Celebrate the Holiday Season with Christmas Tree Lighting & Parades
Christmas tree lightings and parades are a must on your annual holiday bucket list, and this year’s celebrations across NEPA bring even more ways to enjoy time with family and friends. From charming small-town ceremonies to downtown parades, these festive traditions illuminate our communities with holiday lights, marching bands, dancers and that moment when Santa finally arrives.
Across the region, tree lightings and parades go hand-in-hand with other holiday favorites, including twinkling light displays, festive train rides and the chance to meet Santa. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa at a local tree lighting, listening to carolers, or watching decorated floats roll through the streets at a parade, these celebrations fill the season with magical moments. Make room on your calendar for these beloved community traditions at the heart of the holidays in NEPA.
November 22 | Scranton, PA
The Santa Parade in Downtown Scranton takes place on Saturday, November 22 at 9:15 AM. Marching bands, dancers, and decorated floats travel through the city as families gather along the route. Santa arrives at the end of the parade, marking the opening of holiday celebrations throughout Lackawanna County.
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November 22 | Wilkes-Barre, PA
The Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Wilkes-Barre takes place on Saturday, November 22 at 3:00 PM. The parade moves along South and South Main Streets with community groups, floats, and marching bands making their way to Public Square. After the procession, spectators gather as Santa joins the crowd for the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree and live entertainment downtown.
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November 22 | Clarks Summit, PA
The Clarks Summit Tree Lighting at the Citizens Bank parking lot on South State Street in downtown Clarks Summit takes place on Saturday, November 22 at 6:30 PM. Guests can enjoy complimentary cider and donuts while listening to live entertainment throughout the evening. The Wally Gordon Singers lead a holiday sing-along, AHCL Dance Academy performs seasonal routines, and the Abington Business and Professional Association sponsors this family-friendly downtown gathering.
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November 26 | Scranton, PA
The Tower Lighting Event in Downtown Scranton takes place on Wednesday, November 26 from 2:00 to 6:30 PM. Guests can explore local vendors, enjoy live music, and participate in children’s activities throughout the afternoon. As dusk settles, the iconic Electric City tower is illuminated, followed by a fireworks display that caps off this night-before-Thanksgiving tradition.
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November 28 | Bloomsburg, PA
Winterfest at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds in Bloomsburg takes place on Friday, November 28 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday, November 29 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Friday’s schedule centers on the Seven Mountains Parade of Lights, with illuminated floats and displays bringing a nighttime glow to the fairgrounds while visitors browse more than 250 craft vendors. On Saturday, guests can enjoy the FA LA LA 5K, horse-drawn rides, Santa visits, and additional time to shop for handmade gifts and seasonal foods.
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November 28 | Stroudsburg, PA
The Stroudsburg Tree Lighting at Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg takes place on Friday, November 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. A 10-piece brass and percussion ensemble performs as families gather and Santa arrives around 6:00 PM to greet children. The tree is lit at 6:30 PM, and visitors can meet the Grinch and a winter princess before exploring downtown shops offering seasonal specials throughout the weekend.
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November 28 | Honesdale, PA
The Wonderland Parade, Tree & Star Lighting at Central Park in Honesdale takes place on Friday, November 28 at 6:00 PM. The parade travels from 4th Street to Central Park with decorated floats, community groups, and Santa waving to spectators along the route. Afterward, guests gather as Santa helps light the town Christmas tree and the Irving Cliff Star, then stay for cocoa, donuts, and photo opportunities in the park.
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November 29 | White Haven, PA
The Hometown Holidays Festival in Downtown White Haven takes place on Saturday, November 29 with activities scheduled throughout the day. Evening festivities center on a Santa parade that travels from the Fire House to the Caboose, framed by a 5:30 PM tree lighting at the Fire House and a second tree lighting at 6:00 PM with treats. Earlier in the day, families can visit live reindeer, toast s’mores, enjoy children’s crafts at the library, explore photo spots, and browse vendors.
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Saturdays, November 29 — December 20 | Skytop, PA
Skytop’s Magic Wonderland and Tree Lighting Ceremonies at Skytop Lodge in the Poconos take place on Saturdays from November 29 through December 20, beginning with tea and cookies at 3:00 PM. Santa arrives at 4:30 PM to lead the tree lighting before staying to visit with children and hear their holiday wishes. Carolers perform seasonal songs as guests explore the resort grounds and enjoy afternoon activities.
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December 1 | East Stroudsburg, PA
The East Stroudsburg Annual Tree Lighting in Downtown East Stroudsburg takes place on Monday, December 1 at 5:30 PM. Santa arrives on an East Stroudsburg Fire Department truck to help light the tree, following performances from Fusia Dance, the East Stroudsburg Band, and Robin Schneider. Families can enjoy ornament crafts, golden-ticket handouts, cookies, cocoa, and fire pits set up along the tracks.
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December 3 | Scranton, PA
Merry & Bright at Marywood University in Scranton takes place on Wednesday, December 3, beginning with a craft fair at noon and tree-lighting festivities at 4:00 PM. Students, alumni, and community members can shop handmade goods, take photos with Santa, and visit live reindeer on campus. Fire pits, music, and food offerings create a full afternoon of activity leading into the evening tree lighting.
