Christmas Towns That Are Worth the Drive

Bethlehem, PA

Known as “Christmas City, USA,” Bethlehem is a must-visit destination for yuletide lovers, and it’s only a 1.5 hour drive from Philadelphia. Enjoy local traditions like the Live Advent Calendar and the Trees of Historic Bethlehem exhibition. Catch some live theater at a performance of Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical. Bethlehem also boasts two different open-air Christmas markets, Christmas City Village and Christkindlmarkt, all season long. To really enjoy the holiday spirit that imbues this town, try taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic downtown. 

Behtlehem is known as Christmas City, USA and offers tons of family friendly Christmas fun! Photo courtesy of Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Where to stay: If you like over-the-top Christmas decorations, you’ll love the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, which is decked out in over 35,000 lights, 25 uniquely decorated Christmas trees, two life-size nutcrackers, six 7-foot toy soldiers, and a gingerbread house modeled after the hotel itself. 

Jim Thorpe, PA

If you’d like to visit a place that looks like it's straight out of a Holiday Hallmark movie, try this small town in the Poconos that is 1.5-2 hours from Philly. For three weekends in December, Jim Thorpe hosts an “Olde Time Christmas,” featuring strolling carolers, horse and carriage rides, a gingerbread house contest, and plenty of free family activities. The annual Shop and Be Merry event encourages you to check out the cute and unique stores in the historic downtown area. A wonderful family tradition is taking the Santa Claus Special train ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to meet Santa and his elves. 

Where to stay: Full of Victorian charm (and rumored to be haunted!), The Inn at Jim Thorpe is the perfect place to stay during the holiday season. It’s decorated for Christmas and situated right in the middle of all the action.

Hershey, PA

It’s no surprise that the “Chocolate Capital of America” is one of the sweetest places to celebrate the holidays, and it’s under 2 hours from Philly. Don’t miss Hershey’s Sweet Lights, a drive-thru spectacular with 2 million lights featuring animated displays of the 12 days of Christmas, a toy factory at the North Pole, a Victorian village, and more. You can also ride a trolley to view the lights, while trolley conductors provide chocolate, caroling, and creative commentary. Inside Hersheypark you'll find Christmas Candylane, which includes attractions like TREEville At The Boardwalk, the Twinkling Thru Time stage show, the NOEL Christmas light show, plenty of holiday rides, and a visit from Santa and his reindeer. Stop over at Hershey’s Chocolate World to see the holiday chocolate house and meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch.

Where to stay: The Hotel Hershey features festive decorations and has seasonal events like Christmas cookie decorating. They also offer Christmas packages that include admission to Hersheypark.

Hersheypark gets all lit up for the season. Photo courtesy of Hersheypark

New Hope, PA

New Hope is a charming town about an hour from Philly that is conveniently located near a variety of holiday events and experiences. The New Hope Railroad offers two different Christmas rides, the Santa’s North Pole Express Train and Santa’s Steam Train Ride, where you can enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, hear Christmas carols from wandering musicians, and receive your very own sleigh bell from Santa. Nearby you’ll find quaint shopping attraction Peddler’s Village which comes alive (and alight!) with the holiday spirit every year, starting with the Grand Illumination Celebration and Holiday Kickoff Weekend. Check out the season-long Gingerbread Competition and Display, enjoy “Enchanted Evenings” while shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts, or come for the Santa Parades on the Holly Jolly Weekend. Within Peddler’s Village, Giggleberry Fair offers Breakfast with Santa and Photos with Santa every weekend, while Sweet Occasion hosts Holiday Gingerbread Decorating Workshops and a Kids Holiday Cookie night.

Where to stay: Logan Inn gets fully decked out and even hosts New Hope’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony every year. They also offer holiday packages that include fun add-ons like a gingerbread house kit or a festive game to test your holiday spirit.

Kennett Square, PA

Approximately an hour from Philly, Kennett Square in Chester County is another great place to get yourself into the holiday mood. Check out the Holiday Village Market, Holiday Light Parade, and the Tinsel on the Town street festival. Kennett Square is also home to the premier horticultural destination, Longwood Gardens, which celebrates A Longwood Christmas every year. The whole family will love the stunning twinkling lights, holiday blooms, fountain shows, bell tower sing-a-longs, and holiday-themed classes and workshops. The Brandywine Museum of Art is not far from Kennett Square and is currently exhibiting a Home For the Holidays display featuring holiday cards and dollhouses. They also host lots of holiday programming including a Holiday Critter Sale, Polar Express read-aloud pajama nights, and a Children’s Holiday Party. 

Where to stay: The enchanting Bookhouse Hotel is housed in a historic building that was once a rare bookstore, and it’s the perfect cozy and magical spot to stay while enjoying easy access to all of Kennett’s holiday festivities.

Philadelphia, PA

Of course, you don’t have to leave the city to create lasting holiday memories. Philadelphia itself is a fantastic Christmas town! From the iconic Christmas Village at Love Park to the nearby Made in Philadelphia holiday market at City Hall, there’s plenty of holiday shopping to be done (including the pop-up Christmas Markets featured below). Visit Franklin Square for the Electrical Spectacle Light Show, street curling, and Chilly Philly mini golf, or head to Winterfest on the Delaware Waterfront for ice skating and hot cocoa in holiday-themed heated cabins. The Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village at the Wanamaker is a Philly Christmas tradition (and will continue despite Macy’s closure). There are also lots of beautiful neighborhood lights to check out, like Miracle on 13th Street and Smedley Street. 

