Holiday festivals near Pittsburgh
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
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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
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
Holiday events near Philadelphia
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
Christmas celebrations in central PA
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
42nd Annual Dickens of a Christmas Celebration
Get into the old-fashioned holiday spirit at Wellsboro's 42nd 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
11th 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 11th 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
Small town holiday magic in the Endless Mountains
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 7th 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
