The holiday season in Pennsylvania is a time of excitement, joy, and celebration. Across the state, communities come together to mark the festive period with grand parades, charming Christmas markets, and a variety of local events that bring out the holiday spirit. From the bustling streets of Philadelphia to the quaint towns scattered across the state, Pennsylvania offers something special for everyone. Whether you’re looking to marvel at colorful floats, shop for unique gifts at a Christmas market, or experience small-town charm with local parades, Pennsylvania has a wide range of holiday activities to make the season unforgettable.
The Tradition of Holiday Parades in Pennsylvania
Holiday parades have been a beloved tradition for generations in Pennsylvania. These events serve as community gatherings where families, friends, and neighbors come together to celebrate the season. From grand Thanksgiving parades featuring floats and marching bands to Christmas processions with Santa Claus and dazzling light displays, these parades represent the heart and soul of the holiday season in Pennsylvania.
Holiday parades are often more than just an opportunity to see beautiful floats and characters – they are community traditions that bring everyone together. Many towns in Pennsylvania have been hosting these parades for decades, and attending them is often a family tradition passed down from generation to generation.
Thanksgiving Day Parades in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Philadelphia boasts one of the oldest and most iconic Thanksgiving Day parades in the United States. Established in 1920, this annual event continues to delight crowds with its grand scale, colorful floats, talented performers, and appearances by popular characters. As one of the largest parades in the country, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade attracts visitors from all over the state and beyond.
The parade takes place along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, offering a stunning backdrop with views of Philadelphia’s skyline and historic landmarks. Each year, participants include massive balloons of beloved characters, intricately designed floats, performances by high school and college marching bands, and, of course, Santa Claus making his grand entrance to signal the beginning of the Christmas season.
Families often arrive early to secure a good spot along the route, bringing blankets and thermoses of hot cocoa to enjoy while waiting for the parade to start. The atmosphere is filled with excitement as children eagerly anticipate the arrival of their favorite characters and the joyous holiday music fills the air.
If you’re looking to kick off the holiday season with a truly memorable event, Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an excellent choice. Its rich history, grandeur, and festive atmosphere make it a highlight of Pennsylvania’s holiday celebrations.
Pittsburgh’s WPXI Holiday Parade
Over on the western side of the state, Pittsburgh has its own cherished Thanksgiving tradition: the WPXI Holiday Parade. Held on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, this parade celebrates both Thanksgiving and the start of the Christmas season. Featuring local celebrities, high school bands, colorful floats, and large balloons, the WPXI Parade is a family-friendly event that draws thousands of spectators to downtown Pittsburgh.
What makes the WPXI Holiday Parade unique is its emphasis on community involvement. Many of the participants are local schools, organizations, and performers, showcasing the talent and spirit of the Pittsburgh area. The parade winds through the streets of downtown, passing by iconic city landmarks and ending with a visit from Santa Claus himself.
Attending the WPXI Holiday Parade has become a tradition for many Pittsburgh families, offering a festive and exciting way to ease into the holiday season. The parade’s family-oriented atmosphere makes it an excellent event for people of all ages to enjoy.
Christmas Parades and Festivals
Scranton’s Santa Parade
Scranton, Pennsylvania, comes alive with holiday cheer each year during the Scranton Santa Parade. Held in late November, this festive event kicks off the holiday season with style. The Scranton Santa Parade features a delightful mix of floats, marching bands, community organizations, and local performers, all coming together to spread holiday joy.
One of the highlights of the parade is the grand finale when Santa Claus makes his appearance, thrilling children and signaling the official start of the Christmas season in Scranton. Families line the streets of downtown Scranton to watch the parade, often bringing chairs and blankets to stay cozy in the crisp November air.
In addition to the parade, Scranton hosts several holiday events throughout the season, including tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday markets, and visits with Santa. These events bring the community together and provide plenty of opportunities to get into the holiday spirit.
Lancaster’s Mayor’s Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade
Lancaster, a city known for its historic charm, takes its holiday celebrations to heart with a beautiful Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony. The Mayor’s Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade, held in early December, is one of Lancaster’s most anticipated events of the year.
The event begins with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree in Penn Square, followed by a festive parade that winds through the streets of downtown Lancaster. The parade features a mix of floats, dancers, and local performers, with Santa Claus making his grand entrance to delight children and adults alike.
Lancaster’s holiday festivities don’t end with the parade. The city also hosts various holiday markets, craft fairs, and musical performances throughout the season, making it a magical destination for holiday lovers. Strolling through the beautifully decorated downtown area, visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while shopping for unique gifts from local artisans.
Bethlehem’s Christmas City Parade
Bethlehem, known as “Christmas City,” truly lives up to its name during the holiday season. Located in the Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem is famous for its annual Christmas City Parade, which draws visitors from across the region. The parade, held in early December, celebrates the city’s rich history and strong community spirit.
The Christmas City Parade features marching bands, decorated floats, and performances that capture the magic of the season. But the highlight for many is seeing Santa Claus arrive at the end of the parade, officially ushering in the Christmas season in Bethlehem.
