6 Christmas Towns in Pennsylvania Bursting With Holiday Cheer

Christmas is a magical time of the year in Pennsylvania. 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 magically celebrate the holidays. Welcome to the best Christmas towns in Pennsylvania, complete with fun events, family-friendly activities, and sights sure to evoke holiday cheer.

1. Indiana

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.

2. Bernville

Bernville, Pennsylvania, 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.

3. Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, known as the Switzerland of America, looks like it’s from an old-fashioned postcard. With its many quaint shops and restaurants, the entire town is an enchanting Christmastime destination. Join the annual Olde Time Christmas festival—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.

4. Bellefonte

Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, traditionally transforms into an old-timey Christmas wonderland with its Victorian Christmas celebration, featuring a full menu of events: breakfast with Santa, a gingerbread house contest, a festival of trees, and horse and carriage rides. The iconic West High Street is always decked out with garland, lights, and red velvet ribbons.

5. Wellsboro

Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, looks like a classic Christmas painting come to life, and it’s one of the most enchanting 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.

6. Bethlehem

Bethlehem isn’t exactly a small town; it’s more of a big city. But you can’t talk about towns that honor Christmas most magically without mentioning Pennsylvania’s very own Christmas City. Bethlehem is known for its annual Christkindlmarkt—an authentic German market—horse and carriage rides, and for the exquisitely decorated Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Book a stay at the hotel or make a reservation for a tour to see the decorations. Learn more on the website of Historic Bethlehem.

Which Pennsylvania towns are your favorite to visit during the holidays? Whether you're driving around to see them yourself or hopping aboard the famous Santa Express in West Chester, you're bound to see some magical Christmas sights. Plan your winter trip now using Only In Your State's itinerary planner.