Spending the holidays in PA is filled with seasonal holiday markets and magical train rides with Santa, but add one of Pennsylvania's delightful December events to your next PA Getaway for the ultimate festive fix. Whether you’re visiting Santa in a cave, watching a reenactment of Washington crossing the Delaware River, or channeling your inner Rocky, Pennsylvania offers an abundance of options to make lasting memories in the final days of 2024.
Pearl S. Bucks Festival of Trees
Experience the Pearl S. Bucks Annual Festival of Trees as the iconic Bucks County stone farmhouse transforms into a festive wonderland filled with holiday decorations. Each display captures the spirit of Pearl S. Buck—renowned writer, activist, and humanitarian—making this event a heartfelt celebration of creativity and community during the holiday season.
When: Now-Jan. 5
Where: Perkasie
Cost: Price varies
Holiday Wheels & Thrills Community Model Train Displays
You’re on the right track to embrace the holidays at the 9th Annual Indiana Holiday Wheels & Thrills Community Model Train Display. Located at the Indiana Mall, this beloved tradition delights visitors of all ages with intricate model train displays that capture the magic of the season. While you’re there, admire the festive handiwork of the Indiana PA Quilter’s Club, showcasing beautiful holiday quilts.
When: Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22
Where: Indiana
Cost: Free
RockyFest
Celebrate the 48th anniversary of “Rocky” with a first-of-its-kind, city-wide celebration during the new annual event, RockyFest! Experience the excitement of Rocky Day, a newly established city celebration, marking the film’s 1976 release and kicking off a five-day celebration. Enjoy events throughout the city, such as a special Rocky Date Night at Penn Ice Rink, Rocky Date Night at The Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature, and a live signing event with artist John Rivoli.
When: Dec. 3-8
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: Price varies
Festival of Ice
The 27th Annual Festival of Ice is going global! This year’s theme, “Christmas Around the World,” invites you to experience the magic of holiday traditions from around the world. As you explore, you’ll find stunning ice sculptures that showcase famous landmarks and iconic figures from various countries, while festive decorations highlight traditional attire and national flags from around the world.
When: Dec. 5-6
Where: Lewistown
Cost: Free
17th Annual Live Nativity
Take a journey through the town that changed the world at the 17th Annual Live Nativity. This enchanting drive-through experience brings the sights and sounds of Bethlehem to life. From the comfort of your car, immerse yourself in the wonder of this timeless story. For two nights only, celebrate the season with this free event, perfect for creating cheso much morerished memories with family and friends.
When: Dec. 6-7
Where: Titusville
Cost: Free
Steel City Con
Attend Steel City Con, one of the best comic cons in the country, to meet and hear from some of your favorite characters from a variety of television shows and movies. Sit in on exclusive panel events with famous actors and actresses, including Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, Bret Iwan, the original voice of Mickey Mouse, Bryce Dallas Howard from the “Jurassic World” franchise, Joe Manganiello, Heather Locklear, Josh Gad, and so much more. Don’t miss the chance to dive into the world of comics and pop culture at this must-attend event in PA.
When: Dec. 6-8
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Price varies
A Gettysburg Christmas Festival
Explore historic Gettysburg this winter during A Gettysburg Christmas Festival! Enjoy three days filled with free attractions and activities including free tours of the Dobbin House, live ice carvings, a gingerbread bouncy house, and live reindeer! Immerse yourself in a lineup of entertainment, food, beverages, shopping, games, and contests – the perfect holiday celebration for all ages.
When: Dec. 6-8
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Free
Santa in the Cave
Head to The Lincoln Caverns for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience—meet Santa in the Cave! As Pennsylvania’s largest cave, the Lincoln Caverns offer four miles of underground adventure, conveniently located off of the William Penn Highway. During your visit, enjoy breathtaking winter views of Chestnut Ridge from the family lookout. This special event doubles as a fundraiser to support the Huntingdon Fuel Fund, helping spread warmth and cheer to families and individuals this season.
When: Dec. 7-8
Where: Huntingdon
Cost: Free
Have Yourself a Merry Local Christmas at Lone Oak Farm
Have Yourself a Merry Local Christmas this holiday season at Lone Oak Farm! Enjoy a festive day featuring small business vendors, a heartwarming Santa experience, live holiday music, delicious food trucks, and a charitable basket raffle. Don’t miss the famous scratch-made baked goods from Lone Oak Farms and an array of local treasures in the farm store.
When: Dec. 7, 14
Where: Marion Center
Cost: Free
Olmsted Manor Open House
Celebrate the season at the annual Christmas Open House at Olmsted Manor! Bring your family to enjoy the beautifully decorated Manor House and grounds, live music, and festive Christmas cookies.
When: Dec. 8, 15
Where: Ludlow
Cost: Free
Washington Crossing Reenactment
Experience history as it comes to life this Christmas at The Crossing Reenactment at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Witness a captivating reenactment of this pivotal moment in American history as George Washington crosses the Delaware River, with two chances to see the crossing with guest narrator Peter Hegseth. Enjoy special colonial-era activities and demonstrations in the Historic Village while the surrounding scenery exudes holiday charm with period wreaths, candles, and holiday trees.
When: Dec. 8, 25
Where: Washington Crossing
Cost: $10 on Dec. 8, Free on Dec 25
Gettysburg Holiday House Tour
Journey through the Gettysburg area for a joyous, self-guided tour of historic buildings decorated for the holidays. Discover the charm of unique inns, bed & breakfasts, and private homes — each one with a story for you to discover along the way.
When: Dec. 14-15
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: Price varies
Drunken Smithy Yule Bazaar
Step into a world of holiday magic at the Drunken Smith Yule Bazaar, an annual celebration of winter themes, cherished traditions, and boundless festive cheer. Whether you're hunting for the perfect gift, dreaming up holiday décor, or simply soaking in the seasonal spirit, the Yule Bazaar promises an unforgettable experience. This two-day indoor festival offers a renaissance flair with free live music and theatrical performances, and costumed actors bring the event to life.
When: Dec. 14-15
Where: Lebanon
Cost: Free
Christmas by Candlelight at West Overton Village and Museum
Step back in time with the Christmas by Candlelight tour of the 1838 Overholt Homestead, decorated with historically accurate holiday decor. Discover the origins of cherished Christmas traditions and how the Overholts celebrated—or didn’t—during the 1800s. Explore the history of Christmas in southwestern Pennsylvania, uncovering tales of early gift givers like Belsnickel and Santa Claus, as well as the roots of other festive customs.
When: Dec. 14-15, 21-22
Where: Scottdale
Cost: $16 for non-members, $14 for members, $12 for youth ages 6-17, and children under 5 free
Celebrate Hanukkah at Sesame Place
Celebrate the magic of Hanukkah at Sesame Place ! Join beloved Sesame Street friends for a joyful experience featuring a lively game of dreidel, the lighting of the Menorah, festive dancing, and music. Discover the traditions and stories of Hanukkah during a special story time, plus meet and have your photo taken with Baby Bear.
When: Dec. 26 - Jan. 1
Where: Langhorne
Cost: Price varies
Kwanzaa: Celebration at the Mercer Museum
Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Mercer Museum! This interactive event features live music, unique vendors, kids’ activities, and engaging programming, including a special presentation by Dr. Wanda Lewis-Campbell, a renowned cultural educator. Immerse yourself in a holiday celebration of culture and tradition at the Mercer Museum this Kwanzaa.
When: Dec. 27
Where: Doylestown
Cost: Free
For more holiday events in PA, check out the VISIT PA website. Follow us on Facebook, X, Pinterest, Threads, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay up to date on even more great trip ideas and places to visit around the state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter.