Pennsylvania, December 22, 2025
Pennsylvania lights up during the holiday season, showcasing six towns rich in festive celebrations and community spirit. From Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt to Berwick’s Christmas Boulevard, each location offers a unique experience filled with tradition and joy. This article highlights how local initiatives foster community connections and create welcoming atmospheres for residents and visitors alike during the most wonderful time of the year.
Experience Holiday Magic: 6 Christmas Towns in Pennsylvania
Discover festive celebrations that embody community spirit.
Pennsylvania shines brightly during the holiday season, with various towns emerging as vibrant centers of Christmas joy. It’s heartening to see how local organizers infuse creativity and passion into their celebrations, creating a sense of community that resonates well beyond the holiday season. The success of these events showcases how personal initiative, coupled with community support, fosters rich traditions while minimizing bureaucratic hurdles.
As residents and visitors alike embrace these seasonal festivities, it’s a reminder that local leadership and civic engagement play crucial roles in advancing community connections. Let’s explore six of Pennsylvania’s Christmas towns where holiday spirit reigns supreme and individual contributions bring festive cheer.
1. Bethlehem
Known as “Christmas City USA,” Bethlehem captures the essence of the holiday season with its Moravian heritage. The town is adorned with candlelit streets, handcrafted decorations, and hosts the Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, a German-inspired market filled with artisan crafts and food vendors. A unique experience awaits with horse-drawn carriage rides through historic districts, and visitors can marvel at the iconic Historic Hotel Bethlehem, beautifully illuminated for the festivities.
2. Jim Thorpe
Often referred to as “Little Switzerland,” Jim Thorpe offers a Victorian-style Christmas celebration that exudes charm. The Olde Time Christmas event features carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a tree lighting ceremony. Families can partake in magical Santa train rides and witness a live Nativity scene, making this destination a delightful holiday retreat.
3. Koziar’s Christmas Village
Situated in Bernville, Koziar’s Christmas Village is a family-owned attraction that dazzles visitors with over half a million lights. The enchanting displays, festive walkways, and the chance to meet Santa Claus enhance the family-friendly atmosphere. The village operates from the first Saturday of November through the first Sunday in January, making it a popular stop for holiday seekers.
4. Candy Cane Lane, Duboistown
Each year, the 200 block of Summer Street in Duboistown transforms into Candy Cane Lane, where residents go above and beyond to decorate their homes with dazzling lights and figures. This treasured tradition, established in 1957, continues to attract thousands of visitors eager to take in the spectacular sights and community spirit.
5. Honesdale Star Park
Gibbons Memorial Park, also known as Honesdale Star Park, features a stunning 30-foot star at its core. Dedicated to past mayor Austin Flint Gibbons and his family, the park offers a unique holiday atmosphere that draws attention and fosters pride in the local community. Its display is a highlight for many families celebrating together.
6. Berwick Christmas Boulevard
Since 1947, Berwick has hosted the Christmas Boulevard, a mile-long festive display along Market Street. Created by the Jaycees, this tradition has flourished for over 60 years, drawing thousands of visitors to experience the lights and decorations that encapsulate the holiday spirit. This grassroots initiative illustrates how local efforts can bring entire communities together.
These six Pennsylvania towns offer unique experiences that reflect the warmth and joy of the holiday season. They serve as reminders of the power of personal initiative and community support in creating cherished traditions that foster connections among residents and visitors alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem?
The Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem is a German-inspired holiday market featuring artisan crafts and food vendors, offering a festive shopping experience in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
When does Koziar’s Christmas Village operate?
Koziar’s Christmas Village operates from the first Saturday of November through the first Sunday in January, offering festive displays and activities in Bernville, Pennsylvania.
How long has Candy Cane Lane in Duboistown been a tradition?
Candy Cane Lane in Duboistown has been a holiday tradition since 1957, with residents decorating their homes along the 200 block of Summer Street.
What is the significance of Honesdale Star Park?
Honesdale Star Park, also known as Gibbons Memorial Park, features a 30-foot star at its center and is dedicated to past mayor Austin Flint Gibbons and his parents, offering a unique holiday display in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.
What is the Berwick Christmas Boulevard?
The Berwick Christmas Boulevard is a mile-long display of lights and decorations along Market Street, a tradition since 1947 that has been a regional favorite for over 60 years.
| Town | Highlights | Traditions | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bethlehem | Christkindlmarkt, horse-drawn rides | Moravian heritage celebrations | Seasonal, check locally |
| Jim Thorpe | Victorian-style events, live Nativity | Olde Time Christmas | Seasonal, check locally |
| Koziar’s Christmas Village | Half a million lights, Santa visits | Family-friendly displays | Nov – Jan |
| Duboistown | Home decorations | Candy Cane Lane | Seasonal, check locally |
| Honesdale | 30-foot star display | Gibbons Memorial Park celebrations | Seasonal, check locally |
| Berwick | Market Street lights | Christmas Boulevard | Seasonal, check locally |
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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.
