The holiday season in Pennsylvania is nothing short of magical. From sparkling light displays and European-style Christmas markets to massive holiday showcases and nostalgic villages, this region knows how to celebrate in unforgettable ways. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-hopper or looking to start a new family tradition, these five Christmas attractions offer the perfect mix of charm, creativity, and pure seasonal joy. Grab a warm drink, bundle up, and let’s explore some of the most festive experiences Pennsylvania has to offer this year.
Christkindlmarkt (Bethlehem,PA)
If you’re looking for the ultimate dose of holiday magic in Pennsylvania, Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem absolutely delivers. Held at the SteelStacks campus, this German-inspired Christmas market transforms the space into a festive village filled with twinkling lights, handmade treasures, and the warm scent of seasonal treats drifting through the air.
Running from mid-November through late December, the market brings together dozens of artisans from across the region. You’ll find everything from hand-carved ornaments and pottery to jewelry, artwork, and classic Christmas décor.
One of the standout stops every year is the amazing Käthe Wohlfahrt shop. This treasure is located in the Willkommen Haus, a little slice of Germany overflowing with nutcrackers, wooden ornaments, and heirloom-quality holiday pieces.
We had the chance to take part in the glass-blown ornament experience, and it was such a fun way to create a holiday memory you can actually take home. The team there made the entire process incredibly simple, offering clear and helpful guidance every step of the way. Just a quick note, the ornaments need a full day to cool, so you’ll be able to pick them up the following day.
Don’t forget to stop by the Essen Haus for a delicious lineup of hearty German dishes and sweet treats. This year, we went for the smoked turkey leg. It was so big we ended up sharing it! And as always, we made our annual visit to the Chocolate Moonshine Company to sample their incredible fudge selection. We picked up chocolate peanut butter, toffee crunch, salted caramel, and black cherry bourbon, and every flavor was amazing.
To top it all off, we sipped on some gluhwein — classic German mulled wine. The perfect warm finish to a festive day.
Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, planning a festive day trip, or simply want to immerse yourself in holiday cheer, Christkindlmarkt is one of those can’t-miss seasonal experiences that truly earns its reputation. It’s a charming blend of European tradition, local craftsmanship, and pure Christmas spirit. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season.
Dates and hours of operation:
December 4-7, 2025
December 11-14, 2025
December 18-21, 2025
Thursday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Parking is free
For pricing and vendors please visit the website below👇🏻 👇🏻 👇🏻
https://www.artsquest.org/christkindlmarkt/
📍711 E 1st St, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Christkindl Market (Mifflinburg,PA)
If you’re searching for a holiday experience that feels straight out of a European postcard, make your way to the Christkindl Market in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. Tucked along Market Street, this beloved three-day festival transforms the town into an Old-World Christmas village — complete with wooden vendor huts, twinkling lights, and the nostalgic aroma of winter spices drifting through the air.
What makes Mifflinburg so special is its authenticity. Founded in 1989 by locals who wanted to bring their Austrian and German traditions to Central Pennsylvania, the market has grown into the oldest outdoor Christkindl Market in the United States. Today, more than 100 artisans line the streets, offering everything from hand-carved wooden toys and delicate glass ornaments to pottery, candles, leather goods, and festive décor. Every hut feels like a tiny discovery waiting to happen.
Of course, no European-style Christmas market is complete without amazing food and Mifflinburg delivers. You can stroll the streets with a bratwurst in hand, warm up with a cup of glühwein (German mulled wine), or indulge in freshly baked strudel (these are a Hungie Couple fav!), roasted nuts, gingerbread, soups, and hearty German specialties. The flavors alone are worth the trip.
But the magic doesn’t stop at the food and shopping. Live music fills the air throughout the day, children parade through the streets with lanterns, and marionette shows, church concerts, horse-drawn carriage rides, and hands-on kids’ activities make the market feel wonderfully immersive. One of the standout features is the large wooden Christmas pyramid. A traditional German “Weihnachtspyramide” that instantly transports you to a European holiday village.
If you’re looking for a festive getaway that blends old-world charm, small-town hospitality, and holiday magic, Mifflinburg’s Christkindl Market is a must-visit. Come for the gifts and the food but stay for the traditions, the atmosphere, and the feeling that you’ve stepped into a Christmas story come to life.
Pro-tip: parking for this event can be difficult. However, they do use local churches and various parking lots in the area and offer shuttle service right to the entrance. Multiple buses are running at all times so the wait is limited. Check their website for details.
Admission & Parking are free!
Dates and hours of operation:
Thursday | December 11, 2025 | 4:30pm – 9pm
Friday | December 12, 2025 | 10:00am – 9pm
Saturday | December 13, 2025 | 10:00am – 8pm
https://www.oldchristkindl.com
📍Market Street between 4th and 6th Streets, Mifllinburg, PA
Koziar’s Christmas Village
If you’re searching for the kind of Christmas nostalgia that feels straight out of a snow-globe, Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville, Pennsylvania is the perfect holiday escape. This family-run wonderland transforms an open field into a glowing, twinkling maze of festive scenes, nostalgic décor, and charming handmade touches that delight visitors of all ages.
As you wander the illuminated pathways, you’ll spot whimsical themed displays—think cozy cabins trimmed in lights, cheerful Christmas characters, and enchanting miniatures tucked behind windows. Every corner feels thoughtfully crafted, making the whole experience feel personal, warm, and undeniably magical.
Kids and adults alike can enjoy fun activities along the trail, from festive photo ops to interactive displays that bring a little extra sparkle to the evening. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, with plenty of opportunities to slow down and simply soak in the holiday cheer.
