Christmastime in Pennsylvania just might be the most magical time of the year. We have so many things to look forward to, too, including the wealth of Christmas traditions – from decorating the tree to gathering around the TV for the annual showing of It’s A Wonderful Life – that await all season long. The calendar’s also jam-packed with fun activities throughout the season, which means we always have something to do. If you’ve still got room on your holiday calendar, plan a visit to this enchanting Christmas town in Pennsylvania that transforms into a Christmas wonderland every year.

Feel as though you've journeyed back in time when you visit Indiana, a quaint Western Pennsylvania town that transforms into a Christmas wonderland each year.
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If there's only one Christmas town in Pennsylvania you visit this year, make it Indiana, PA.
Chances are pretty good that you'll feel right at home when you arrive in the historic downtown, glittering with Christmas lights and decorations.
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While the town is absolutely adorable during the daytime, it's simply magical when the sun goes down, especially during the Christmas season.
The small Pennsylvania town is the hometown of actor Jimmy Stewart, the beloved George Bailey in the popular Christmas movie It's A Wonderful Life.
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Indiana, PA, could easily double as Bedford Falls, with its charming main street, old-fashioned friendliness, and quaint storefronts.
Stroll along the sidewalks of Philadelphia Street - also known as Jimmy Stewart Boulevard - where you can start shopping for Christmas gifts at the eclectic selection of shops.
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When you're hungry, you'll find no shortage of charming restaurants downtown.
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For a truly magical experience that will give you a glimpse of life in the fictional Bedford Falls, visit Indiana on select weekends through the holidays for the annual It's A Wonderful Life Festival.
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The festival features a full menu of holiday fun, including visits with Santa, roasting marshmallows, and selfie spots.
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Stop by the Jimmy Stewart Museum, too, for a showing of It's A Wonderful Life and to check out its Festival of Trees. Find a full schedule of events, including dates and times, on the official website of Visit Indiana County PA.
Don't forget to take a leisurely stroll around the historic downtown to admire the many Christmas decorations
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After you've left downtown Indiana, head to a nearby Christmas tree farm - such as Fleming's Christmas Tree Farm or Ruffing's Tree Farm - to cut your own tree. (Indiana is the Christmas Tree Capital of the World.)
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If you can’t make it to Indiana this Christmas, you can feel as though you’re there by watching this YouTube video, courtesy of David Mitsko.

Find more information on the official website of the Indiana County Tourist Bureau, or stop by the Facebook page of the Indiana County Tourist Bureau.

Have you been to Indiana, an enchanting Christmas town in Pennsylvania? Do you have a favorite town that transforms into a Christmas wonderland each year? Let us know in the comments! If you’ve still got room on your winter bucket list, climb aboard this magical Christmas train in Pennsylvania. Don’t forget to take your camera on all of your Christmastime adventures.

 

 

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Christmas In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | November 13, 2023

Are there any other Christmas towns in Pennsylvania?

A visit to Indiana, PA, during Christmastime, is like a journey back in time, but it’s just the start of the holiday fun. Here are a few other must-visit Christmas towns in Pennsylvania:

  • Bethlehem has earned the title of Christmas City with its authentic Christkindlmarkt, twinkling downtown, and Christmas village.
  • Journey to the Switzerland of Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe, for an old-fashioned Christmas. The town hosts a magical Christmas festival in December.
  • The small Western Pennsylvania town of Ligonier lights up during the holiday season. Snap photos in front of the tree in The Diamond downtown.
  • Spend a day or a weekend in the enchanting Christmas town of Lititz, which features a full menu of holiday fun throughout the season.
  • Experience a Victorian Christmas in the quaint town of Bellefonte.


What are some of the best things to do in Pennsylvania at Christmas?

You won’t find a better place to get into the Christmas spirit than Pennsylvania. Here are just a few things to add to your Christmastime bucket list:

  • Go Christmas shopping at Peddlers Village in New Hope.
  • Visit the charming Christmas town of Wellsboro for the annual Dickens of a Christmas Festival.
  • Check out Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, the Christmas City.
  • Climb aboard a merry train ride with Santa on the Strasburg Railroad.
  • Meet Santa and get your Christmas shopping done at Christmas Kettle Village.
  • Celebrate the season alongside all of your favorite characters at Sesame Place.

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