Where to stay: Planning a holiday staycation? The Holiday Suite at The Logan Hotel is beautifully decorated for Christmas, including your very own Christmas tree!

Seasonal Christmas Village Attractions near Philadelphia

Christmasland at Linvilla Orchards — Media

During the holiday season, Linvilla Orchards transforms into Christmasland, brimming with Christmas foliage and incredible ice sculptures. In addition to year round activities like the Playland Playground and Barnyard Animals, you can enjoy festive holiday fun such as ice skating, visits from Santa, cookie decorating workshops, and a Winter Makers’ Market. Be sure to take a hay ride to cut your own Christmas tree!

Santa’s Village at Shady Brook Farm — Bucks County

For the holidays, Shady Brook Farm becomes Santa’s Village, where you can roast s’mores over fire pits and campfires, walk through the Candy Cane Lane light show, enjoy breakfast with Santa, and find the perfect Christmas tree or wreath. The biggest draw is the spectacular Holiday Light Show featuring over four million lights in dazzling displays of familiar characters. The light show can be accessed by drive-through or on an open air wagon. 

Drive through all the pretty lights at Shady Brook Farms. Photo courtesy of Shady Brook Farm

Koziar’s Christmas Village — Berks County

Koziar’s Christmas Village is a huge winter wonderland that boasts a million twinkling lights, indoor and outdoor train displays, and glass buildings encasing iconic displays like Night Before Christmas and Santa’s Post Office. Stop by Santa’s Toy Shoppe for unique gifts and ornaments or take a photo with Santa at this headquarters.

Dutch Winter Wonderland — Lancaster

Dutch Wonderland turns into Dutch Winter Wonderland every holiday season, transforming the family-friendly theme park into a magical Christmas experience with plenty to offer. Stroll down Illumination Lane, visit Santa in his Jolly Lounge, ride the many holiday rides, enjoy the delicious Holiday Cookie Experience, and take in a holiday show like The Chris-Mouse Carol.

North Pole Experience at Harbaugh Village — Mullica Hill, NJ

Harbaugh Village is a quaint family amusement center that hosts The North Pole Experience every year, where you’ll find dazzling lights, carousel rides, ice skating, igloo rentals, and fire pits for making s’mores. They also have storytimes with Santa, where little ones can enjoy a Christmas story, milk and cookies, and a special gift from Santa.

Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm — Manalapan, NJ

Where better to celebrate than at a Christmas Village on a Christmas tree farm? The experience begins with a hayride through the tree fields as you take in the captivating light displays. In the village you'll find a life-size gingerbread house, a candy cane factory, Santa’s 4-D Sleigh Ride, and more. While you’re visiting the farm, you can also choose your own Christmas tree.

Pop-up Christmas Markets in the Philadelphia Area

Miracle on American Street

Olde Kensington — November 22, 2025

Find handmade and unique gifts from over 80 local vendors while enjoying fun activities like jewelry stamping, make-your-own ornaments and suncatchers, and “fun with foil” at the jewelry studio. Free entry.

Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar

Delaware Waterfront — November 22-23, 2025

This event offers handmade goods from curated craft vendors, make-and-takes, and chances to win free tote bags and raffle items. $3 entry fee, kids under 12 free. 

The Clover Market Holiday Market 

West Chester — November 22-23, 2025

Held in a 33,000 square foot indoor space, this huge holiday market features artisan makers and antique vendors, and offers holiday face painting for kids. Free entry.

Handmade Holidays at Bartram's Garden

Southwest Philadelphia — December 6, 2025

Local artists and makers and community members come together for a Holiday Market that also includes live entertainment, winter field games, and DIY wreath making. Free entry.

Christmas in Kensington

Kensington — December 6, 2025

The 5th annual Christmas in Kensington features 20+ local vendors, a make-your-own ornament station, and a Grinch picture booth. Free entry.

Winter Holiday Market at the Latvian Society

Northern Liberties — December 6, 2025

This Holiday Market includes unique gifts from the Latvian Society’s artisans, a children’s corner, and delicious traditional food like pīrāgi (bacon buns) and piparkūkas (gingerbread cookies). $1 suggested donation.

Lucia & Christmas Market at the American Swedish Museum

South Philadelphia — December 6-7, 2025

Housed in a heated tent, this market and celebration offers Christmas decorations and gifts, holiday foods, live music, and children’s programming. $12 non-members, $8 members, $5 children 5-12, free for children under 5.

Made @ Bok Winter Market

South Philadelphia — December 13, 2025

Check out this unique high-school-turned-makerspace while shopping for handmade gifts and seasonal treats from its local makers, artists, and small businesses. Free entry.

Insider Tips for Visiting Christmas Towns and Villages

• Book hotels early.
• Arrive at attractions before peak times for easier parking and fewer crowds.
• Dress for the cold, wear layers, and bring hand warmers.
• Don’t forget to plan for snack breaks to enjoy seasonal treats.
• Find a cozy spot to retreat if the crowds get too overwhelming.
• Encourage the kids to help you pick out special gifts for loved ones.