Explore What Makes the Holidays in NEPA So Special
As snow begins to fall and lights brighten the long winter nights, NEPA becomes a destination for holiday adventure. From Thanksgiving gatherings and Friendsgiving feasts to Hanukkah menorah lightings, Kwanzaa events, New Year’s festivities, and first day hikes, every tradition adds to the region’s joyful spirit. Across towns and small communities, family traditions come alive through cheerful parades, cozy markets, and photo ops with Santa. Others celebrate cultural and faith-based holidays that honor light, gratitude, and togetherness. Festive music fills the air, local shops deck their halls, and every corner glows with the spirit of the season.
From drive-through light displays and nostalgic train excursions to Christmas concerts and tree-lighting ceremonies, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. Whether you’re sharing a meal, cutting your own tree, or counting down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, the holidays in Northeastern Pennsylvania capture the warmth, wonder, and unity that make this time of year so special.
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🎁 12 Days of NEPA Holiday Giveaways Are Back!
Celebrate the season with daily prizes from local restaurants, shops, attractions, and getaways across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Enter every weekday from December 1–16 for your chance to win—and support the amazing businesses that make our region shine.
Holiday Season Snapshot
During the holidays, NEPA shines with winter charm. Snow often blankets the region, creating the perfect backdrop for Thanksgiving turkey trots, Hanukkah gatherings, Christmas markets, Kwanzaa festivals, and New Year’s countdowns. Downtown streets twinkle with light displays, while small towns host annual parades, community dinners, and multicultural celebrations. Local shops, bakeries, and artisans fill the calendar with cozy gatherings and winter cheer, spreading warmth and togetherness across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Your NEPA Holiday Bucket List
Looking for the best things to do this holiday season in NEPA? Add a few must-do ideas for the season: cut your own Christmas tree, hop aboard a festive holiday train, stroll or drive through dazzling light displays, shop local markets for unique gifts, or meet Santa at a family event. NEPA’s holiday bucket list is filled with ways to celebrate traditions, enjoy cozy moments, and create memories with friends and family.
Explore seasonal activities for your NEPA holiday bucket list — from outdoor light tours and tree-cutting adventures to shopping, shows, and winter fun — and make the most of the season!
Featured NEPA Holiday Event Guides
From Thanksgiving through the New Year, NEPA’s holiday calendar overflows with bright events that bring communities together. Families gather for light shows, parades, concerts, and markets filled with local gifts and seasonal treats. The season also honors a variety of winter holidays, from Christmas tree lightings and Hanukkah menorah ceremonies to community Kwanzaa events and winter solstice celebrations.
Explore holiday train rides through snowy landscapes, enjoy live music and theater performances, or visit Santa at local attractions. Many towns host beloved traditions—like Wilkes-Barre’s Christmas Parade, Scranton’s tree-lighting ceremony, and the Festival of Lights in Tunkhannock—while others highlight multicultural gatherings that celebrate the spirit of unity and joy throughout the season. Plan your weekends early—many of NEPA’s favorite events sell out fast.
Festival of Lights Visitor’s Guide
Experience one of NEPA’s brightest holiday traditions at the Festival of Lights at Stone Hedge Golf Course in Tunkhannock. This dazzling drive-through display stretches for miles with glowing tunnels, themed scenes, and festive music in the crisp winter air. Warm up by the fire with cocoa, browse local vendors, and spot Santa along the way. Every visit captures the wonder, warmth, and joy of the season.
Light Displays & Winter Magic
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NEPA Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Adventures in Motion
Thanksgiving in NEPA
Before the lights go up and the snow starts to fall, NEPA celebrates the warmth of Thanksgiving. From festive meals and community feasts to turkey trots and volunteer drives, the season brings friends and families together across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Explore themed-menus, dining options, and ways to give back that make Thanksgiving in NEPA truly special.
Give Thanks & Celebrate in NEPA
More Ways to Enjoy the Holidays in NEPA
The holidays in NEPA go far beyond the calendar of events—they’re about traditions, treats, and time together. Cut your own evergreen at one of the region’s scenic Christmas tree farms, then head out for a day of local holiday shopping to find handmade gifts, seasonal décor, and festive sweets. Our Holiday Gift Guide makes it easy to shop local while supporting small businesses across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Don’t forget to sweeten the season—load up your holiday dessert table with pies, cookies, and other local favorites from NEPA’s beloved bakeries and markets. And for families, meeting Santa Claus is a must-do tradition. From shopping centers and community gatherings to special breakfasts and train rides, there are countless ways to capture that perfect holiday photo and create lasting memories.
From gift-giving to gathering, every winter moment in NEPA shines a little brighter.
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Holiday Day Trips Near NEPA
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Holiday Things to Do & Insider Picks
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Plan Your Holidays in NEPA
There’s no better time to explore Northeastern Pennsylvania than the holiday season. From dazzling lights and cozy markets to joyful parades and Santa visits, every weekend offers something special.
