Pennsylvania's a magical place during the holiday season. The millions of twinkling lights that illuminate homes, businesses, and parks just add to the state's beauty. And, of course, there are the treasured holiday traditions in Pennsylvania. Some may call them weird or wacky. But, we love them just the way they are.
1. We hang our Christmas trees upside down and...
Pennsylvanians have been hanging their Christmas trees upside down for more than a century. The rest of the country, however, seems to finally be catching up. Have you noticed that the latest fad this holiday season is, you guessed it, upside down Christmas trees?
2. On that tree, we place a Christmas pickle.
Do you have a pickle hanging on your Christmas tree? Legend has it that if you put a pickle (some say a real pickle) on the tree, one of two things will happen. The first person to find the pickle will enjoy good luck in the new year, or the first child to find the pickle gets to open the first present on Christmas.
3. We travel to Bedford Falls.
It's probably fair to say that a ton of Americans watch the holiday classic "It's A Wonderful Life" every Christmas. But, we're lucky enough to be able to travel to one of the real Bedford Falls. Indiana, which just happens to be the home of Jimmy Stewart's George Bailey, transforms into the movie town every Christmas season.
4. We go to amusement parks and…
Going to an amusement park - like Dutch Wonderland or Kennywood Park - isn't just a summer thing anymore. Pennsylvanians flock to amusement parks, all decked out for the holidays with shimmering lights and displays. You can also ride a few rides, eat some treats, and meet Santa.
5. Zoos.
Lehigh Valley Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights every holiday season. The Winter Light Spectacular, a fun holiday tradition, features live performances and appearances by such famous princesses as Belle and Elsa.
6. We drive around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights.
We sure do have our fair share of light displays to visit at local amusement parks, zoos, gardens, and parks. But, what's more fun than driving around our local neighborhoods checking out the holiday light displays? What community has your favorite Christmas displays?
7. Some of us watch the ball go up on New Year’s and…
Most people watch the ball drop on New Year's. Not Pittsburghers. Pittsburghers watch the ball go up at the stroke of midnight. The ball going up signifies prosperity and moving forward in the New Year.
8. Others watch a Hershey’s kiss, a mushroom, or a wrench drop.
Plenty of Pennsylvania towns don't watch a ball drop either. Pennsylvania boasts the dropping of a mushroom, a Hershey's kiss, a wrench, and a pickle (and that's just the beginning) when the clock turns to midnight on New Year's.
9. We wish for luck and prosperity with a special New Year’s Day meal.
Pennsylvanians kick off the new year with a traditional meal signifying luck and prosperity. That meal, of course, consists of the popular German dish, pork and sauerkraut.
What are your favorite holiday traditions in Pennsylvania? Share below then click here to read about one of Pennsylvania's treasured New Year's Day traditions.
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