My favorite time of the year is coming up, and I wanted to make the holidays extra special this year! My kids are getting older, which means we can take longer trips to see some really awesome Christmas events and displays! I did some research and found some incredible holiday fun throughout western Pennsylvania. If you're looking for a fun, holiday day-trip, this list is for you!
With the holidays right around the corner, now's the perfect time to book your Erie, PA family photo shoot! Get those updated family photos just in time for Christmas cards!
Daffin's
Kicking things off in Sharon, PA; Daffin's is a must-see for anyone with a sweet tooth! Daffin’s not only produces delicious chocolate, they create giant chocolate sculptures, as well! Daffin’s is open year round, but during the holiday season, the Chocolate Kingdom is decorated for the holidays!
Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad
Who wouldn’t want to ride on a Santa train through snowy Titusville over the holidays?? The Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad offers Santa Train rides on select weekends in November and December. The train ride takes approximately 3 hours and departs at 1:00pm. You’ll be able to sing along with Christmas carolers, take photos of the kids with Santa and there are small gifts for children 13 and under. Free hot chocolate and cookies are waiting for you upon your return to Perry Street Station. You’ll even be able to do a little Christmas shopping in their train shop!
Nemacolin
If you’re looking for an overnight holiday stay, a trip to Nemacolin in the Laurel Highlands is a must! The entire resort is transformed into a winter wonderland and made extra charming by special treats like breakfast with Santa and a Bedtime Elf Visit for the kids! Christmas at Nemacolin is only being offered Tuesday-Sunday December 24th-29th, so plan accordingly!
Holiday Lights on the Lake in Altoona
If you’re looking for a beautiful, drive-through light display, look no further than the Holiday Lights on the Lake at Altoona’s Lakemont Park. Running from November 15th through January 5th you’ll be able to see the park’s 50-acre display in a variety of holiday displays.
Santa’s Christmasland at Kraynak’s
For many families the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Kraynak’s Santa’s Christmasland in Hermitage, PA. This 300 foot indoor holiday display is open from Sep. 10th-Dec. 31st. While the kiddos enjoy the amazing decorations, you can shop for toys, gifts and plants!
Christmas Stroll and Light Up Night
If you’re around Johnstown on November 22nd, be sure to catch the Hometown Christmas Stroll and Light Up Night! It starts at 5:30pm and runs until 8:00pm. It’s free admission for everyone and you’ll find food vendors, live entertainment, and of course, Santa himself! Then gather in Central Park for the lighting of the Christmas tree!
“It’s A Wonderful Life” Festival
Indiana, PA is a hotspot for Christmas activities! Did you know that Indiana is the Christmas tree capital of the world?? Kick off the festivities with the lighting of the Christmas tree and parade on November 22nd, followed by a wide range of activities in the following days! Local businesses get into the spirit by hosting different activities and dressing up their store windows with light displays. Be sure to check the schedule, as activities change daily!
Jimmy Stewart Museum
While visiting the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World” stop by the Jimmy Stewart Museum for a special It’s a Wonderful Life exhibit! The museum is decorated for the holidays along with life-size movie cutouts! Be sure to catch a screening of It’s a Wonderful Life everyday at 1:00pm throughout the holiday season!
Overly’s Country Christmas
Overly’s Country Christmas in Greensbur, PA offers two different ways to view their holiday light displays. Starting November 21st and running through December 30th you’ll be able to walk or drive through their beautiful holiday light displays. Overly’s Country Christmas Village is staffed by volunteers that, through their charitable works, provide incredible opportunities for needy families. Local highschools, entertainers, and church groups provide live music for plenty of caroling opportunities. Santa can be found in his workshop, a train ride just for the kiddos, and a winter playground all await you at Overly’s Country Christmas!
I had to give Pittsburgh it's very own section, because there are SO many fun things to see and do there throughout the holiday season! So below, you'll find all the Pittsburgh holiday fun!
Peoples Gas Holiday Market™
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ is located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh and feels like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie! It will open on Friday, November 17th and run through December 24th. Please note that it is closed on Thanksgiving! Inspired by German Christkindlmarkts (Christmas Markets) the square is the perfect place to find a unique gift for a special someone. After you’ve finished shopping the European-style open air market, head over to the ice rink to skate around the giant Christmas tree or visit Pittsburgh’s Creche (a replica of the Vatican’s Nativity Scene) at the U.S. Steel Tower.
Kennywood Holiday Lights
Kennywood pulls out all the stops with their 2024 Holiday Lights display, beginning November 15th. It’s listed as a USA Today 10 Best Theme Park Holiday Event. This year they’re including Rudolph, Clarice, Bumble, and Sam the Snowman! They also have a new light show over the lagoon, new decorations throughout the park and more than 3 million lights!
Phipps Conservatory Holiday Magic
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens kicks off the holiday season on November 16th with a colorful display, both inside and out! Check out the indoor winter flower show, featuring mystical creatures, holiday trees, and fantastic florals. Then step outside to view the winter light garden with its spectacular lights in a variety of colors. I know my daughter will get a huge kick out of the magical unicorn topiary with iridescent snowflakes! Even the garden railroad is getting into the holiday spirit!
Cathedral of Learning
The Cathedral of Learning, located on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus is home to a wide variety of Nationality Rooms. While the rooms are open and used by students year round, they become subtly festive during the holiday season. Each room is decorated in the style typical for that country and culture. This is a great chance for the family to learn how different cultures around the world celebrate the holidays. Please be aware that these are actively used classrooms and may be occupied during school days. They may also be locked on the weekends, in which case, you’ll have to purchase a self-guided tour. A great way to see all of the rooms is to visit during the Holiday Open House, taking place on November 17th from 12:00pm-4:00pm. This event is free, and open to the public. St. Nicholas will even be making an appearance for photos with the whole family!
Cultural District
You can’t beat Pittsburgh's Cultural District during the holidays! Between, the Holiday Pops offered by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh CLO, and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, there’s something for everyone throughout the month of December!
The kids will love the classic rendition of the Nutcracker, held at the historic Benedum Center from December 6th-27th. https://pbt.culturaldistrict.org/production/93458/the-nutcracker
Adults (seriously, it’s R-rated!) will love Who’s Holiday at the Greer Cabaret Theater from November 27th-December 22nd. https://www.pittsburghclo.org/shows/whos-holiday1
And the whole family will love listening to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Mendelssohn Choir at Heinz Hall throughout the month of December! https://pittsburghsymphony.org/production/93243/highmark-holiday-pops
I hope this list inspires you to get out and about with your family this holiday season! Let me know if you've been to any of these locations, or if you think a location should be added to the list!
And if you're looking for the perfect holiday gift for someone special, I happily offer gift certificates! They make the perfect present! Family photos are the only gift that gets more precious as time goes by!
As always, take care, and smile pretty!