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 2025.
Hanover Santa Cabins
Hanover’s legendary Santa Cabin on the Square has been spreading holiday magic since 1936—and it’s back to charm a whole new generation. Stop by throughout December to meet Santa in his cozy little cabin and snag a memory that’ll last way past the season. Even better? Parking meters are free on Fridays and Saturdays all month long, making your festive visit to downtown Hanover an easy holiday win.
When: Now-December 23, 2025
Where: Hanover
Astra Lumina
Step into Astra Lumina, where the 27-acre Abington Art Center outside of Philadelphia transforms into a glowing, after-dark journey through light and sound. Wander forest pathways filled with shimmering installations, cosmic soundscapes, and immersive projections designed to make you feel like you’re walking through the stars.
When: Now-December 31, 2025
Where: Jenkintown
Dutch Winter Wonderland
Lancaster’s Dutch Winter Wonderland flips the switch on holiday fun, turning Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park into a glittering, kid-approved winter escape. Expect sparkling light displays, plenty of pint-sized rides, seasonal snacks, and cheerful holiday shows that keep the energy high. It’s a festive, feel-good adventure that brings big holiday magic to the heart of South Central PA—and makes an easy win for your winter plans.
When: Now-December 31, 2025
Where: Lancaster
Pearl S. Bucks Festival of Trees
One of the most historic and beloved holiday traditions near Philadelphia, 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-January 4, 2026
Where: Perkasie
LEGOLAND Holiday Bricktacular
Make holiday memories that stick at Holiday Bricktacular, Philadelphia’s ultimate family festive event at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. This December, dive into a winter wonderland packed with hands-on activities, festive decorations, and LEGO-powered fun for all ages. Don’t miss Build To Give, where families can craft LEGO hearts to help donate sets to children in need—spreading joy while stacking bricks. It’s the perfect mix of creativity, cheer, and family fun to light up your holiday season in Philly.
When: Now-January 4, 2026
Where: Plymouth Meeting
Holidays at Brandywine Museum of Art
The Brandywine Museum of Art brings serious festive energy with the return of its iconic Brandywine Railroad, a 1972 tradition featuring model trains running across 2,000 feet of track with more than 1,000 tiny details to spot. Towering trees trimmed with the museum’s signature handmade Critter ornaments add even more holiday charm.
New this year is Home for the Holidays: Cards and Hearths from the Collection, showcasing standout dollhouses—including rooms from Ann Wyeth McCoy’s nine-foot creation—and original holiday card art from the Wyeths and other illustrators. Holiday hours run November through January, with extended evening hours in late December. Plus, special programs like Breakfast with the Trains, sensory-friendly access, pajama nights, and children’s events round out the festive lineup at the museum.
When: Now-January 4, 2026
Where: Chadds Ford
Snowmen of Stroudsburg
The town of Stroudsburg turns up the holiday charm with the Snowmen of Stroudsburg, a creative community tradition presented by GO Collaborative since 2017. Local artists paint life-size snowmen and scatter them throughout downtown, transforming the borough into a festive, walkable winter gallery perfect for exploring—and snapping a few fun pics along the way.
When: Now-February 28, 2026
Where: Stroudsburg
Festival of Ice
The 28th Annual Festival of Ice is about to be the sweetest stop on your holiday itinerary. This year’s theme — Christmas Candyland — transforms the festival into a sugar-coated wonderland that’ll tempt every sweet tooth. Stroll through this free, frosty playground and hit up treat stations where you can stack the ultimate s’more or build a giant ice cream sundae. Catch live local jams, swing by Santa’s Village to drop your wishlist with the St. Nick himself, and dive into a life-size Candyland game that turns both kids and grown-ups into instant competitors.
When: December 4-5, 2025
Where: Lewistown
Handmade Arcade Holiday Market
Pittsburgh’s Handmade Arcade is the place to level up your holiday shopping game. More than 275 makers and artists take over the David L. Lawrence Convention Center with one-of-a-kind, handcrafted finds you won’t spot anywhere else. The main event runs 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Dec. 6, but savvy shoppers can hit the Friday Night Happy Hour or snag Saturday early-bird tickets to score the good stuff before the crowds roll in. It’s the region’s biggest holiday market—and easily one of the coolest stops to add to your PA winter lineup.
When: December 5-6, 2025
Where: Pittsburgh
18th Annual Live Nativity
Take a journey through the town that changed the world at the 18th 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 Christmas event, perfect for creating memories with family and friends.
When: December 5-6, 2025
Where: Titusville
Holiday Wheels & Thrills Community Model Train Displays
You’re on the right track to embrace the holidays at the 10th Annual Indiana Holiday Wheels & Thrills Community Model Train Display. Located at the Indiana Mall, this beloved free holiday 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, and a unique collection of RC airplanes on display.
When: December 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 2025
Where: Indiana
Shop Benezette
Kick off the season in style with the Annual Holiday Shopping Tradition in the Elk Capital of PA. Join the community for the tree lighting, snag a photo-op with Benny the Elk and Santa, and browse festive shops offering holiday specials and Christmas décor. It’s small-town charm, seasonal spirit, and easy gift-getting—all wrapped into one winter celebration for two full days of holiday magic.
When: December 5-7, 2025
Where: Benezette
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 Robert Englund, from Stranger Things, Parker Posey, from White Lotus season three, Shia LaBeouf from Transformers, Robert Patrick, Malin Akerman, John Stamos, 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: December 5-7, 2025
Where: Pittsburgh
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: December 5-7, 2025
Where: Gettysburg
Have Yourself a Merry Local Christmas at Lone Oak Farm
Have Yourself a Merry Local Christmas this holiday season at Lone Oak Farm near Pittsburgh! Enjoy a free, festive event 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: December 6, 2025
Where: Marion Center
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 free, special event doubles as a fundraiser to support the Huntingdon Fuel Fund, helping spread warmth and cheer to families and individuals this season.
When: December 6-7, 2025
Where: Huntingdon
Olmsted Manor Open House
Celebrate the season at the free 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: December 7, 14, 2025
Where: Ludlow
Phoenixville Firebird Festival
The Phoenixville Firebird Festival is a one-of-a-kind winter ritual that brings the community together in Phoenixville. As night falls, a towering 20-foot wooden Phoenix sculpture, built by local artists and volunteers, is set ablaze in a dramatic celebration of rebirth and renewal. Revelers gather under the stars, surrounded by fire-dancers, drummers, and live music. Local food and craft vendors offer treats and treasures, while the crackling flames spark wonder and unity. This isn’t just a festival—it’s a fiery, magical gathering to honor transformation and creativity in the heart of Pennsylvania.
When: December 13, 2025
Where: Phoenixville
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: December 13-14, 2025
Where: Gettysburg
Drunken Smithy Yule Bazaar
Step into a world of holiday magic at the Drunken Smith Yule Bazaar, a free 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 live music and theatrical performances, and costumed actors bring the event to life.
When: December 13-14, 2025
Where: Lebanon
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 Tom Hand. 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: December 14, 25, 2025
Where: Washington Crossing
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: December 19-22, 2025
Where: Langhorne
Kwanzaa: Celebration at the Mercer Museum
Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Mercer Museum! This interactive, free 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: December 26, 2025
Where: Doylestown
For more December happenings in Pennsylvania, discover these magical holiday events and unique New Year's Eve celebrations to attend.