Ah, the Christmas holiday season is finally here. Can you feel the joy filling in the air? Snow is in the air, festive lights twinkle on street corners, and Pennsylvania’s towns blossom into magical Christmas holiday getaways.

There’s no better way to experience the joy of the Christmas holiday season than to visit the state’s most beloved Christmas festivals. Let’s dive into Pennsylvania’s top 7 Christmas Festivals to explore the holiday spirit.

Top 7 Christmas Festivals in Pennsylvania

Bethlehem – “Christmas City USA”

Bethlehem proudly lives up to its name, “Christmas City USA.” This historic town, which earned its festive moniker in 1937, is a must-visit destination during Christmas.

Bethlehem annually hosts one of the most famous Christmas Markets in the United States. Christkindlmarkt is an authentically German-inspired Christmas market. Held at PNC Plaza, the market is open on weekends from November 15 through December 22, with hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

This market showcases specialty handcrafted goods from across the United States and authentic handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, and collectibles from Germany crafted by Käthe Wohlfahrt. There are live music performances from local schools and carolers, visits with St. Nick, and festive drinks and food.

The charm of Bethlehem doesn’t stop at the Christkindlmarkt. The historic downtown area transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and festive storefronts. Visitors can stroll through the quaint Christmas City Village to find even more delightful treasures and holiday treats.

Horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic streets add an extra touch of magic. For history lovers, the decorated buildings of Historic Bethlehem offer guided tours that provide a glimpse into the town’s rich heritage and holiday traditions. Besides shopping and eating, you can also enjoy ice skating, check out intricate ice sculptures, and even meet Santa Claus.

From fine dining to casual eats, Bethlehem has something to satisfy every palate. For a night out, dine on gourmet cuisine at Apollo Grill, indulge in authentic Italian comfort at Mama Nina’s Focacceria, or stop in for a hot cup and fresh pastry at The Joint Coffee Co.

For accommodations, the Historic Hotel Bethlehem dazzles with festive decorations and timeless elegance, while the Sayre Mansion offers cozy bed-and-breakfast charm in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Kutztown – Kutztown Holiday Festival

Kutztown, located approximately 65 miles northwest of Philadelphia and 95 miles southwest of New York City, brings holiday cheer to life with its vibrant Kutztown Holiday Festival. The Kutztown Christmas Market is a festive spot you won’t want to miss.

This market features a mix of traditional and contemporary handcrafted items. You can browse through various unique gifts while enjoying the merry surroundings.

The event showcases 70 of the finest craftsmen from Pennsylvania and beyond. Look for everything from intricate jewelry to cozy knitted goods. It’s a great place to pick up perfect gifts for family and friends.

Live music adds to the festive mood, and hourly door prizes give you a chance to win cool items. The market takes place over a weekend, so plan your visit accordingly. Remember that some events may get canceled or postponed, so checking for updates is a good idea.

You can consider staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites Kutztown for modern amenities or the charming Main Street Inn, which offers cozy rooms and an on-site restaurant.

Dining in Kutztown is a must, with local favorites like scrapple, shoofly pie, and pork with sauerkraut showcasing the area’s Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine.

Jim Thorpe – Olde Time Christmas

If you prefer an old-fashioned Christmas, plan a trip to an Olde Time Christmas in Jim Thorpe. Known as the “Switzerland of America,” this small town is a magical Christmastime destination each December Holiday.

Jim Thorpe hosts an Olde Time Christmas for three weekends (Saturday and Sunday) in December, a magical celebration full of fun, family-friendly activities, and events. The celebration officially begins on Friday, December 6, 2024, with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Josiah White Park.

The evening features performances by the Jim Thorpe cheerleaders, chorus, and high school band, all leading up to an appearance by Santa at 6 p.m.

You can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through the decorated streets, listen to strolling carolers and live musicians, and admire the twinkling lights adorning the town. The Santa Claus Special train ride with the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, running three times daily from November 24 to December 24, 2024, is also a family highlight. Santa and Mrs. Claus typically join in the holiday fun.

Explore the downtown shops that sell everything from gifts and toys to clothes and antiques. Pop into Mauch Chunk 5 & 10, an old-school five-and-dime that will stir nostalgia. Don’t miss the gingerbread house display at the Dimmick Memorial Library for an extra dose of holiday cheer.

Warm up with hearty fare at Molly Maguire’s Pub and Steakhouse, or enjoy an intimate dining experience at Encore with its creative dishes. For a sweet treat, stop by Donerds Donuts for freshly baked delights.

For accommodations, the Inn at Jim Thorpe offers modern comforts in a historic setting, while the Harry Packer Mansion provides a romantic retreat with stunning Victorian architecture and luxurious decor.

Hershey – Sweet Lights and Candylane

The holiday season in Hershey kicks off on November 15, 2024, with the opening of the Hersheypark Christmas Candylane holiday attraction and the Hershey Sweet Lights drive-through attraction.

Christmas Candylane, hosted inside Hersheypark, runs from November 15, 2024, to January 1, 2025, with daily operations beginning on December 12 (closed on Christmas Day).

Guests can enjoy select family rides, thrilling coasters, a new home for Santa and all nine of his reindeer, the TREEville trail opening on December 6, and festive Hershey Character Meet and Greet opportunities.

Synchronized to Christmas music, the NOEL light show adds a spectacular touch to this festive tradition. One-of-a-kind sweet treats, including a new Kissmas TREEts Collectible snack container, are also available.

Hershey Sweet Lights is located along a two-mile stretch of roadway behind the Hotel Hershey, which is not far from Hershey Park itself. It is one of the best and largest drive-through Christmas light displays in Pennsylvania.

