Christmas Events 2024

by Choice Realty Group By Kelly Houston

The holiday season is a time for celebration, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by attending local Christmas events in your community? Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, festive markets, or heartwarming traditions, there’s something special about experiencing the magic of Christmas right where you live. From twinkling light displays to cozy winter concerts, local events offer the perfect opportunity to make lasting memories with friends and family. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best Christmas happenings in your area that are sure to fill your heart with holiday cheer.

Lehigh Valley:

There’s nothing like experiencing the holidays in Lehigh Valley, PA. These Lehigh Valley events are each unique in their own ways - and a must for anyone visiting the region during the season!

Stroll along Bethlehem, PA’s Main Street to immerse yourself in all that the Christmas City has to offer. Hosted by the Downtown Bethlehem Association, browse the , inspired by an authentic German Weihnachtsmarkt, complete with charming wooden huts lining the street offering unique holiday gifts for all. Trees of Historic Bethlehem, a time-honored tradition, features over 26 trees across five historic sites, each decorated by the Bethlehem Garden Club to reference a classic holiday movie including favorites such as It’s a Wonderful Life, The Grinch, and A Christmas Carol. And, don’t miss the Historic Bethlehem , the only one of its kind in the country. Visitors and locals alike gather around the 1810 Goundie House nightly at 5:30 p.m. to receive a special treat and festive program.

Take in millions of awe-inspiring lights. Make your way to the Lehigh Valley Zoo for their annual Winter Light Spectacular. Here, you can walk through the grounds of the zoo all decked out in its holiday best, featuring over a million twinkling lights.

Round up the family and head to Allentown's Lights in the Parkway for a drive-thru light experience. This attraction is priced per vehicle rather than per person, make it an affordable holiday experience that is sure to delight kids (and kids at heart).

Lehigh Valley PEEPSFEST at SteelStacks in Bethlehem

Shop one of the top-ranked holiday markets. Christkindlmarkt is a delight to shoppers looking to cross off their gift list. This market has been named one of the best by Travel + Leisure and USA Today 10 Best, and it’s easy to see why! The market features an impressive lineup of vendors offering everything from handmade home decor items to fine art, and more. Instead of inside a big tent, this year, the market grounds are entirely outdoors.

Make sure to check off your holiday bucket list in the Lehigh Valley:

Poconos:

Pocono resorts, restaurants, and downtowns are decking the halls for the month of December. Whether you want to take a photo with Santa, watch a magical tree lighting, shop for presents at a local market, climb aboard a winter train ride or tram ride, or feast on delicious treats, you can choose your dream Christmas Village Poconos experience with family-friendly festivals throughout the area! Read on for a complete list of holiday happenings and start a new yuletide tradition during Pocono Mountains Christmas vacations.

1. Choose and Cut Christmas Trees

Yenser's Tree Farm
Date: Friday, November 29, 2024 - Sunday, December 15, 2024

Get bundled up and take your family to Yenser's Tree Farm to find the perfect fir or spruce to deck for the holidays. Shop for wreaths and greenery and warm up with complimentary cocoa and cookies on the weekends.

2. Creches From Around the World - Shawnee Traditions

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Thursday, January 2, 2025

It's the reason for the season: take a look at over 100 nativity scenes from all over the world displayed in the Pearsall Room at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort . No admission fee, but donations may be made.

3. 34th Quiet Valley Old Time Christmas

Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, December 7-8 and 14-15, 2024

You don't need the ghost of Christmas Past to take you back in time: enjoy the lantern lit traditions of bygone yuletide days at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm .

4. 11th Annual Ugly Sweater Party

ShawneeCraft Brewing Company
Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024

Unwind this holiday season at ShawneeCraft Brewing Company . Take a Christmas trip along the Pocono Beverage Trail to enjoy food, drink and live music. Dress to impress because a prize will be awarded for the ugliest sweater!

5. Jim Thorpe's Olde Time Christmas

Downtown Jim Thorpe
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, December 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22, 2024

Kick off the holiday season while strolling through charming downtown Jim Thorpe during the community's Christmas festival! Shop local businesses, galleries and boutiques, eat at unique restaurants and find one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones. Sign up for a Shop & Be Merry ticket while they last for exclusive discounts and a souvenir tote bag!

6. Hawley Winterfest

Downtown Hawley
Date: Friday through Sunday, December 13-15, 2024

The whole town of Hawley will be turning out to celebrate the season, with horse and carriage rides, a live nativity play, a beer tour, holiday deals in the shops, Trees for a Cause and contests for best holiday decorating and ugliest sweater.

7. Poconos Lights

Poconos Park
Date: Thursdays through Sundays, November 28, 2024 - December 22, 2024; Daily December 24-31, 2024

Stay warm and cozy in your car as you drive through a sparkling new lights display at Poconos Park in Bushkill. Wind through a mile of merriment twinkling through the night! Poconos Lights will be open Thursdays through Sundays up to Christmas and nightly between Christmas and New Year's Eve.

8. Santa Claus Special

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Date: Friday, November 29, 2024 - Tuesday, December 24, 2024

All aboard in Jim Thorpe! Santa Claus will be riding with train passengers on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway along the winding Lehigh River, the perfect opportunity for a holiday photo.

9. Honesdale Santa Christmas Tree Express

The Stourbridge Line
Date: Dates vary from Friday, November 29, 2024 - Sunday, December 22, 2024

Don't miss your chance to meet Santa and buy your Christmas tree all during a festive train ride with the The Stourbridge Line . Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa along with the panoramic winter scenery as you ride the rails in heated train cars.

10. Breakfast with Santa

Skytop Lodge Ballroom
Date: Sundays, December 1-22, 2024

The big guy will be making a stop at Skytop Lodge the first four Sundays in December to check his naughty and nice list and hear your holiday wishes as you enjoy a delicious breakfast. Don't miss the chance to see the spectacular decorations at Skytop!