA 17249, USA
Rockhill Trolley Museum/Facebook
Santa's also waiting for your visit at the Rockhill Trolley Museum. On Santa's Trolley, pass the spectacular Christmas light displays along the trolley tracks and meet Santa who will be handing out special treats!
9. Kitchen Kettle Village
3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville, PA 17529, USA
Facebook/Kitchen Kettle Village
Finish your Christmas shopping at the old-fashioned Kitchen Kettle Village, home to more than 40 shops and restaurants. Visit between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve to experience a truly unique Christmas experience. Dine with Mrs. Claus at the Kling House Restaurant or have breakfast with Santa at the Kettle Cafe. Enjoy live entertainment and countless special events throughout the Christmas season at Kitchen Kettle Village.

Which of these exciting things to do for Christmas in Pennsylvania are you most excited about? If you want to take the holiday joy on the road, you can take our ultimate Christmas lights road trip through Pennsylvania.

Having trouble finding unique gifts for friends and family? Check out our list of the Best Gift Ideas For The Traveler In Your Life for some ideas.

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More to Explore

Christmas In Pennsylvania

Sara Dager | November 02, 2022

Where can I see the best light displays in Pennsylvania?

Those on the hunt for some Christmas joy will be delighted to learn there are tons of awesome Christmas lights displays in Pennsylvania to drive and walk through. The best light displays in Pennsylvania can be seen at the following places:

  • For a dreamy drive-through experience, take in Holiday Lights on the Lake in Altoona. You can jam along to the sights by tuning into a special radio station synched with the lights, and afterward, you can meet Santa with the kids.
  • Another great choice is the awe-inspiring walk-through experience during Longwood Gardens Christmas. With over half a million lights, tons of massive trees, and even a decked-out greenhouse to duck into for some warmth, this is the ideal, all-inclusive holiday adventure for the whole family.
  • For those who want a few different adventures at once, the Kennywood Lights are awesome. There is a light show above the lagoon and you can ride some of the rides, which look entirely different under the glow of thousands of twinkling lights.

 

Are there any Christmas towns in Pennsylvania?

Yes, there are several charming Christmas towns in Pennsylvania including:

  • Greensburg: To get into this town during Christmas you must drive through an awe-inspiring lights display, and it only gets better from there with horse-drawn carriages, visits with Santa, and a talking Christmas tree!
  • Bernville for Koziars Christmas Village: With more than a million lights on display this town has won an absolute boatload of awards and will absolutely take your breath away.

 

What are the best outdoor activities in winter in Pennsylvania?

If you are looking for some fresh chilly, there are lots of fun outdoor winter activities in Pennsylvania that include:

  • Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours: Before you get whisked away on a sled you get a chance to meet the charming pooches who will be pulling you!
  • If dog sledding isn't rugged enough for you, you can make the visit to an actual wolf preserve. With over eighty acres of space for wolves to roam, you can take a tour through the sanctuary. The wolves are so gorgeous in the snow!
  • Strap on some snow shoes and explore the beautiful Promised Land State Park. Known for its views in the summer we think it might be even more gorgeous blanketed in snow.

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