These 5 Towns in the Endless Mountains are Full of Holiday Fun
If we’ve learned anything from Hallmark movies, it’s that nothing’s more heartwarming than a small-town Christmas. In the Endless Mountains of NEPA, the holiday magic comes to life with adorable storefronts, twinkling light displays, and snowy countryside views. Visit these five towns to discover holiday festivals, family fun, and hometown spirit.
Christmas in Our Hometown in Tunkhannock, PA
Tunkhannock kicks off the holiday season the weekend after Thanksgiving with the arrival of the Santa Train. On November 29-30, families can climb aboard the Reading & Northern Railroad and take a ride along the Susquehanna River. Santa will make his way through the train cars and meet with each child.
The festivities continue on December 12-13 during Christmas in Our Hometown, presented by the Tunkhannock Business and Professional Association. On Friday night, Tioga Street is closed to traffic so you can stroll to the downtown shops and restaurants. Make sure to watch the tree lighting and take a wagon ride around town. On Saturday afternoon, don’t miss vendors, family activities, and more.
When it comes to decorating, Tunkhannock goes above and beyond. The Festival of Lights at Stone Hedge Golf Course is the biggest drive-through light display in the area with over five million lights. This awe-inspiring display even earned the top spot on Forbes’ list of “7 Spectacular Christmas Light Displays That Offer Holiday Magic.” The display is open nightly from November 22 through December 31, excluding Christmas Eve. For even more holiday cheer, take a drive around town to admire over 30 homes and businesses that are competing in the Tunkhannock Christmas Decorating Contest sponsored by The Wright Center for Community Health. You can vote for your favorites on December 1-16.
Finally, it doesn’t feel like the holidays until you watch your favorite Christmas movies. The Dietrich Theater will once again host the 12 Movies of Christmas on December 5-12. This holiday film festival features beloved classics like Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, It’s a Wonderful Life, and more. Admission is free.
Factoryville Christmas Market in Factoryville, PA
Located less than a half hour from Scranton, Factoryville is a quaint town filled with the holiday spirit. On December 5-7, the popular Factoryville Christmas Market returns to Christy Mathewson Park. Inspired by Europe’s outdoor holiday markets, this event showcases over 60 local artisans, crafters, and vendors.
The shopping is just the beginning of the fun. On Friday night, Santa will arrive on the firetruck and light the Christmas tree. Throughout the weekend, there will be live music, food, and pictures with Santa. The kids will have a blast with crafts and games at the Children’s Wonderland and Elf School.
While you’re in town, don’t miss Keystone College’s Winter Holiday Concert on December 7. This free public show includes performances by the college’s vocal and instrumental groups. A reception will follow with refreshments, visits from characters, local charities, and gifts for the children.
Christmas in Dushore, PA
Holiday wonder comes to life during Christmas in Dushore, an annual event presented by the Dushore Lions Club. On December 13, the town will celebrate with family fun all day long. The morning begins with breakfast and photos with Santa at Pam’s Restaurant. Businesses throughout town will host activities such as a cookie walk, a Christmas scavenger hunt, cookie decorating, crafts, vendors, food, and more. Show off your Christmas spirit with competitions like the ugly sweater contest, the elf toss game, and the faux snowman contest. There will even be live reindeer and the inaugural Blitzen’s Blazers 5K to celebrate the holiday season.
Stick around after dark for the Parade of Lights. Each float is decked out with holiday lights and decorations. Santa will ride through town on the fire truck before departing to the North Pole.
Christmas Light Show in Forksville, PA
The small-town spirit truly shines in Forksville, a rural community with just over 100 residents. Located near Worlds End State Park, the town is well-known to campers and summertime guests, but it’s just as awe-inspiring in the winter.
On December 6-12, the Christmas Light Show returns to the Sullivan County Fairgrounds with fun displays, inflatables, and more. Visitors can walk or drive through the lights. On December 6, they will also host local vendors. Admission is free, but they will collect donations to benefit the Sullivan County Food Bank’s toy drive.
Along the way, make sure to stop at the Forksville Covered Bridge, which is usually decorated with lights for the holidays. Built in 1850, the bridge is still in use today.
Christmas in Montrose, PA
Embrace the joy of the season during the annual Christmas in Montrose celebration on December 5-7. This year’s theme is gingerbread, complete with a gingerbread house contest and a gingerbread man costume contest.
On Friday night, town will be bustling with the United Fire Company’s Parade of Lights, the opening of the Christmas Village vendor market, and a visit from Santa’s reindeer. The popular “Take a Bite Out of Christmas” tours will return with three unique themes highlighting Montrose’s history and tasty holiday treats. Advanced tickets are required, so make sure to plan ahead.
On Saturday morning, runners and walkers will hit the streets for the Jingle Bell 5K. Businesses will offer special sales and fun activities throughout the weekend. The festival concludes on Sunday with the Christmas Chorale concert the Presbyterian Church. Enjoy the sounds of the season with a peaceful way to end the weekend.
Learn more about these events—and many more—with the sixth annual Endless Mountains Christmas brochure. This year’s brochure features nearly 60 festive events, and more than half of them are free to attend. You can download a digital version or request a hard copy online or by calling 570-836-5431. You can also pick up a copy at the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau at 5405 SR 6 in Tunkhannock. Happy holidays, and we hope to see you in the mountains!
Featured image (top) courtesy of Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau.
Article updated from original version published on 11/21/24.
