13 Pennsylvania Small-Town Getaways That Turn Magical In December
December transforms Pennsylvania’s charming small towns into winter wonderlands that feel like stepping inside a snow globe.
From twinkling light displays to cozy Main Streets lined with festive shops, these destinations offer the perfect escape from everyday hustle and bustle.
Whether you’re craving hot cocoa by a crackling fire or horse-drawn carriage rides through historic districts, Pennsylvania delivers holiday magic in spades.
Pack your warmest scarf and get ready to discover towns where December isn’t just a month, it’s an enchanting experience.
1. Bethlehem (Lehigh County)
Known as “Christmas City USA,” Bethlehem doesn’t just celebrate December—it practically invented the playbook for holiday cheer.
The enormous Star of Bethlehem glowing atop South Mountain visible for miles announces that something special happens here when winter arrives.
Christkindlmarkt at 461 West Broad Street recreates an authentic German holiday market with handcrafted ornaments, sizzling bratwurst, and mulled wine that warms you from the inside out.
Historic Moravian buildings throughout downtown offer tours showcasing centuries-old Christmas traditions, while horse-drawn wagon rides meander through neighborhoods ablaze with decorations that would make Clark Griswold jealous.
2. Jim Thorpe (Carbon County)
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, this Victorian gem earns its nickname “Little Switzerland” with steep hillsides and European-style architecture that practically demands a December visit.
The entire downtown district at 41 Susquehanna Street transforms into a holiday postcard with thousands of twinkling lights adorning historic buildings.
Horse-drawn carriage rides clip-clop through streets while carolers serenade shoppers browsing unique boutiques.
The Asa Packer Mansion hosts special candlelight tours that transport visitors back to Gilded Age Christmases.
3. Wellsboro (Tioga County)
Picture a Norman Rockwell painting come to life, and you’ve got Wellsboro in December—a town where gas-lit streets cast a golden glow on freshly fallen snow.
Main Street at 114 Main Street becomes an old-fashioned Christmas card with vintage lampposts wrapped in garland and storefronts competing for the most creative holiday window display.
The annual Dickens of a Christmas celebration brings Victorian-era characters strolling the sidewalks, complete with period costumes and British accents that transport visitors straight to 19th-century London. Nearby Pine Creek Gorge offers stunning winter hiking for adventurous souls who want natural beauty alongside their holiday festivities.
4. Hawley (Pike County)
This lakeside hideaway near Lake Wallenpaupack trades summer beach vibes for cozy winter charm when December rolls around.
Keystone Street downtown becomes a twinkling corridor of independently owned shops selling everything from handmade jewelry to gourmet chocolates—perfect for finding gifts that don’t scream “I bought this at the mall.”
The historic Ritz Company Playhouse at 107 8th Street presents seasonal performances that range from heartwarming to hilarious, giving visitors entertainment beyond just shopping.
Nearby wineries and breweries offer tasting rooms with crackling fireplaces where you can sample local beverages while snowflakes dance outside frost-covered windows.
5. Bellefonte (Centre County)
Victorian mansions line streets where the Big Spring bubbles year-round, but December adds extra sparkle to this already picturesque Centre County treasure.
The entire downtown district around 115 West High Street lights up for the season, creating Instagram-worthy scenes at every turn.
Walking tours showcase stunning 19th-century architecture draped in holiday finery, while local shops offer everything from antiques to artisan goods.
The historic courthouse square becomes the centerpiece for community celebrations, and nearby Talleyrand Park provides peaceful winter walks along Spring Creek where ice formations create natural sculptures.
6. Lititz (Lancaster County)
America’s coolest small town (according to actual awards, not just proud locals) cranks up the charm when December arrives in Lancaster County.
Founded by Moravians in 1756, Lititz Spring Park at 18 North Broad Street hosts one of the nation’s oldest Fourth of July celebrations, but their Christmas festivities give summer a serious run for its money.
The annual Christmas in Lititz celebration transforms downtown into a Hallmark movie set with carriage rides, live nativity scenes, and enough twinkling lights to be seen from space.
Wilbur Chocolate Company and Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery offer tours and treats that make perfect fuel for exploring boutiques packed with unique gifts.