In addition to the parade, Bethlehem offers a host of holiday events and attractions, including its renowned Christkindlmarkt – a traditional German-style Christmas market where visitors can shop for handcrafted gifts, enjoy delicious seasonal treats, and experience live entertainment. The entire city is adorned with twinkling lights, transforming it into a winter wonderland.
Christmas Markets in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s Christmas Village
For a true European Christmas market experience without leaving the country, Philadelphia’s Christmas Village is a must-visit destination. Located in LOVE Park, this traditional German-style market features more than 80 wooden booths selling everything from handmade ornaments and crafts to gourmet foods and seasonal treats.
The Christmas Village is open from late November through Christmas Eve, offering a festive atmosphere with live performances, Christmas carolers, and the twinkling lights of the market’s beautifully decorated stalls. Visitors can indulge in traditional German fare such as bratwurst, pretzels, and mulled wine while browsing for unique gifts.
Whether you’re looking for a special ornament to hang on your tree or simply want to soak in the holiday spirit, Philadelphia’s Christmas Village provides a magical escape in the heart of the city.
Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem
As part of Bethlehem’s larger Christmas celebration, the Christkindlmarkt is one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved holiday markets. Held in the shadows of the Bethlehem Steel Stacks, this market offers a mix of traditional German crafts, live entertainment, and delicious seasonal foods.
Visitors can explore a variety of artisan stalls, offering everything from handmade jewelry and pottery to holiday decorations and candles. In addition to shopping, Christkindlmarkt features live ice carving demonstrations, musical performances, and visits with St. Nicholas.
Christkindlmarkt is open on weekends from mid-November through December, providing plenty of opportunities to visit and enjoy the festive atmosphere. For those looking to find unique, handcrafted gifts while experiencing the magic of a traditional Christmas market, Christkindlmarkt is a perfect destination.
Mifflinburg Christkindl Market
Mifflinburg, a small town in central Pennsylvania, transforms into a charming holiday destination each December for its annual Christkindl Market. Modeled after the traditional Christmas markets of Germany, the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market is an enchanting event that draws visitors from across the state.
The market features dozens of vendors selling handmade crafts, gifts, and delicious holiday treats, all set against the backdrop of beautifully decorated wooden stalls. With live music, traditional German foods, and visits from St. Nicholas, the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market is a delightful celebration of holiday cheer.
One of the market’s unique offerings is its focus on traditional German culture and heritage, with many vendors showcasing authentic German products. The market takes place over three days in mid-December, making it a perfect weekend getaway for those looking to embrace the holiday spirit.
Local Holiday Celebrations Across Pennsylvania
New Hope’s Holiday Parade and Festival
New Hope, a picturesque town along the Delaware River, comes alive with holiday charm each year with its Holiday Parade and Festival. Held in early December, this event kicks off the holiday season with a community parade featuring local businesses, schools, and organizations.
Following the parade, visitors can enjoy a variety of holiday-themed activities, including visits with Santa Claus, live music, and festive shopping at local boutiques. The town’s historic streets are adorned with holiday lights, making it a magical destination for anyone looking to escape into a winter wonderland.
New Hope’s holiday celebration also includes a tree lighting ceremony and a festive train ride on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, where visitors can take a scenic journey through the countryside while enjoying holiday music and hot cocoa.
Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas
The town of Jim Thorpe, often referred to as the “Switzerland of America,” is known for its charming holiday festivities. Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas celebration is a beloved annual event that transforms the town into a Dickensian holiday village, complete with Victorian decorations, horse-drawn carriages, and festive lights.
Throughout December, visitors can enjoy a variety of holiday activities, including Christmas concerts, a tree lighting ceremony, and a parade featuring Santa Claus. The town’s historic streets are lined with local shops and restaurants, making it a perfect place to do some holiday shopping while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas celebration also includes special holiday train rides on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, offering breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape.
Lititz Christmas Candlelight Tour
The small town of Lititz, located in Lancaster County, celebrates the holiday season with its annual Christmas Candlelight Tour. This unique event invites visitors to experience the town’s historic homes and buildings, beautifully decorated for the season and lit by candlelight.
The Candlelight Tour takes place in early December and offers a glimpse into Lititz’s rich history and strong sense of community. In addition to the tour, the town hosts a variety of holiday events, including a tree lighting ceremony, holiday concerts, and visits with Santa Claus.
Lititz is known for its small-town charm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for those looking to experience a quieter, more intimate holiday celebration.
Conclusion
Holiday parades, Christmas markets, and local celebrations in Pennsylvania provide a magical way to celebrate the season. From the grand Thanksgiving parades in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to the charming Christmas festivals in small towns like Bethlehem, Scranton, and Jim Thorpe, the state offers a wide range of holiday events for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking to shop for unique gifts at a Christmas market, watch a festive parade with your family, or experience the warmth of a small-town holiday celebration, Pennsylvania has something to offer. The holiday season is a time for joy, community, and celebration, and there’s no better place to experience that magic than in the heart of the Keystone State.
