These 6 Small Towns In Pennsylvania Honor Christmas In The Most Magical Way
Christmas is a magical time of the year in PA. No matter where we live, we’re likely surrounded by sparkling lights, decorated trees, and twinkling light displays, making it easy to embrace the holiday spirit. These six small towns in Pennsylvania are among the many charming spots that honor Christmas in the most magical way. Welcome to the best Christmas towns in Pennsylvania.
Before you head to any of the following small towns for specific events or activities, remember to check to make sure the event is still running this year and to confirm days and times.
Step straight into a scene from It’s A Wonderful Life when you arrive in the adorable small town of Indiana. As you drive along Philadelphia Street, in fact, you may feel as though you’re in Bedford Falls as you pass buildings aglow in Christmas lights, a massive twinkling Christmas tree, and a sign declaring “You Are Now In Bedford Falls.” Indiana usually hosts the annual It’s A Wonderful Life Festival, which features a parade, appearances by Santa, and the chance to get your holiday shopping started or finished. Learn more on the official website of Downtown Indiana.
Bernville is perhaps best known for Koziar’s Christmas Village, a Christmastime tradition that dates back more than 70 years. Bundle up for your stroll through the enchanting village that is awash in more than one million lights. You’ll find no shortage of picture-perfect moments for selfies and photos. The Christmas Village also features such breathtaking spots as Santa’s Post Office, Christmas in Other Lands, and an Old-Fashioned Bakery Shop. Stop by the official website of Koziar’s Christmas Village for more information.
Jim Thorpe, known as the Switzerland of America, looks like it’s stepped straight off of an old-fashioned postcard. With its many quaint shops and restaurants, Jim Thorpe is an enchanting Christmastime destination. The charming town also hosts the annual Olde Time Christmas, magical weekends filled with holiday activities, including strolling carolers, horse and carriage rides, and appearances by Santa. That’s just the beginning of the fun that awaits. Find more information on the official website of Jim Thorpe.
Bellefonte traditionally transforms into a Victorian Christmas wonderland with its Victorian Christmas celebration that features a full menu of events: breakfast with Santa, a gingerbread house contest, a festival of trees, and horse and carriage rides. Learn more on the official website of Bellefonte Victorian Christmas.
Wellsboro looks like an old-fashioned Christmas painting come to life, and it’s one of the most enchanting Christmas towns in the state. It also hosts two popular Christmas celebrations each year. The Dickens of a Christmas Celebration transforms the town into a Victorian wonderland with a full menu of activities, including a Victorian marketplace. It also hosts Christmas on Main Street, which features fun activities and the opportunity to get your holiday shopping done. Start planning your trip to Wellsboro.
Bethlehem isn’t exactly a small town; it’s more of a big city. However, you can’t talk about towns that honor Christmas in the most magical way without mentioning PA’s very own Christmas City. Bethlehem is known for its annual Christkindlmarkt, an authentic German market; for hosting horse and carriage rides, and for the exquisitely decorated Historic Hotel Bethlehem. You can either book a stay at the hotel or make a reservation for a tour of the hotel to see the decorations. Learn more on the website of Historic Bethlehem.
Bethlehem, PA, USA
What are your favorite small towns in Pennsylvania that are perfect for a Christmastime visit? Join the conversation in the comments! For an enchanting holiday experience in the charming town of West Chester, hop aboard the Santa Express.
Address: Indiana, PA 15701, USA
Address: Bernville, PA 19506, USA
Address: Jim Thorpe, PA, USA
Address: Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Address: Bethlehem, PA, USA
Address: Bellefonte, PA 16823, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Holiday Happenings In Pennsylvania
October 27, 2022
William Suphan
What are the unique ways Pennsylvanians celebrate Christmas?
Pennsylvanians aren’t afraid to do things their own way and that’s especially true during the holidays. The traditional Christmas meal for many families to bring luck and prosperity for the new year is pork and sauerkraut with potatoes rather than turkey or ham. In Pittsburgh, the New Year’s ball doesn’t drop, it rises! However, they do drop a Hershey’s kiss, a wrench, a pickle, and a mushroom. Locals also love to hang their Christmas trees upside down as they’ve done for over a hundred years.
What are the best Christmas attractions in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is one of the best states in which to spend Christmas and there is so much to do. Wellsboro hosts the Dickens of a Christmas Festival with characters from the books of Charles Dickens, wandering musicians, tons of crafts and food, and a lovely Peace Walk. The National Christmas Center Family Attraction & Museum in Paradise, PA has exhibits of Christmas celebrations from years past, including a 1950’s Woolworth display, and other classic examples sure to bring a sense of nostalgia for any generation.
What are the best Christmas light displays in Pennsylvania?
If you love Christmas lights, the state of Pennsylvania has you covered. Lakemont Park hosts Holiday Lights on the Lake where you can tune your radio to a local station and marvel at the synchronization of music and lights. You can even have a visit with Santa after. Kennywood Lights in West Mifflin has over 2 million lights and has rides and hot chocolate available. For something truly special, the Lehigh Valley Zoo Winter Light Spectacular in Schnecksville is simply magical. If you get chilly strolling through the endless lights, you can warm up at the fire pit.
Address: Indiana, PA 15701, USA
Address: Bernville, PA 19506, USA
Address: Jim Thorpe, PA, USA
Address: Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Address: Bethlehem, PA, USA
Address: Bellefonte, PA 16823, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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