It’s the most wonderful (and sparkling) time of the year! There's no better way to celebrate the holiday season than by visiting one of the many spectacular holiday light shows in Pennsylvania. Buckle up and explore these spectacular drive-through light shows in the comfort of your own car — guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.
1. Lights in the Parkway
Allentown
Allentown is celebrating the 26th anniversary of its spectacular Lights in the Parkway in a big way Nov. 25-Dec. 31 (with the exception of Dec. 25). The mile-plus, drive-through light show features hundreds of thousands of brilliant lights and dazzling animated displays set to favorite music of the holidays. It’s easy to see why this holiday light show is a beloved holiday tradition throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond!
Visit Wert’s Café for one of their signature burgers, iconic onion rings, delicious homemade soups, sandwiches, or other entrees. They have been serving their delicious burgers for 55 years and been awarded best burgers in the Lehigh Valley year after year!
2. Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show
Morrisville
Get ready to be dazzled by Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show, Nov. 19-Jan. 8. Featuring more than 3 million lights in whimsical displays, see how many familiar characters you can spot from the comfort of your car or enjoy the show with an open-air wagon ride. Afterwards, enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores around a bonfire or stop in the market to shop for holiday treats.
Before venturing to the light show, enjoy a warm meal of American tavern fare “with a curiously modern accent,” a selection of craft beer, and the inviting atmosphere of The Continental Tavern, beautifully restored with the look and feel of its 1877 origins in the heart of Yardley’s Historic District.
3. Presque Isle Lights at Presque Isle State Park
Erie
Enjoy Presque Isle State Park's natural beauty in a whole new light at "Presque Isle Lights" Thursday through Sundays throughout December, starting Dec. 4 (with the exception of Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve and Day) . The park’s 13-mile loop trail will be aglow with holiday lights, as well as some stand-alone displays, that complement the natural beauty of Presque Isle after dark.
Beforehand, stop in at one of Erie’s unique boutiques for some holiday shopping, then grab some tasty sustenance at The Colony Pub & Grille and the Original Popcorn House for some handcrafted gourmet snacks.
4. Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane
Hershey
More than 5 million twinkling lights will be all aglow at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, select nights Nov. 11-Jan. 1! Enjoy family-friendly rides, thrilling roller coasters, Santa and his reindeer, shopping galore in the Hersheypark Supply Co. and HP Collections shops, signature hot chocolate and other sweet treats,
Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the park’s newest restaurant, The Chocolatier — serving up family fare with a fun spin and hints of chocolate!
5. Knoebels Amusement Resort’s Joy Through the Grove
Elysburg
Enjoy the splendor of Knoebels Amusement Resort’s Joy Through the Grove drive-through Christmas light display, Nov. 25-Dec. 31 (except Christmas Eve and Day). With more than 400 light up pieces and miles of lights strung along the park’s main boulevard and throughout the campground; this holiday experience will have you brimming with holiday joy!
Combine your Joy Through the Grove experience with some holiday shopping in nearby Danville’s quaint downtown, then relax with a festive holiday brew at Old Forge Brewing Company or Rock God Brewing Company.
6. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at Big Butler Fairgrounds
Slippery Rock
You’re in for a holiday light and music extravaganza unlike any other at Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, Nov. 18-Jan. 1 at its new location at Cooper’s Lake Campground in Slippery Rock. Watch the magic unfold as you drive through a million brilliant lights dancing in synch to your favorite holiday tunes. It’s a new show this year, but never fear! Their 300-foot drive-through RGB tunnel and 50-foot RGB light tree are still part of the show!
Enjoy some amazing burgers, homemade milkshakes, and hard ice cream before the show at the The Holy Cow. Feeling adventurous?! Try their Dragon burger with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, onion, fresh jalapeño, and dragon sauce. Switch it up a bit with a choice of Angus beef, grilled chicken, crispy chicken, or veggie bean burger. Whatever you choose, it will pair wonderfully with one of their signature and super delicious milkshakes!