7. Gettysburg (Adams County)
Famous for its pivotal Civil War battle, Gettysburg trades cannon fire for jingle bells when December arrives, proving this historic town knows how to celebrate peace on earth.
Lincoln Square at 1 Lincoln Square becomes the heart of holiday festivities with a massive Christmas tree and decorations that complement rather than clash with the town’s preserved 1860s architecture.
Ghost tours take on extra atmosphere during winter months when fog rolls through battlefields and historic buildings creak with stories both spooky and seasonal.
Shops along Baltimore Street offer Civil War memorabilia alongside Christmas ornaments, creating the world’s most unique holiday shopping experience where history meets holly.
8. Indiana (Indiana County)
Birthplace of Jimmy Stewart, this college town honors its most famous son while creating December magic worthy of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Philadelphia Street downtown at 835 Philadelphia Street becomes a festive corridor where you half-expect George Bailey to come running past shouting about Bedford Falls.
The Jimmy Stewart Museum naturally goes all-out for Christmas, celebrating the actor’s iconic holiday film with special exhibits and screenings.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania students add youthful energy to downtown shops and cafes, while the courthouse lawn features a nativity scene and light displays.
9. New Hope (Bucks County)
This artsy riverside escape along the Delaware River becomes even more enchanting when December frost touches its eclectic galleries and Victorian buildings.
Main Street at 1 West Mechanic Street transforms into a bohemian winter wonderland where quirky shops sell everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage treasures you never knew you needed.
The New Hope-Ivyland Railroad runs special Santa trains that chug through snow-dusted countryside, delighting kids and nostalgic adults alike.
Candlelight ghost tours offer spine-tingling alternatives to traditional holiday activities, while cozy restaurants and wine bars provide romantic settings for couples seeking getaways with more sophistication than sugarplums.
10. Kennett Square (Chester County)
Self-proclaimed Mushroom Capital of the World, Kennett Square proves there’s nothing small about its December celebrations despite the town’s modest size.
State Street downtown at 120 East State Street lights up with decorations that complement this walkable community’s historic charm and agricultural heritage.
Longwood Gardens just outside town presents one of America’s most spectacular holiday light displays, with thousands of illuminated plants creating indoor and outdoor wonderlands that justify the short drive. Downtown shops offer gourmet mushroom products (naturally) alongside traditional gifts, while restaurants serve farm-to-table cuisine showcasing Chester County’s rich agricultural bounty.
11. Milford (Pike County)
Tucked in the Pocono Mountains near the Delaware Water Gap, Milford combines Victorian elegance with outdoor adventure opportunities that make December visits particularly memorable.
Broad Street downtown at 111 West Harford Street showcases beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings that look like they’re auditioning for a Christmas movie.
The Grey Towers National Historic Site offers special holiday tours of Gifford Pinchot’s French chateau-style mansion, decorated with period-appropriate ornaments and greenery.
Downtown galleries and antique shops provide excellent browsing for discriminating gift-givers, while nearby waterfalls freeze into stunning ice sculptures.
12. Ligonier (Westmoreland County)
The Laurel Highlands’ most charming town square gets serious about December with decorations that would make Santa himself consider relocating his workshop.
The Diamond at 120 East Main Street serves as the heart of festivities, with a gazebo that becomes command central for carolers, tree lightings, and community celebrations throughout the season.
Fort Ligonier, a reconstructed French and Indian War fort, hosts candlelight tours that blend history with holiday spirit in unexpected ways.
Boutique shops surrounding the Diamond sell everything from Laurel Highlands crafts to upscale home goods, while restaurants serve comfort food perfect for refueling between shopping expeditions.
13. Doylestown (Bucks County)
Bucks County’s sophisticated seat combines historic architecture with contemporary culture, creating December experiences that satisfy both traditionalists and modernists.
State Street downtown at 55 East State Street features the stunning courthouse as its centerpiece, surrounded by upscale boutiques, galleries, and restaurants that take holiday decorating seriously.
The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle offer unique seasonal tours showcasing Henry Mercer’s eccentric vision and tile-making legacy in settings that feel especially atmospheric during winter months.
Independent bookstores, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants give Doylestown a cosmopolitan vibe rare in small towns.