20 Pennsylvania Fall Festivals You’ll Want To Experience At Least Once In 2025
Pennsylvania transforms into a wonderland of twinkling lights, handcrafted treasures, and cozy seasonal treats as November fades into December.
Across the state, communities gather to celebrate the magic of the season with festivals that blend tradition, culture, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, sipping hot cocoa by a bonfire, or simply soaking in festive vibes, these late-fall gatherings offer unforgettable experiences for everyone.
1. Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem
Step into a slice of Germany without leaving Pennsylvania at this authentic holiday market. Over 60 artisans fill the air with the scent of roasted almonds and spiced cider while showcasing handcrafted ornaments, pottery, and wooden toys.
Live music drifts through the crowds, and vendors serve steaming bratwurst and warm pretzels. Running weekends from mid-November through late December, this Bethlehem tradition brings European charm to the Lehigh Valley in the most delightful way.
2. Christmas Village In Philadelphia
Right in the heart of the city, LOVE Park becomes a bustling European-style marketplace filled with twinkling lights and holiday spirit. Stalls overflow with international ornaments, hand-carved decorations, and artisan jewelry that make perfect gifts.
The aroma of roasted chestnuts and Belgian waffles fills the crisp air. Open daily from mid-November through Christmas Eve, this outdoor market offers a cozy escape amid the urban energy of Philadelphia.
3. Easton Winter Village
Centre Square transforms into a charming winter wonderland where families glide across an outdoor ice rink surrounded by twinkling lights. Local vendors offer handmade holiday gifts, warm mittens, and sweet treats that taste even better in the chilly air.
Children sip hot chocolate while parents browse unique crafts. Available on weekends from late November through December, this Easton tradition captures small-town holiday magic perfectly.
4. Lights In The Parkway
Cruise through over a mile of dazzling light displays without leaving the warmth of your car. Allentown’s Lehigh Parkway becomes a glowing tunnel of holiday scenes, from leaping reindeer to sparkling snowflakes that dance across the trees.
Families tune their radios to festive music while slowly winding through the illuminated path. Starting in late November and running into early January, this drive-through experience brings joy to all ages.
5. Mifflinburg Christkindl Market
This small-town market brings Old World traditions to central Pennsylvania with a focus on handmade treasures and authentic German treats. Local artisans showcase everything from knitted scarves to hand-painted ornaments, while the scent of cinnamon and cloves drifts from food stalls.
Live musicians add warmth to the December air. Scheduled for mid-December, this Mifflinburg gathering feels like stepping back in time to simpler holiday celebrations.
6. Pittsburgh Light Up Night
Downtown Pittsburgh bursts into brilliance as thousands gather to witness the official start of the holiday season. Giant Christmas trees glow to life, fireworks paint the sky, and street performers entertain crowds bundled in scarves and coats.
Local shops stay open late, offering hot drinks and holiday specials. Typically held in late November, this beloved tradition kicks off the festive season with energy and community spirit that warms even the coldest night.
7. Peddler’s Village Gingerbread House Competition
Creativity meets confection at this whimsical competition where gingerbread houses range from charming cottages to elaborate architectural marvels. Visitors wander through displays of frosting masterpieces, each more detailed than the last, while voting for their favorites.
The village itself glows with thousands of lights and holiday decorations. Running through December, this Bucks County event combines artistic talent with sweet holiday nostalgia in the most delightful way.
8. Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Millions of twinkling lights transform this beloved amusement park into a sweet holiday destination. Rides twirl beneath glowing decorations while the scent of hot cocoa and peppermint fills the air.
Characters dressed in festive attire greet visitors, and seasonal shows add entertainment between attractions. Open select dates from mid-November through December, Candylane offers a unique blend of thrills and holiday cheer that keeps families coming back year after year.
9. Koziar’s Christmas Village
What started as one family’s holiday tradition has grown into a spectacular light display featuring over a million bulbs. Walkways wind through themed areas where every surface sparkles with color and creativity.
Visitors sip warm drinks while exploring barns filled with vintage decorations and holiday scenes. Open nightly from early November through early January, this Bernville attraction proves that sometimes the most magical places start in someone’s backyard.
10. Longwood Gardens Christmas Display
Horticultural artistry reaches new heights when thousands of poinsettias, sparkling lights, and creative displays fill these famous gardens. Indoor conservatories showcase elaborate fountain performances set to music, while outdoor paths glow with illuminated trees.
