Must-Attend Holiday Events and Festivals in Pennsylvania

Country Christmas at the Farm

Find your perfect Christmas tree and enjoy more festive, family-friendly holiday activitiers near Erie at Port Farms’ Country Christmas at the Farm. Hop on a horse-drawn sleigh, wagon, or carriage to ride throughout the farm’s scenic tree farm then shop for holiday décor, handmade wreaths, and Christmas trees at their Harvest Barn gift shop. Venture into Santa’s Workshop (aka the Events Barn) every Saturday and Sunday to find live music, holiday food and drink specials (including a few adult beverages), crafts, and cookie decorating.

When: Nov. 27 - Dec. 20, 2026   

Merry Meadville

Kick off the holiday season off with a free, magical weekend at Merry Meadville! On Friday, Dec. 4 from 5-8 p.m., celebrate the season near Erie with a festive tree lighting ceremony, themed ice sculptures, visits from Santa, charming horse drawn carriage rides, and shopping throughout the picturesque town decorated for the holidays.

When: Dec. 4, 2026
Where: Meadville

Where: Waterford 

Shop Late Nights

Located in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, the small town of Kane goes big during the holiday season! Gather under the glow of a winter’s night during Kane’s Shop Late Nights festivities every Friday in December with horse-drawn carriage rides, special guest appearances, and fantastic holiday sales for all your shopping needs. Stay tuned for all the event details and special theme-night announcements on their Facebook page.

When: Dec. 4, 11, 18, 2026
Where: Kane

Sesame Place's A Very Furry Christmas Celebration

Ring in the holidays with your favorite Sesame Street characters at A Very Furry Christmas! Sesame Place Philadelphia transforms into a winter wonderland for this 2026 Christmas event, included with admission to the park, with millions of twinkling lights, whirling rides, and festive decorations. Enjoy savory Christmas menus, shop for holiday gifts, take photos with Sesame Street friends, and visit Santa in his Furry Workshop this holiday season.

When: Nov. 14, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027          
Where: Langhorne

Holidays at Brandywine

The Brandywine Museum of Art cranks up the holiday magic in 2026 with the return of its iconic Brandywine Railroad, where model trains wind through 2,000 feet of whimsical, detail‑packed scenery. Towering trees glowing with handmade Critter ornaments set a festive backdrop for this year’s new exhibition, Greeting Seasons: Wintry Joy in Children’s Illustration, a charming celebration of winter through the eyes of beloved illustrators. Travelers can dive even deeper into the fun with special experiences like Breakfast with the Trains, sensory‑friendly access, pajama nights, and hands‑on activities for kids.

When: Nov. 14, 2026 - Jan. 10, 2027          
Where: Chadds Ford

Peddler's Village Gingerbread Competition and Display

Feast your eyes on more than 100 amazing masterpieces crafted from gingerbread at Peddler’s Village’s annual, free-to-attend Gingerbread Competition & Display! A tradition since 1984, professional and amateur bakers of all ages showcase their gingerbread baking, decorating, and construction skills with creations ranging from the whimsical to the fantastical, and featuring holiday scenes and local landmarks. Pick your favorite gingerbread creation and vote for the winner of the coveted People’s Choice Prize.

When: Nov. 20, 2026 - Jan. 9, 2027       
Where: Lahaska 

Historic Grange Estate

You’ll find history and holiday merriment at the Historic Grange Estate, one of Delaware County’s hidden gems and home to more than 300 years of history. Uncover the joy of Christmases past every Saturday and Sunday with a themed tree in every room and the Cobbs Creek Lines Holiday Railroad model train rumbling through mini magical scenes. Stop by their Gift Shop for unique hand-crafted items made locally for a touch of hand-made history for your loved ones. Delight in the fun-filled, fantastic displays scattered throughout this unique architectural marvel and holiday experience near Philadelphia. 

When: Nov. 29, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027
Where: Havertown 

Delco for the Holidays 

Experience the magic of the season as Rose Tree Park glows to life with its annual Holiday Village and the always‑popular Delco Fare & Flair Nights. Stroll beneath dazzling lights, then dive into the flavors, finds, and festive spirit brought by local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Opening night sets the scene with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s arrival, while Fare & Flair Nights on Dec. 5-6 and 12-13 showcase lively performances from beloved local groups. It’s the perfect holiday getaway for travelers searching for small‑town charm wrapped in big seasonal sparkle.

When: Dec. 3, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027
Where: Media          

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

Every year Hersheypark Christmas Candylane transforms Hershey into a sparkling holiday escape with more than five million lights, festive rides, and sweet seasonal magic. Stroll through the whimsical candy‑themed TREEville trail, meet Santa and all nine of his reindeer, and experience new highlights like the Fire & Ice spectacular. Warm up with rich Hershey hot chocolate—plus a new spiked version for adults—and savor treats you can only find in the Sweetest Place on Earth. With cheerful shows, glowing displays, and holiday fun for all ages, Hersheypark offers a Pennsylvania tradition you’ll want to revisit year after year.