Whether you’re starting a new tradition or just looking for a scenic way to celebrate the season, Kosar’s Christmas Village delivers the kind of heartwarming holiday charm that lingers long after the lights fade.
Pro-tip: grab a hot chocolate at the concession building before you start your journey to help keep you warm.
Dates and hours of operations:
THANKSGIVING THRU JAN. 3rd:
(OPEN EVERY NIGHT & ALL HOLIDAYS)
MON. – THUR. 6 PM – 9 PM
*FRI. 6 PM – 9 PM
*SAT. 5 PM – 10 PM
*SUN. 5 PM – 9 PM
*AND Christmas Week
STANDARD | *PRIME NIGHTS
Parking is free
Pricing:
Ages 3 & UNDER – FREE
4 TO 10 – $11.00
11 TO 64 – $13.00
SENIORS (65+) – $12.00
PRIME NIGHTS PRICING:
Additional $5 per ticket on PRIME NIGHTS
https://koziarschristmasvillage.com
📍782 Christmas Village Rd, Bernville, PA 19506
Christkindlmarkt at Dill’s Tavern
If you’re looking for a festive small-town holiday experience with an Old World twist, the Christkindlmarkt at Dill’s Tavern in Dillsburg, PA is one event you’ll want to add to your December calendar. Hosted on the charming and historic grounds of Dill’s Tavern, this German-inspired Christmas market transforms the property into a cozy winter village filled with holiday cheer, handmade treasures, and irresistible seasonal treats.
Each year, the Christkindlmarkt brings together more than 100 talented vendors and artisans. As you wander through the market, you’ll find everything from cozy knitted scarves and beautifully quilted goods to finely crafted wood pieces, pottery, stained glass, jewelry, candles, soaps, and unique home décor. Food lovers can stock up on meats, cheeses, jams, baked goods, popcorn, herbs, and other specialty foods perfect for gifting or snacking as you explore.
The atmosphere is truly what makes this event shine. With the historic tavern as a backdrop, the market feels like stepping into a traditional European holiday celebration. Expect festive music, children’s activities, warm food, and the kind of small-town charm that makes the holidays feel magical. It’s no surprise that thousands of visitors attend each year.
The 2025 Christkindlmarkt takes place on December 12–13, running Friday evening and all day Saturday, and it goes on rain or shine, so bundle up and embrace the winter vibe. While the event is family-friendly, note that pets aren’t permitted, with the exception of service animals.
Whether you’re searching for handcrafted holiday gifts, local foods, or simply a fun seasonal outing, Dill’s Tavern’s Christkindlmarkt offers a festive and memorable way to celebrate the season. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, browse something beautiful, sip something warm, and soak in the spirit of Christmas.
Dates and hours of operation:
Friday Dec 12: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday Dec 13: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Admission is free
https://www.northernyorkhistorical.org/events/christkindlmarkt
📍227 North Baltimore St, Dillsburg, PA
Carlisle’s Wonderland Weekend:
If you’re looking for the kind of holiday weekend that feels like stepping straight into a small-town Christmas movie, Carlisle’s Wonderland Weekend should be at the top of your December list. Every year, this charming Cumberland Valley town transforms into a festive wonderland filled with twinkling lights and plenty of seasonal cheer. The 2025 celebration (running December 4–7) promises all that and more.
The festivities begin Thursday evening at 7pm with the “Making Spirits Bright” holiday parade, where local groups, lighted floats, and joyful music set the tone for the days ahead. It’s the perfect way to welcome the season. You can truly feel the excitement building throughout downtown.
Saturday is where Wonderland Weekend really shines. The town square at Hanover & High Streets becomes a hub of holiday fun during the Holly Jolly Jubilee from 3pm to 6pm, complete with festive activities, live entertainment, and a visit from Santa himself at Veterans Courtyard.
If you want to slow things down and soak in the sights, hop on one of Benchfield Farms’ 15-minute wagon rides (running from 3:30pm – 6pm) a cozy way to experience Carlisle’s historic downtown wrapped in holiday charm. $10 per person (book/pay in advance & save $2.00)
Ages 3 and under free on lap with paying adult.
A highlight of the weekend is the Market of Curiosities at the Carlisle Expo Center from 11am to 6pm. This isn’t your typical holiday market — it’s a lively blend of unique gifts, artisan goods, tasty bites, microbrews, and circus-style performances from the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus (from 1pm to 3pm). Think whimsical, eclectic, and delightfully unexpected. It’s the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind gifts (or treat yourself).
Tickets are available at the door (Cash Only)
Adults – $6.00
Students – $3.00
Seniors – $3.00
Kids Under 12 – Free
The best part? Everything in downtown Carlisle is walkable. Between events, you can easily pop into cozy restaurants, locally-owned shops, and festive storefronts. Whether you’re grabbing a warm meal or browsing for handmade gifts, the whole area feels alive with holiday spirit.
For more details please visit:
https://www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/events/holidays/christmas/carlisle-wonderland-weekend/
📍The Square in Carlisle (Hanover & High Street), Carlisle, PA
South Central Pennsylvania truly comes alive during the holiday season, offering experiences that range from heartwarming and nostalgic to dazzling and one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re wandering a traditional Christkindl market, marveling at glowing light displays, or discovering handcrafted treasures, each destination brings its own special brand of Christmas magic. No matter which events you choose, you’re sure to make memories that last long after the decorations come down. So gather your loved ones, hit the road, and let the spirit of the season guide you through some of the most enchanting holiday attractions in the region.