The holiday season in Pennsylvania is truly magical. With snow-covered landscapes and dazzling, festive holiday displays, Pennsylvania transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland that delights people of all ages. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, take a journey through Pennsylvania this holiday season and let the illuminations guide your way. Join us as we explore some of our favorite places in Pennsylvania to experience the holiday lights.
PA Dutch Country
Hershey Sweet Lights, Hershey
Hershey Sweet Lights is a two-mile drive through fields and wooded trails featuring nearly 600 illuminated, animated holiday displays. Visitors can also tune in to a custom-made holiday radio station to enjoy along the drive. The twinkling lights and scent of chocolate in the air make this one of the sweetest, most dazzling displays on our list. Count the number of reindeer displays hidden throughout the experience for some added family fun.
Dates: November 10, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Admission: Ticket pricing and dates and hours of operation vary, so plan your fun in advance.
Christmas Magic - A Festival of Lights, York
Christmas Magic - Festival of Lights is a sparkling encounter that’s sure to fill you with holiday cheer. This enchanting half-mile wooded trail winds through Rocky Ridge Park and features over 600,000 seasonal lights. You'll be mesmerized by the festive scenes and themes and maybe even lucky enough to meet Santa Claus himself! Remember to book your online reservation to secure your spot at Christmas Magic.
Dates: November 24 - December 30, 2023
Admission: Tickets are available for select times and pricing is as follows: Adults $10; Youth (Ages 6-14) $5; Child (Under Age 6) Free. To reserve your spot, click here.
The Great Lakes Region
Presque Isle Lights at Presque Isle State Park, Erie
Looking for some holiday cheer this December? Head over to the shores of Lake Erie and check out the Presque Isle Lights, a self-guided drive-through tour featuring a stunning display of thousands of holiday lights that enhance the beauty of Presque Isle State Park. Make your drive-through experience more enjoyable by tuning into your favorite holiday tunes on a local radio station. It's the perfect way to get into the festive spirit!
Dates: Fridays and Saturdays in December 2023
Admission: Lights turn on at 6 p.m., and the gates close at 9 p.m. This is a free event. Donations are accepted. Learn more by clicking here.
Pittsburgh + the Alleghenies
Lakemont Park’s Holiday Lights on the Lake, Altoona
For over 20 years, Holiday Lights on the Lake at Lakemont Park has been thrilling visitors of all ages. You’ll be enchanted as you make your way through glittering, animated displays of more than a million lights. Don’t forget to stop by to see Santa’s gift shop, where you’ll find holiday gifts and decorations from local artisans, along with baked goods that will delight your taste buds.
Dates: November 17, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Admission: Open nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. including holidays. Pricing varies per vehicle. Learn more here
Overlys Country Christmas, Greensburg
Started as a modest holiday light display in 1956, Overlys Country Christmas has evolved into a beloved holiday attraction. What better way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit than taking a stroll through Overlys’ old-fashioned Christmas Village, listening to favorite holiday carols, sipping hot cocoa, and warming your hands near the crackling flames of a bonfire. You can even meet the jolliest elf of all, Santa, and drop off letters in his mailbox.
Dates: Select days November 16 - December 30, 2023
Admission: Hours and pricing vary. See website for more details.
Northeast + Poconos
Holiday Light Spectacular at Nay Aug Park, Scranton
Whether you want to experience the lights from the comfort of your own vehicle or wander on foot through Nay Aug Park, the Holiday Light Spectacular is packed with magical, illuminated displays, which include the Scranton Electric City sign, 12 days of Christmas, Santa and his reindeer, toy soldiers, and more. Plus, stop by the concession stand for hot cocoa and doughnuts.
Dates: November 20, 2023 - January 6, 2024
Admission: Free and open to the public. Donations are accepted. The display is open nightly from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Reading + Lehigh Valley
Koziar’s Christmas Village, Bernville
This vintage holiday experience is like a fairytale that comes alive and has been bringing holiday cheer for 75 years. With over one million holiday lights illuminating the village, Koziar’s Christmas Village is a wonderland of festive displays, seasonal shops, and charming attractions.
Dates: November 4, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Admission: Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Standard pricing and dates and hours of operation vary, so planning your visit ahead of time is recommended.
Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Winter Light Spectacular, Schnecksville
A wild winter paradise of dancing lights and holiday displays will certainly put you in good holiday spirits. The Lehigh Valley Zoo’s holiday celebration is back for its tenth year. The Winter Light Spectacular features over 1.2 million lights and displays, picture-perfect photo opportunities, fire pits to keep you warm and cozy, tasty seasonal treats like hot chocolate and s’mores, live appearances by favorite magical princesses, and photos with the jolly man himself, Santa.
Dates: November 10 - December 31, 2023
Admission: Tickets are sold in 2-hour sessions. Check availability as hours of operation differ per day.
Lights in the Parkway, Allentown
Lights in the Parkway is an incredible drive-through holiday light display spanning over a mile of Lehigh Parkway. From luminous trees and tunnels to animated displays and favorite holiday characters, you and your family will be awed by this winter wonderland.
Dates: November 24 - December 31, 2023
Admission: Open daily 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Advanced tickets are required; visit website for more details.
Philadelphia Area
A Longwood Christmas, Kennett Square
Longwood Gardens transforms into a luminous wonder during the holidays. The outdoor gardens sparkle with thousands of lights, while the indoor displays feature beautifully decorated trees and holiday music. From trees decorated in vintage baubles and shimmering tinsel to favorite childhood toys, visitors can relive the good old days with A Very Retro Christmas this year.
Dates: November 17, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Admission: Timed admission tickets are required. Tickets sell out quickly, so plan your visit ahead. Gardens are open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show, Yardley
There are multiple ways to experience this holiday spectacle. You can either drive through Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show and view over a million lights from the comfort of your own vehicle or take an open-air, tractor-drawn wagon ride through the light show all while enjoying the whimsical displays.
Dates: November 18, 2023 - January 27, 2024
Admission: Hours of operation are Sunday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets can be purchased per vehicle or individually for the wagon ride. Check dates of availability.
Susquehanna Valley
Knoebels’ Joy Through the Grove, Elysburg
Renowned for its thrilling rides and nostalgic charm, Knoebel’s Amusement Resort transforms into a festive wonderland with its Joy Through the Grove holiday light experience. Drive through two miles of lighted pathways and 500 illuminated exhibits, with several custom Knoebels-themed displays. Before you start your merry journey, grab some of the park’s fan-favorite snacks like caramel corn, cotton candy, fudge, and more, to enjoy on the ride, all available at the admission window.
Dates: Open nightly from November 24 - December 31, 2023
Admission: Pricing depends on date and vehicle type. See website for more details.
Pennsylvania knows how to celebrate the festive season in style. From urban splendors to quiet attractions in quaint towns, there’s a light display ready to dazzle everyone. So, bundle up, grab some cocoa, and embark on a luminous journey through Pennsylvania’s holiday displays.
Looking for more holiday inspiration? Check out our blog.
