Exploring Pennsylvania means discovering hidden gems, experiencing natural wonders (like gazing down at Pine Creek Gorge), and spending time in charming towns. We could probably spend years exploring our beautiful state and still not see everything. Next time you're looking for the perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway, plan a visit to this charming rural town in Pennsylvania.
Nestled along the Appalachian Trail, the charming rural town of Duncannon will likely conjure images of the small towns of yesteryear, with its quaint main street, small town friendliness, and...
...old-school destinations! The small town, which sits not too far from Harrisburg and Carlisle, promises all of the peace and quiet of small town life for its less than 1,500 residents.
You can, in fact, follow Hawk Rock Overlxook Trail via the Appalachian Trail for sensational views of Duncannon and beyond. Just be prepared for a lot of climbing and rocky terrain.
Many of the hikers following the Appalachian Trail check into the Doyle Hotel, which also features a restaurant. It's definitely a go-to spot, especially if you want to meet travelers from all over.
If you're a treasure hunter, you'll want to make your way to Old Sled Works, a 30,000-square foot antique shop that's bursting with hidden gems. It's also home to the Sled Museum.
While it may be a small, rural town, Duncannon certainly packs a huge punch when it comes to dining out. For an old-school experience, enjoy a meal in your car at Red Rabbit Drive-In, known as "the home of the bunny burger."
What's your favorite rural town in Pennsylvania? Duncannon or another charming spot? Let us know in the comments! Then take a peek at 10 of the most beautiful small towns in Pennsylvania.
It's that time of year again: The skies are threatening snow, garlands are appearing all over town, and because of these enchanted Christmas towns, Pennsylvania has never looked prettier. A fun way to get into the Christmas spirit is to visit places that go all-out for the holiday with trees, lights, treats, and more. Even though there are plenty of charming towns in Pennsylvania that put up holiday displays, there are a few that really deck the halls. Here are just seven of the best Christmas towns in Pennsylvania.
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Rittenhouse Square park in snow, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
1. Hermitage
Christmas lasts longer than just a day or 12 in one of the most festive Pennsylvania Christmas towns, where every year from early September through the end of December you can visit Santa's Christmasland. Explore the massive indoor avenue of Christmas trees and automated characters with your family for holly jolly start to the holiday season. Find out more on Kraynak’s Facebook page.
2. Greensburg
On select days from Nov. 21 to Dec. 30, 2024, discover Overly's Country Christmas, which is a traditional walk-around Christmas village complete with festive lights, treats, horse-and-carriage rides, Christmas carols, and of course Santa himself. Before you enter the village, you'll drive through a breathtaking light display. Find out more on Overly’s website.
Since this is one of the more popular Christmas activities in Pennsylvania, we'd recommend visiting early in the season if you want to escape the crowds. Weekends leading up to Christmas are going to be busy!
3. Bethlehem
There's a reason that Bethlehem is known as Christmas City, USA. Each year, Christmas in Pennsylvania comes in large in this town, adorned with spellbinding and extensive Christmas lights and decorations. It also holds various events, such as Christkindlmarkt, a five-week-long Christmas festival. Bethlehem consistently ranks among some of the best Christmastime destinations. (It's worth a visit any time of the year, too.)
4. Bernville
Koziar's Christmas Village is an internationally recognized Christmas lights display in Pennsylvania. "Display World Magazine" named it the best outdoor display IN THE WORLD. Stroll through the enchanting village that's drenched in more than one million holiday lights and boasts plenty of moments for picture-perfect photos. For hours, visit Koziar’s Christmas Village website.
5. Kennett Square
Longwood Gardens is always breathtaking, but you simply must visit at Christmastime from Nov. 22, 2023 –Jan. 12, 2025, to witness its amazing decorations. While you're in the area, consider traveling to Philadelphia as well to enjoy its urban Christmas displays. Longwood Gardens features both indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations and lights, making it one of the best Christmas towns in PA. Find out more on the Longwood Gardens website.
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6. York
Christmas Magic is an annual Festival of Lights in Pennsylvania that draws families from all over the state and beyond to Rocky Ridge County Park from Black Friday through Dec. 30 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.) "The Wall Street Journal" named it one of the top holiday events in the country. It's definitely one of those spots that belongs on your Christmastime bucket list. Discover more on the York, PA website. Ticket sales begin November 13, 2024!