The warmth of the greenhouses offers respite from winter chill. Running from mid-November through early January, this Kennett Square spectacle blends nature and celebration in ways that feel both elegant and enchanting.
11. Lancaster Central Market Holiday Shopping
America’s oldest continuously operating farmers market takes on extra charm during the holiday season. Local vendors offer everything from homemade jams to hand-stitched quilts, perfect for unique gift-giving.
The aroma of fresh-baked goods and roasted coffee beans creates a cozy atmosphere. Open multiple days each week through December, this Lancaster tradition connects visitors with local farmers and artisans in a setting that feels both historic and wonderfully current.
12. Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show
Tropical warmth meets winter wonder inside these stunning glass buildings where thousands of flowers bloom year-round. Holiday-themed displays feature model trains winding through miniature landscapes, while orchids and exotic plants add bursts of color.
Special evening events showcase the gardens under dramatic lighting. Running from late November through early January, this Pittsburgh treasure offers a lush escape from winter weather while celebrating the season beautifully.
13. Jim Thorpe Old Time Christmas
Victorian architecture provides the perfect backdrop for this charming mountain town’s holiday celebration. Historic buildings draped in garlands and lights create a scene straight from a vintage postcard.
Local shops offer antiques, handmade crafts, and seasonal treats while carolers stroll the streets. Weekend events throughout December include horse-drawn carriage rides and visits from St. Nicholas. This Pocono Mountains gem captures the nostalgia of holidays past with genuine warmth.
14. Gettysburg Remembrance Illumination
Thousands of candles flicker across the historic battlefield in a moving tribute that combines remembrance with seasonal reflection. Each luminary represents a soldier who fought here, creating a sea of gentle light that stretches into the distance.
Visitors walk quietly through the illuminated paths, contemplating history and sacrifice. Held annually in late November, this Gettysburg tradition offers a meaningful way to honor the past while gathering as a community during the holiday season.
15. Wellsboro Dickens Of A Christmas
Step into a Charles Dickens novel when this charming town transforms its streets into Victorian England. Costumed characters stroll past decorated storefronts, while carolers in period dress fill the air with classic songs.
Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop down the main street, and vendors offer warm cider and roasted nuts. Scheduled for early December weekends, this Wellsboro celebration brings literary history to life with genuine small-town hospitality and holiday cheer.
16. New Hope Holiday Happenings
Art galleries, boutique shops, and riverside charm combine in this Delaware River town’s holiday celebration. Window displays showcase local artists’ work alongside seasonal decorations, while shops offer unique gifts from jewelry to paintings.
Holiday concerts and special events fill weekends throughout December. The town’s bohemian vibe adds an artsy twist to traditional holiday shopping. This New Hope tradition attracts visitors seeking something beyond typical mall experiences.
17. Strasburg Rail Road Santa’s Paradise Express
All aboard for a magical train ride through Lancaster County farmland decorated with thousands of lights. Vintage rail cars become moving holiday scenes as families enjoy hot cocoa and cookies during the journey.
Santa himself visits each car, greeting children and posing for photos. Running select dates from late November through December, this Strasburg tradition combines railroad history with holiday magic in a way that delights both train enthusiasts and families.
18. Bethlehem Holiday Light Spectacular
Beyond the famous Christkindlmarkt, downtown Bethlehem sparkles with coordinated light displays that transform the entire historic district. Buildings outline their architecture in colorful bulbs while giant decorations anchor public squares.
Walking tours guide visitors through the best viewing spots, sharing local history along the way. Running from mid-November through early January, these displays create a backdrop for multiple holiday events and give the Christmas City its well-earned nickname.
19. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm Christmas
Experience how Pennsylvania German families celebrated Christmas in the 1800s at this living history farm. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts like candle-making and baking, while farmhouse rooms showcase period decorations made from natural materials.
The simplicity of historical celebrations offers refreshing contrast to modern excess. Special December weekends feature these programs, providing educational entertainment that appeals to history buffs and families seeking authentic cultural experiences.
20. Lititz Springs Park Candlelight Tour
Candles cast a gentle glow across one of America’s earliest planned parks during this intimate evening celebration. Historic buildings open their doors for tours, showcasing period decorations and sharing stories of holidays past.
Local musicians perform in candlelit spaces, adding warmth to the December air. Held on select evenings in early December, this Lititz tradition offers a peaceful alternative to busier festivals while honoring the town’s rich Moravian heritage beautifully.