From the comfort of your car, you can enjoy two miles of fields and wooded trails decorated with nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays, such as The 12 Days of Christmas, an Enchanted Forest, and Hersheypark rides.

Dining in Hershey is an experience in itself. The Chocolatier, located in Hershey’s Chocolatetown, serves chocolate-inspired dishes like Reese’s Crunch Burger and cocoa-dusted ribs alongside signature cocktails like Hershey’s Martini. Be sure to book reservations in advance, as tables fill quickly.

For accommodations, The Hotel Hershey offers luxury and holiday-themed spa treatments, while Hershey Lodge provides family-friendly accommodations with cozy fireplaces and festive decor.

Lititz – Lititz Christmas in the Park

A trip to the always-enchanting town of Lititz is one of the best things to do on Christmas. Lititz hosts Christmas in the Park at Lititz Springs Park, a festive event filled with caroling, twinkling lights, and a community candle-lighting ceremony.

On December 1, visitors can enjoy the high school choir’s performance. As you stroll through downtown Lititz, the decorated storefronts and glowing Moravian stars will transport you into a classic Christmas setting straight out of a Hallmark movie.

Lititz’s holiday festivities don’t end there. On December 7, the Annual Christmas Carol Sing takes place at Moravian Church Square, accompanied by the Lititz Moravian Trombone Choir. The Christmas Candlelight Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House, held on December 8 and 9, is another highlight, offering a glimpse into the town’s rich history.

You’ll have the perfect opportunity to do Christmas shopping and sample from the eclectic collection of restaurants in Lititz. Businesses and residents are also invited to “deck their halls” to be part of Decorate Lititz.

Visitors can tour and help select the winning decorations on December 9. The Lititz Historical Foundation hosts an annual Christmas Candlelight Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House on December 10.

Local favorites for dining include the Tomato Pie Café for comforting meals, Rooster Street Butcher for farm-to-table delights, and the Lititz Springs Inn & Spa Restaurant for an upscale experience. For accommodations, The Wilbur Lititz, housed in a former chocolate factory, and the historic Lititz Springs Inn & Spa offer charming and comfortable stays.

Indiana – It’s a Wonderful Life Festival

Of all the Christmas movies ever made, one of the most classic is “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring Jimmy Stewart, an Indiana, Pennsylvania native. Indiana is also known as the Christmas Tree Capital of the World because of its large number of Christmas tree farms.

The town hosts the “It’s A Wonderful Life Festival,” one of the best Christmas festivals in Pennsylvania, on select Saturdays throughout November and December.

Today, Stewart’s hometown is home to The Jimmy Stewart Museum. Located in the heart of downtown Indiana, the museum ramps up at Christmas time as you can learn about Stewart’s famous Christmas movie and the actor’s life and legacy.

Venture into downtown Indiana, transformed into a modern-day Bedford Falls, complete with twinkling lights and a 30-foot live Christmas tree in the center of town.

Don’t miss the Indiana County Christmas Market. You’ll find local vendors selling crafts and goodies. It’s a perfect spot to pick up unique gift items. From ornaments to handmade soaps, there’s something for everyone.

You can also enjoy tasty treats from local food stands. These snacks make the shopping experience even better.

There are activities for families to keep the kids entertained. Live music and performances add to the festive vibe, making it a wholesome outing for everyone. You can say hello to Santa, too. Kids love having their pictures taken with him.

Enjoy a meal at Naps Cucina Mia, known for its flavorful Italian dishes, or grab a quick bite at Coney Island Lunch, a local institution. For accommodations, the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn offer modern amenities and comfortable stays, perfect for recharging after a day of holiday festivities.

Canonsburg – Sarris Candies Christmas Wonderland

The charming town of Canonsburg transforms into a festive holiday wonderland each December with its hallmark event, the Old Fashioned Christmas Festival. This beloved celebration kicks off on December 2 with a tree-lighting ceremony at the Canonsburg Borough Building, followed by a weekend filled with joyous activities.

The streets come alive with dazzling light displays, decorated trees, and the heartwarming sights and sounds of the holiday season. A parade on December 3 adds to the magic, featuring beautifully adorned floats, marching bands, and Santa himself.

The Christmas market offers over 50 vendors with handcrafted unique gifts, tasty treats, and unique finds, making it a perfect spot for holiday shopping.

No visit to Canonsburg is complete without a stop at Sarris Candies. Sarris Candies offers a fairytale ambiance, a variety of chocolates, and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, making it a must-visit.

Indulge in chocolate-covered pretzels, peanut butter meltaways, or a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor. Check out the many classic sugary candies, too. You can’t pass up taking a photo by the ice cream sundae bench.

Families can enjoy the Children’s Performance Center, a miniature train display, and photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch.

After soaking in the festivities, enjoy a meal at Rusty Gold Brewing for hearty pub food or The Bar Association for gourmet dishes. The Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe or the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Southpointe ensure a cozy retreat for overnight stays.

Leaving You With This

Without a doubt, December is one of the favorite months of the year. Pennsylvania’s Christmas festivals bring the holiday spirit to life with festive markets, sparkling lights, and treasured traditions.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy festive decorations, unique gifts, and delicious holiday treats.

The Christmas Festive Season is here, so it’s time to start working on your holiday must-do list!

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Looking for even more Pennsylvania winter getaway inspiration? Head over to Visit PA to uncover a treasure trove of ideas for your next Keystone State adventure. From cozy retreats to thrilling outdoor activities, Pennsylvania has a winter escape waiting just for you!