7. Christmas in the Park at Grove City Memorial Park
Grove City
Grove City’s holiday spirit is on full display with businesses, organizations, families, and individuals all getting in on the action and contributing lighted displays for the city’s annual Christmas in the Park at Grove City Memorial Park, Nov. 25-Jan. 2. Be sure to keep track of your favorites as you drive through the park, then cast your vote for the People’s Choice and Kid’s Choice awards.
Just a short drive from the park is the charming downtown of Grove City. Here, in Olde Town Grove City you’ll find a variety of unique boutiques, antique stores, and one-of-a-kind shops, as well as wonderful, varied dining options and all in a delightful, walkable, art-filled atmosphere.
8. Holiday Light Spectacular at Nay Aug Park
Scranton
Immerse yourself in an illuminated winter wonderland at the Holiday Light Spectacular at Nay Aug Park, Nov. 18-Jan 7. Drive through the park and enjoy festive music and classic holiday scenes with more than 100 light displays, including the iconic Electric City sign and reindeer leaping over the Everhart Museum. Nearby, residents open their yards for scenic holiday walkthroughs and interactive displays at the Christmas Lights, Holiday House, and the Peckville Christmas House. On weekends, enjoy visits from Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Before or after the Holiday Light Spectacular, visit one (or more!) of the 160+ pizzerias along the Lackawanna County Pizza Trail. The county is known for its phenomenal pizza and you don’t want to leave without tasting a slice!
9. Holiday Nights of Lights
Bedford
The greater Bedford community is overflowing with the holiday spirit and good cheer as more than 100 businesses, organizations, schools, churches, and families have created sparkling displays for the 4th annual Holiday Nights of Lights, Nov 25-27, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 21-23, and 26. Drive through the Bedford County Fairgrounds to enjoy the dazzling lights and fun displays in this grand celebration of the season.
Before heading to the lights, spend an enjoyable day seeking out unique finds in beautiful downtown Bedford, where you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Enjoy a wonderful farm-to-table meal at Horn O Plenty, a “Freshtaurant” nestled in a charming 1730's log and stone cabin, with a menu that revolves around freshly harvested ingredients from their farm and other local family farms.
10. Holiday Lights on the Lake at Lakemont Park
Altoona
Prepare to be mesmerized by holiday magic as you drive through a dazzling array of more than a million lights at Holiday Lights on the Lake at Lakemont Park, Nov. 18-Jan. 8. Now in its 26th year, the holiday lights continue to delight generations of families with more than a million twinkling lights and their animated displays. Be sure to stop in and see Santa at his gift shop where you’ll also find unique holiday gifts and ornaments, delicious baked goods, and decorations from local crafters, and the Alto Model Train Display located right next door.
11. Linesville Lighted Tractor Parade
Linesville
It’s a magical and mechanical night of holiday splendor at the Lighted Tractor Drive-Thru Display, Dec. 3. Everything from lawnmowers and compact tractors to antique tractors, farm tractors, and floats will be decked out, each in its best holiday attire of sparkling lights and decorations that showcase each participant’s creativity and imagination.
Complete your visit to Linesville by visiting Twin Pies for a taste of their traditional homemade pies crafted from old and new family recipes. The café features daily selections of sessional fruit and classic flavors, such as chocolate silk, lemon meringue, and key lime pie.
12. Lights In The Parkway
Allentown
More than a mile of beautiful Lehigh Parkway is all aglow during the annual Lights in the Parkway, Nov. 25-Dec. 31 (closed Christmas Day). The lighted trees, tunnels, characters, and animated displays all set in a winter wonderland are certain to wow and delight your family. Be sure to purchase your ticket in advance because you won’t want to miss this spectacular holiday light show — all from the comfort of your own car.
Fortify yourself before your drive through the holiday lights with a delicious burger from Wert’s Café. Crowned the best burgers in the Lehigh Valley year after year, come taste for yourself why their signature burgers, scrumptious onion rings, delicious fries, and other tasty treats have been delighting diners for close to half a century.
