HARRISBURG – The holidays have arrived and Pennsylvania has plenty to keep visitors and residents alike in the spirit of the season while providing a break from the usual hustle and bustle.
Holiday travelers will find yuletide cheer across the commonwealth, thanks to a new list of unique holiday attractions in Pennsylvania.
“Nothing shines like Pennsylvania during the holiday season. From lighted walking trails to glimmering shops, holiday spirit is bright across the Keystone State,” said Carrie Fischer Lepore, deputy secretary of the Office of Marketing, Tourism, and Film, Department of Community and Economic Development.
“So bundle up, hit the road, and pursue your happiness at the various charming attractions open now across the state.”
A sampling of Pennsylvania’s must-see holiday attractions includes:
Christmas Magic – A Festival of Lights; York, York County
This half-mile walking trail – accessible to anyone – wanders through a forest nestled on a quiet mountaintop and includes 600,000 Christmas lights, holiday scenes, train displays and more. The event runs through Dec. 31, but is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Shadrack Christmas Wonderland; Prospect, Butler County
The Shadrack Christmas Wonderland is the world’s largest drive-through, fully synchronized light and music show of its kind. Featuring hundreds of thousands of environmentally-friendly LED Christmas lights, guests can sync their radio with the show. Shows are held nightly through Jan. 8, 2017.
Winter Lights Spectacular; Schnecksville, Lehigh County
This winter wonderland boasts giant snow globes, “snowballs” for children to toss and milk and cookies with Santa. The event is open Wednesday to Sunday through Jan. 1, 2017, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Hershey Sweet Lights; Hershey, Dauphin County
NOEL in Hersheypark, is a light show featuring more than 200,000 dancing lights synchronized to Christmas music. Nightly shows take place every half-hour, starting at 5 p.m. in The Hollow of Hersheypark. Hershey Sweet Lights is a two-mile wooded driving path with more than 600 animated displays.
Illuminaire Nights in Scenic Skippack Village; Skippack, Montgomery County
Hundreds of candles line the pathways and retail spaces of picturesque Skippack Village and are joined by carolers. See the spectacle Wednesdays and Fridays until Dec. 23.
Winter Flower & Light Show at Phipps Conservatory; Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
This holiday light display takes places throughout the Conservatory, and includes holiday decor illuminating the Outdoor Garden. The site is open until Jan. 8, 2017.
Koziar’s Christmas Village; Bernville, Berks County
Koziar’s Christmas Village is a seasonal attraction that includes displays, a train, a kissing bridge and thousands of twinkling lights. It is open seven nights a week through Jan. 1, 2017.
Overly’s Country Christmas; Greensburg, Westmoreland County
This event features a Christmas Village that includes an array of old-fashioned traditions like carolers, a bonfire, a model train display, shopping and a horse-drawn sleigh.
To stay connected with more holiday ideas, follow Pennsylvania’s updates on social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube) and use the hashtag #PAHolidays to help spread the word about this special time of the year. Or signup for our monthly newsletter for PA road trip ideas and events that are happening across our great state.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Tourism Office and additional holiday attractions in Pennsylvania, visit www.visitPA.com.