7. Altoona
Visit Holiday Lights on the Lake, Altoona's very own holiday celebration at Lakemont Park, Nov. 15, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025. It includes a dazzling 50-acre Christmas light display, Santa's Village, model train displays, and more. Read all about one of the loveliest Pennsylvania Christmas towns on the Lakemont Park Fun website.
To give an idea of some of the holiday fun, check out this video of Kraynak's Christmas Land.
What do you think are the best Christmas towns Pennsylvania has to offer? How many are you planning to visit this year? Share this article with someone you plan on visiting one of these Pennsylvania Christmas towns with and start making plans today!
And for more Christmastime fun, plan a visit to The Winter Lights at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. If you're looking for lodging, the Vrbo website offers some cozy places to snuggle up in for the winter.
This is typically the time of year when we are all facing seasonal depression and tend to stay indoors. Despite the lack of daylight hours, there are still plenty of winter activities in Pennsylvania that are worth your while! Grab your coat and set off on an epic winter adventure. The good news is that the 2024/2025 winter weather predictions for Pennsylvania are looking hopeful!
Christmastime transforms Pennsylvania into an enchanting wonderland of shimmering lights, spectacular decorations, and a hearty dose of holiday cheer. One city, however, stands out as perhaps the symbol of the holiday season, earning the title of the most magical Christmas town in Pennsylvania. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has consistently been named one of the top Christmas towns in the United States, most recently coming in at #12 out of the 30 top Christmas towns named by Country Living. Bethlehem, also known as the Christmas City in Pennsylvania, is the place to go to wrap yourself in the holiday spirit.
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Embrace the holiday spirit with a Christmastime visit to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The enchanting town earned its name and the title of The Christmas City when it was founded on Christmas Eve in 1741. Ever since, it's been a must-visit for holiday revelers who want to celebrate the season, do a little Christmas shpoping, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
Christkindlmarkt ready to open at dusk in beautiful lights surrounded by the industrial and historic center of Bethlehem
Christmas in Bethlehem means the annual Christkindlmarkt, an authentic German market that runs each year from late October through the beginning of December. Even if you miss Christkindlmarkt, you have until the end of December to stroll along Main Street, which hosts the charming Christmas Huts on Main. There, do a little before or after Christmas shopping, admire the decorated shop windows, and maybe even join in as Christmas carols ring out in the winter air.
If you’ve never been to the Christmas City in Pennsylvania, you can meet historic Bethlehem with a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. The 20-minute carriage ride, which you can pick up at Central Moravian Church on Main Street, promises a beautiful view of the twinkliest town in Pennsylvania. In the evening, climb aboard the Bethlehem by Night Motorcoach Tour, a 30-minute tour of the town as it shimmers with Christmas lights. Add a tour of the Trees of Historic Bethlehem to your itinerary, too. Three historic locations, including the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, feature more than 20 ornately-decorated themed trees.
A day really isn’t enough to drink in all of the sights and sounds that Bethlehem has to offer, especially during Christmastime. The Historic Hotel Bethlehem promises a cozy and magical place to stay the night. Exquisitely decorated for the holiday season, the historic hotel typically offers tours (by reservation only) for those who aren’t staying at the hotel.
Have you been to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania at Christmas? What did you think? Let us know in the comments. Learn more about Christmas in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Visit Historic Bethlehem website as well as Visit Historic Bethlehem Facebook page.
For more holiday magic, drive through the two-mile Hershey’s Sweet Lights, which boasts more than one million lights. Or, if you want to feel like you've stepped into a real-life Bedford Falls, plan a visit to Indiana, Pennsylvania. One of my favorite towns, and the hometown of Jimmy Stewart (George Bailey), Indiana is magical at Christmas. I go every year for the It's A Wonderful Life Festival, where Santa meets visitors; a parade kicks off the celebration, and we roast marshmallows over a roaring fire pit.
Whether you've just started or are almost finished with your holiday shopping, check out the the OnlyInYourState Holiday Gift Guide for gift-giving inspiration.