13. Zoo Lights Drive-Thru
Pittsburgh
Twinkle, shimmer, and shine your way through the season during Zoo Lights Drive-Thru at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Nov. 26-27, Select dates Dec. 1-30. Thousands of lights transform the park into an unforgettable winter wonderland, with more than 100 animal lights with new displays and holiday treats for you to enjoy — all while listening to a special podcast of festive music while driving through the Zoo.
Stop in Primanti Bros. for an authentic taste of Pittsburgh before your Zoo experience at its original location in the Strip District. Guaranteed you won’t leave hungry after experiencing one of their delicious handcrafted sandwiches piled high with house-made coleslaw and perfectly seasoned fresh-cut fries.
14. Festival of Lights at Stone Hedge Golf Club
Tunkhannock
There’s no shortage of holiday fun and cheer at the Stone Hedge Festival of Lights, Nov. 23-Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 24). Enjoy a 2.5-mile journey through a spectacular display of holiday lights strung in fanciful displays and an amazing tunnel of glowing lights. Then enjoy s’mores roasted over a fire pit and a visit to the vendor marketplace for some unique gifts. The kids will definitely be filled with the spirit and fun of the season as they board the Christmas train and meet Santa.
Don’t leave town before stopping by the very quaint Twigs Café for a delicious meal and warm cup of one of their house-made soups.
15. F.N.B. Corporation Presents Zoo Lights Drive-Thru at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Pittsburgh
Make your holiday spirits bright journeying through the Zoo Lights Drive-Thru, select nights Nov. 25-Dec. 30. Wending your way through the zoo’s grounds guided by the holiday-themed audio tour, you’re sure to delight in their light displays, classic frosted characters, carols, thousands of lights, and new displays added for this year that transform the zoo into an unforgettable winter wonderland. Be sure to reserve your spot for this fun holiday adventure!
Don’t forget to stop by the Strip District, one of Pittsburgh’s iconic and unique neighborhoods. A foodie heaven, you’ll find a tremendous selection of eateries and shops to enjoy.
16. Conneaut Lake Trees of Light
Conneaut Lake
The shores of Conneaut Lake are all aglow spreading joy during the holiday season at the annual Conneaut Lake Trees of Light, starting Nov. 25 with Light Up Night on Thanksgiving Day. Hundreds of “flagpole trees” surround the lake with their colorful lights illuminating the night sky and reflecting off the lake.
Don’t forget to drop by Al's Melons Farm Market and Greenhouse, the light show’s official sponsor, with its great selection of produce as well as fresh cut trees and wreaths for the holidays.
17. Christmas in Color
Allentown
Dorney Park is kicking off the holiday season this year with its brand new, Christmas in Color animated, drive-through holiday light show, Nov. 18-Jan. 2. Get ready to be dazzled as millions of lights blink on and off in perfect synchronization to accompanying holiday tunes heard through your vehicle’s radio. There will be giant candy canes, stylish snowmen, and stunning arched pathways throughout the drive.
For a sweet treat, stop in to Ice Cream World. With dozens of fresh handmade hard ice cream flavors, soft ice cream and yogurt, and water ice, it will be hard to choose!
18. Christmas Magic
York
For nearly four decades York County Parks has been delighting generations of holiday revelers with its annual light show, Christmas Magic. Now in its 39th year, stroll through Christmas Magic 2022 at Rocky Ridge County Park, Nov. 25-Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 24-25) — a festive half-mile, ADA accessible woodland trail brimming with sparkling Christmas lights and holiday scenes. You must book a reservation online, but get to stay as long as you like until closing
Before or afterwards, visit The First Post Public House in downtown York in its beautifully renovated building that dates back to the mid 1850’s for some traditional fare with an innovative twist.
To learn about more holiday festivities in Pennsylvania, check out the visitPA website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter.
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