Pennsylvania will soon become a charming winter wonderland of twinkling Christmas lights, regally decorated Christmas trees, cheerfully ringing jingle bells, and time-honored community traditions. Some towns, however, return to the old days with old-fashioned Christmas celebrations. Here are 10 of the most enchanting Christmas towns in Pennsylvania.
1. Glen Rock
Experience Christmas past when you visit Glen Rock, home of the famous Glen Rock Carolers. A tradition since 1848, the Glen Rock Carolers provide the soundtrack to Glen Rock's holiday festivities. Celebrate the season in Glen Rock by watching the annual Christmas tree lighting slated for November 29 and by stopping by the Glen Rock Inn for special performances by the Glen Rock Carolers.
2. Indiana
Step straight into Bedford Falls when you visit Indiana, the hometown of beloved actor James Stewart and the "Christmas Tree Capital of the World," this holiday season. Downtown Indiana twinkles as Christmas lights adorn buildings and shine from decorated Christmas trees. The six-weekend It's A Wonderful Life Christmas festival, starting November 18, will feature a parade, visits from Santa and his reindeer, light displays, and free movies.
3. Wellsboro
Charles Dickens' vision of Christmas comes to life at Dickens of a Christmas Celebration in Wellsboro. The festively decorated small town turns back the time to the 1840s for an old-fashioned celebration, slated for December 2 through December 4. The festivities include craft shows, a Christmas fair, and a Victorian stroll. If you can't make it to Wellsboro for the Dickens of a Christmas Celebration, you'll still want to visit during the holiday season to admire the Christmas lights, decorated homes, and to shop in the quaint stores.
4. Bellefonte
An enchanting Victorian Christmas transforms the picturesque town of Bellefonte this holiday season. Visitors and townspeople will enjoy a plethora of holiday-themed festivities, including the Festival of Trees, Victorian Teas for Children, a special dinner with Dickens, arts and craft shows, and Dickens characters strolling through the streets, singing carols and meeting visitors. Santa will also stop by the celebration to meet with his biggest (and littlest) fans. Bellefonte's Victorian Christmas is scheduled for December 9 through December 11.
5. Bernville
Get lost in a sea of holiday lights at Koziar's Christmas Village, a spectacular Christmas light display. Stroll along the wheelchair and handicap accessible paths to discover more than one million twinkling Christmas lights. The enchanted Christmas Village also features free parking, plenty of food, a country bakery, Santa's workshop, and Santa himself. Koziar's Christmas Village welcomes guests through January 1, 2017.
6. Jim Thorpe
Embrace a traditional Christmas celebration at Olde Time Christmas in Jim Thorpe. The small town turns into a Christmas wonderland the first three weekends of December (Friday through Sunday) with such old-fashioned activities as train rides with Santa, a gingerbread house contest, fireside stories, face painting, free Christmas movies in the Mauch Chunk Ballroom, and an ugly sweater contest.
7. New Hope
A quaint Colonial Christmas in the cozy town of New Hope awaits this holiday season. Perhaps the highlight of the holiday season in New Hope, the Colonial Christmas welcomes visitors to enjoy such activities as Christmas caroling at Perry Mansion, a Revolutionary War reenactment, and a memorial to New Hope's "fallen patriots" at Ferry St. Park. A Colonial Christmas is set for December 2 and 3.
8. Paradise
Stroll through the decades at the National Christmas Center in Paradise, a family attraction and museum that has become a holiday tradition for generations of Pennsylvanians. Enjoy such exhibits as Images of Santa, Christmas around the World, Santa's North Pole Workshop and Reindeer Barn, and 1950's Woolworth's 5 & 10. The National Christmas Center also features a gift shop. Visit daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
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9. Lititz
Hum "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" to yourself when you stop by the eighth annual Have Yourself A Merry Lititz Christmas this holiday season. The free Christmas celebration, slated for December 3, promises a full day of fun with a marshmallow roast, funnel cakes, an advent tea, storytelling, and face painting. Lititz will also host Christmas in the Park on December 2 at 6:30 p.m., the Lititz Historical Foundation and Lititz Moravian Archives Committee Annual Carol Sing on December 8 at 7 p.m., and the Lititz Historical Foundation's Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour on December 9 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
10. Lahaska
Feel the holiday cheer when you visit Peddlers Village, arguably the most popular spot in Lahaska during the holidays. Every Christmas season, Peddlers Village is awash in holiday lights and decorations, hosting the annual Christmas Festival. Festival-goers will discover countless activities, including Santa's Parade, a gingerbread house competition and display, strolling musicians, and a visit from Santa. The 2016 Christmas Festival will be held on December 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Spend an enchanting day, evening, or weekend at these charming Christmas towns in Pennsylvania. You might also want to add these six horse drawn carriage rides and these 15 Christmas light displays to your holiday season bucket list.
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