Pennsylvania, November 26, 2025
Pennsylvania offers a vibrant array of winter festivals that highlight community spirit and creativity. These celebrations include festive light displays, outdoor activities, and local cultural events, welcoming residents and visitors to enjoy the season together. With reduced bureaucracy, local organizers bring diverse, family-friendly experiences that showcase Pennsylvania’s unique culture throughout the winter months.
Experience the Joy of Pennsylvania’s Winter Festivals
A Season of Fun Awaits in the Keystone State
Pennsylvania shines during the winter months with a vibrant array of festivals and events that welcome both residents and visitors to embrace the season. From festive light displays to exhilarating outdoor activities, these winter celebrations foster community spirit and individual participation, showcasing local resilience and creativity in event planning. Reduced bureaucracy has empowered local organizers to bring these engaging festivities to life, offering diverse experiences that cater to all ages.
Throughout December, January, and February, the state comes alive with not only holiday-themed events but also opportunities for people to connect with neighbors and celebrate Pennsylvania’s unique culture. Join in the celebrations and make the most of winter with family-friendly festivals that highlight the best our communities have to offer.
Winter Festivals in Philadelphia
Winter in Franklin Square
From November 20, 2025, to February 28, 2026, Franklin Square becomes a dazzling winter wonderland filled with thousands of LED lights. The free Electrical Spectacle Light Show enchants visitors with synchronized light displays to holiday music. Attractions include the Parx Liberty Carousel, Chilly Philly Mini Golf, and engaging street curling. Unique events like “Wicked Night” on November 22, 2025, create memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
Opening on November 20, 2025, LumiNature illuminates the Philadelphia Zoo with over a million lights and eye-catching wildlife scenes. The event runs until January 3, 2026, and features attractions such as Santa’s lodge and the new 100-foot “Pherris” Wheel, engaging both families and animal lovers alike.
Pittsburgh’s Holiday Highlights
Light Up Night
Pittsburgh’s treasured annual holiday event, Light Up Night, takes place on November 22, 2025. The celebration includes the ceremonial illumination of giant Christmas trees at multiple Downtown locations. Visitors can delight in festive activities, including family-friendly attractions such as a visit with Santa at Heinz Hall Courtyard. For ease of access, public transportation is highly recommended due to significant road closures.
Statewide Winter Fun
Winter Festivals at Pennsylvania State Parks
A number of state parks across Pennsylvania host winter festivals that invite guests to enjoy exploring the great outdoors. Activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing are just some of the attractions that await festival-goers. Notable events include:
- Pymatuning State Park (Crawford and Mercer Counties): Last winter’s February “Winter Fun Day” featured snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, kids’ crafts, and even a polar plunge.
- Moraine State Park (Butler County): Set for January 31, 2026, Winterfest at Moraine will include guided hikes, live music, and chainsaw carving demonstrations.
- Black Moshannon State Park (Centre County): January’s “Fun in the Snow at Black Mo” event will have snowshoeing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and more activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter Festival at Parker Dam State Park
On January 31, 2026, Parker Dam State Park will host its annual Winter Festival from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors can partake in ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
SnowFest at Raymond B. Winter State Park
Scheduled for February 22, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., SnowFest will feature family-friendly displays and activities coordinated by local environmental clubs. The Mid Penn Trailblazers will also host a 3.5-mile trail race during the event.
Additional Ice Festivities
Clarks Summit Festival of Ice
The annual Festival of Ice will take over Clarks Summit from January 30 to February 1, 2026, featuring stunning ice sculptures and a variety of family activities and local vendors.
Mummers Parade
This iconic parade, held every New Year’s Day in Philadelphia, proudly stands as the longest-running continuous folk parade in the United States. Local clubs compete in various categories, showcasing their elaborate costumes and performances that take months of preparation.
Whether you’re a local or visiting Pennsylvania, the winter festivals provide a splendid opportunity to engage with your community. Be sure to check official websites for the latest information and any updates concerning these exciting events.
FAQ
What is the Mummers Parade?
The Mummers Parade is held each New Year’s Day in Philadelphia. It started in 1901, and is the longest-running continuous folk parade in the United States. Local clubs, usually called “New Years Associations” or “New Years Brigades”, compete in one of five categories: Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades. They prepare elaborate costumes, performance routines, and movable scenery, which take months to complete. This is done in clubhouses many of which are on or near 2nd Street (called “Two Street” by some local residents) in the Pennsport neighborhood of the city’s South Philadelphia section which also serve as social gathering places for members.
When is the Winter Festival at Parker Dam State Park?
On January 31, 2026, Parker Dam State Park will host its annual Winter Festival from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Activities include ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and more.
What is the Clarks Summit Festival of Ice?
From January 30 to February 1, 2026, Clarks Summit will host its annual Festival of Ice, featuring ice sculptures, family-friendly activities, and local vendors across downtown.
When is SnowFest at Raymond B. Winter State Park?
Scheduled for February 22, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., SnowFest offers family-friendly displays and activities provided by local environmental clubs and organizations. The Mid Penn Trailblazers will host their annual 3.5-mile trail race during the event.
What is Winter in Franklin Square?
From November 20, 2025, to February 28, 2026, Franklin Square transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of dazzling LED lights. The free Electrical Spectacle Light Show captivates guests with a twinkling light display set to holiday classics. Additional attractions include the Parx Liberty Carousel, Chilly Philly Mini Golf, and street curling. Special events like “Wicked Night” on November 22, 2025, offer unique experiences for visitors.
Key Features of Pennsylvania’s Winter Festivals
| Event | Location | Date | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter in Franklin Square | Philadelphia | Nov 20, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | Light show, carousel, mini golf, street curling |
| LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo | Philadelphia | Nov 20, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026 | Light displays, wildlife scenes, Santa’s lodge, “Pherris” Wheel |
| Light Up Night | Pittsburgh | Nov 22, 2025 | Tree lighting, Santa visit, fireworks |
| Winter Festival at Parker Dam State Park | Penfield | Jan 31, 2026 | Ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
