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Holiday light display at the Peckville Christmas House located in Peckville, PA.
Family Fun
December 20, 2024
Your Ultimate NEPA Holiday Bucket List
Make your holidays unforgettable with this ultimate NEPA holiday bucket list! Explore festive events, magical light displays, cozy winter activities, local shopping, and seasonal treats. Find the best family-friendly traditions and holiday fun in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
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Celebrate the Season with NEPA's Best Holiday Traditions

The holidays in NEPA are a magical time filled with festive cheer and cherished traditions. From homes adorned with holiday lights and decorations to the sweet aroma of cookies and hot chocolate, the season brings joy and warmth to every moment. Twinkling lights, family gatherings, and unforgettable experiences make this time of year truly special.

Whether you’re visiting NEPA for the holidays or celebrating close to home, it’s the perfect opportunity to create new traditions and revisit old favorites. Our holiday bucket list is packed with must-try seasonal activities, including dazzling drive-through light displays, enchanting train rides, live holiday performances, festive pop-up bars, and visits with Santa. Explore the best holiday experiences NEPA has to offer and make this season unforgettable!

A Festive Guide to NEPA’s Most Magical Holiday Moments
Family walking through holiday light display at the Peckville Christmas House in Peckville, PA.
Visit NEPA's Holiday Light Displays

Crank up that holiday playlist. Load up on the hot chocolate. And get into the spirit of the season at NEPA’s amazing holiday lights displays. From drive-through venues to neighborhood walk-throughs, you’ll find spectacular displays all over the region.

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Families meeting Santa Claus while riding the North Pole Limited train hosted by Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA.
Meet Santa Claus

Of course, no holiday bucket list is complete without all of those popular spots to catch the big man in red. We tracked down Santa’s secret schedule from breakfast stops and local libraries to trains and trolleys and more.

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Friends drinking festive holiday cocktails from the Jolly Jive pop-up bar at Jive Bar & Lounge in Milford, PA.
Enjoy NEPA's Festive Holiday Pop-Up Bars

One of the newest traditions taking over NEPA this season is the Holiday Pop-Up Bar. These often-over-the-top cocktail spots usually go all out with décor, food and drink specials and festive photo ops.

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Two women participating in a Christmas tree painting class at the Back Mountain Makery in Dallas, PA.
Get Crafty at NEPA's Workshops and Classes

NEPA’s holiday workshops and classes offer fun, hands-on ways to celebrate the season while learning something new. From festive wreath-making and cookie decorating to crafting personalized gifts, these creative events are perfect for all ages!

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Christmas tree fields at the Woods & Things Tree Farm in Tamaqua, PA.
Visit a Christmas Tree Farm

Fill the house with that pine-scented Christmas cheer by heading out to one of NEPA’s local Christmas Tree Farms. You can choose and cut it down yourself or pick from an extensive pre-cut selection.

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Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to the audience on stage with the NEPA Philharmonic Orchestra behind them.
Catch a Holiday Show

Sometimes spending a cold night inside a warm theater listening to holiday favorites just hits right. Find amazing, seasonal shows and concerts for the whole family all over the region at all the classic NEPA venues.

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Patrons shopping at the Lackawanna Winter Market on Courthouse Square in Scranton, PA.
Shop Local at NEPA's Holiday Markets

Find something for everyone on your list at NEPA’s festive holiday markets, winter festivals and craft fairs. Shop handmade jewelry, crafts, pottery and so much more. And, while you’re at it enjoy a little holiday music and tasty food.

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Mrs. Claus greeting Children on the North Pole Limited train hosted by Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, PA.
Hop on a Holiday Train

In NEPA, you can hop on a train ride just about any time of the year, but during the holiday season, it’s all just a little more magical. Climb aboard for stunning scenery, seasonal décor, holiday music and maybe even a visit from Santa.

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Decorating a sheet of Christmas Cookies at Dymond's Farm Market in Dallas, PA.
Satisfy Your Holiday Sweet Tooth

Whether you’re hosting, visiting or just hanging at home for the holidays, a table full of tasty desserts is a must. NEPA’s local bakeries and candy shops have it all from bagels and nut rolls to Christmas cookies, delicious chocolate treats, cupcakes and so much more.

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Martz Trailways bus parked outside.
Plan a Holiday Day Trip

Every year, our friends at Martz Trailways operate a fun, family-friendly holiday tours program. They offer trips to see the Rockettes at Radio City, amazing holiday-themed performances, small town celebrations shopping and so much more.

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Snowy holiday lights at the Festival of Lights at Stone Hedge Golf Course in Tunkhannock, PA.
Experience the Famous Festival of Lights

Our handy guide will help you prepare for your visit to Festival of Lights at Stone Hedge Golf Course in Tunkhannock. Know when to go, what to look out for, where to get the best photo and most importantly the best times to see Santa.

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Two women shopping for Christmas gifts at Mattern's Floral Cafe in Kingston, PA.
Check Off Everyone on Your Holiday Shopping List

Find unique, last-minute holiday gifts at NEPA’s local shops and boutiques, offering everything from handcrafted items to thoughtful treasures. Support small businesses while checking off your gift list with ease this holiday season!

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Couple celebrating New Year's Eve at Camelback Resort Lodge in Tannersville, PA.
Ring in the New Year

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in NEPA with exciting local events, from family-friendly festivities to lively parties and fireworks displays. Ring in the new year with unforgettable experiences and traditions across the region!

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Festive downtown holiday lights on Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA in the Pocono Mountains.
Celebrate the Holidays in NEPA

From twinkling lights and family traditions to small-town, Yuletide vibes all over our 10-county region, making the holidays a special time to gather and celebrate is kind of our thing here in NEPA.

Article updated from its original version published on 11/29/23.