When: Nov. 13, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027
Where: Hershey

"It's A Wonderful Life" Festival

Indiana, PA — hometown of Jimmy Stewart and proud Christmas Tree Capital of the World™ — transforms into a spirited, small‑town Bedford Falls during the annual It’s a Wonderful Life Festival. Philadelphia Street pops with vintage lights, festive décor, and storefronts dressed to impress, while IRMC Park steals the show with its towering 30‑plus‑foot live Christmas tree. The 2026 celebration kicks off with the Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade on Nov. 20, then rolls into themed Saturdays through Dec. 19. Visitors can dive into family fun, tasty treats, and special events like the Cookie Tour and Blitzen’s Holiday Trivia Tour, plus catch the classic film at The Jimmy Stewart Museum. It’s the perfect place to toast the 80th anniversary of It’s a Wonderful Life and soak up some serious holiday cheer.

When: Nov. 20 - Dec. 19, 2026
Where: Indiana  

42^nd Annual Dickens of a Christmas Celebration

Get into the old-fashioned holiday spirit at Wellsboro's 42^nd Annual Dickens of a Christmas Celebration. The historic downtown transforms into a Victorian‑era holiday market for this iconic, A Christmas Carol‑inspired one‑day Pennsylvania event. The Arcadia Theater and many local churches offer special performances celebrating Charles Dickens and Christmas. Stroll the streets of downtown as they fill with vendors, costumed entertainers, and great food. Scrooge doesn't stand a chance with these merry festivities!

When: Dec. 5, 2026    
Where: Wellsboro 

11^th Annual Christmas on Main Street

Stroll along Wellsboro’s picturesque Main Street with its gas-lit light fixtures and unique local shops during the free Christmas on Main Street event, and you just might think you’ve stepped onto the set of a Hallmark holiday movie! Now in its 11^th year, the town celebrates its crucial role in keeping the country’s Christmas spirit alive in the years just before and then during World War II when the local glass factory first churned out its Shiny Brite ornaments to adorn family Christmas trees. See 30 displays of ornaments made in the early 1940s, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, and celebrate the season in the “town that saved Christmas.”

When: Dec. 10-13, 2026
Where: Wellsboro 

Bellefonte Victorian Christmas 2026

A cherished Happy Valley tradition that has enchanted generations for more than four decades, Bellefonte Victorian Christmas returns for a full weekend of holiday delight. Make lasting memories with this year's theme of "Stars, Stripes, and Christmas Lights" with live performances, rides on the Bellefonte Historical Railroad, and the open-air market in Talleyrand Park featuring artisan vendors and a variety of craft food and beverages. Santa arrives at his House on Diamond on Saturday morning, an event the little ones won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to buy a gift for those on your nice list from the talented artisans at the Victorian Christmas Arts and Crafts Show!

When: Dec. 11-13, 2026
Where: Bellefonte 

Five Christmases at the Shriver House Candlelight Tour

Take a candlelight tour of the exquisitely decorated Shriver House in downtown Gettysburg for a glimpse of how Christmas was celebrated in the mid-1800s during Five Christmases at the Shriver House. See the decorations, stockings hung on the mantle, the Christmas tree sitting in its place of honor in the holiday greenery room, and the candy and springerle cookies set out in anticipation of a visit from Santa. More event details for this upcoming season are coming soon. 

When: Christmas Tours Begin in Nov.
Where: Gettysburg

Christmas Tree Tours at Warehime-Myers Mansion

Hanover’s stunning neo-classical Warehime-Myers Mansion sparkles and shines this holiday season with two beautifully decorated floors lined with dozens of dazzling trees decorated by local civic and school groups. There will be live music on select evening tours adding to the festive atmosphere. As a bonus, stop in the Hanover Area History Museum located behind the historic mansion to learn a bit more about the region’s history and heritage.

When: Nov. 28, 2026 - Jan. 8, 2027  
Where: Hanover       

Annual Christmas Tea at the Oldest House

Step back in time at Laceyville’s Oldest House during the 2026 Annual Christmas Tea, a free holiday event near the Poconos. Enjoy mulled cider and cookies as you explore each floor, taking in festive fiber and textile arts displays. Learn the story of this historic home and kick off the season on Friday with a Tunkhannock Dulcimers concert and sing-along. Don’t miss this seasonal celebration—after the holidays, the Oldest House will be closed until May.

When: Dec. 4-6, 2026
Where: Laceyville 

An Endless Mountain Christmas

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, experience the nostalgic charm of the season with festive events and activities across the small mountain towns and farm communities of northeastern PA at An Endless Mountain Christmas. From events like their exquisite light shows and Christmas in Montrose from Dec. 4-6 to their Annual Christmas Tea from Dec. 4-6, this month-long celebration invites you to make magical memories across this northern PA region, 

When: Dec. 1-31, 2026        
Where: Various locations across Wyoming, Sullivan, Bradford, and Susquehanna counties 

12 Movies of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...a free Christmas film festival near the Pocono Mountains! Visit the Dietrich Theater for their 7^th Annual 12 Movies of Christmas. For two weeks straight, watch 12 classic holiday films on the Dietrich Theater’s big screen.

When: Dec. 4-17, 2026
Where: Tunkhannock