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December 4 | Wilkes-Barre, PA
The Luzerne County Courthouse Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre takes place on Thursday, December 4 at 5:00 PM. Visitors gather on the courthouse lawn for live music and refreshments as daylight fades. The ceremony culminates with the lighting of the courthouse Christmas tree, illuminating the building and grounds for the holiday season.
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December 6 | Pittston, PA
Pittston City Toy Truck Parade & Tree Lighting in Downtown Pittston takes place on Saturday, December 6 at 6:00 PM. Presented by Froggy 101 and held alongside La Festa Di Natale Holiday Market, the Toy Truck Parade brings decorated vehicles and holiday music to Main Street. After the parade, Santa greets families and leads the community tree lighting, with vendors and seasonal treats available nearby.
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December 5 | Hazleton, PA
The 5th Annual CAN DO Community Park Tree Lighting at CAN DO Community Park in Hazleton takes place on Friday, December 5 at 4:30 PM. Visitors can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate provided by the CAN DO Student Action Committee while listening to carolers perform. The event concludes with the lighting of a 22-foot Christmas tree in the center of the park, brightening downtown Hazleton.
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December 5 | Scranton, PA
The Lackawanna Winter Market at Courthouse Square in Scranton takes place from Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 7, with a tree lighting on Friday at 6:00 PM. Dozens of vendors fill the square with handmade goods, seasonal foods, and gift items during this outdoor market. Live entertainment and extended hours give visitors time to shop, eat, and explore the festive downtown setting all weekend.
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December 5 | Tannersville, PA
Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting at Camelback Resort in Tannersville takes place on Friday, December 5 at 7:00 PM. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with the assistance of the Pocono Township Fire Department before joining guests to light the resort’s Christmas tree. Families are encouraged to bring Toys for Tots donations and can enjoy kids’ activities, entertainment, cookies, and a hot cocoa bar.
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December 5 | Jim Thorpe, PA
The Jim Thorpe Community Tree Lighting Ceremony at Josiah White Park in Jim Thorpe takes place on Friday, December 5 at 5:30 PM. Santa lights the tree at 6:00 PM while the Jim Thorpe Area High School band and cheer squad provide music and spirit. Girl Scouts sell hot chocolate and cookies, giving families a warm treat as they enjoy this annual gathering downtown.
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December 6 | Conyngham, PA
Christmas in Conyngham Parade and Festivities at CVCO and along Main Street in Conyngham takes place on Saturday, December 6, with activities from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and a parade at noon. Visitors can explore food vendors, holiday shopping, and a community cookie contest while children enjoy free face painting, crafts, letters to Santa, and visits with friendly goats. Afternoon activities include pictures with Santa, tricky trays, and a 50/50 raffle supporting local efforts.
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December 6 | Milford, PA
Milford’s Annual Tree Lighting at various locations in Milford takes place on Saturday, December 6 from 12:00 to 9:00 PM. Downtown businesses host cookie swaps, photo booths, and extended shopping hours throughout the day. Families meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and follow luminary displays before gathering just before 4:30 PM for the official tree lighting and evening festivities.
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December 6 | Nanticoke, PA
The Annual Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting at Patriot Park in Nanticoke takes place on Saturday, December 6, with the parade at 3:00 PM and the tree lighting at 4:30 PM. The procession departs from GNA High School and travels through town before reaching the park, where Santa greets families with small gifts. Guests can enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate as they wait for the tree to be lit.
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December 6 | Montrose, PA
The Christmas Market at Christmas in Montrose takes place on Friday, December 6 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with additional market hours on Saturday. The evening is anchored by the Parade of Lights at 7:00 PM, accompanied by a live reindeer petting zoo available during Friday’s market hours. More than 80 handmade vendors fill wooden storefronts, with Saturday offering carriage rides, a 5K, and free children’s activities.
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December 6 | Dallas, PA
The Dallas Twp. Christmas Tree Lighting at Back Mountain Little League Field in Dallas takes place on Saturday, December 6 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Families can enjoy free hot chocolate, children’s games, and a s’mores pit throughout the evening. Santa, the Grinch, and local school teams make appearances before the township’s Christmas tree is lit at the field.
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December 7 | Old Forge, PA
Snow Forge 2025 on South Main Street in Old Forge takes place on Sunday, December 7 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Santa’s Village hosts more than 65 vendors, children’s crafts, holiday music, live ice carving, and trackless train rides. The day concludes with a Santa parade, a fireworks display, and a community tree lighting at 4:30 PM.
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December 12 | Tunkhannock, PA
Christmas in Our Hometown in Downtown Tunkhannock takes place on Friday, December 12 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM and Saturday, December 13 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Friday’s celebration features a Santa parade, tree lighting at Peoples Security Bank, wagon rides, and special activities at the Dietrich Theater, including a cookie walk and movies. Vendor villages, workshops, home tours, and seasonal displays offer a full lineup of holiday programming.
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December 13 | Drums, PA
The Butler Twp. Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa Visit at the Butler Township Community Center in Drums takes place on Saturday, December 13 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The outdoor tree lighting provides a festive backdrop for photos and time with Santa. Guests can watch dance performances, make reindeer food and Grinch dust, and visit an indoor holiday market with dinner options and select vendors.
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Holidays In NEPA
The holidays in NEPA sarkle with festive lights, joyful traditions and winter charm. From tree farms and twinkling displays to markets, parades, and train rides, the season transforms the region into a wonderland of celebration.
