9 Pennsylvania day trip ideas that are perfect around the holidays
Hit up these spots on a wintry Pennsylvania day trip.
Perhaps you have time off around the holidays, some PTO to burn, or rising cabin fever inspired by the chilly weather. Whatever the reason, December and the holiday season can be a great time to take a Pennsylvania day trip, whether you’re visiting a cute small town like Ligonier or enjoying a big city like Philadelphia when there are fewer crowds.
We’ve put together nine destinations across the state you might visit this holiday season, including places with great holiday shopping and Christmas attractions, as well as those featuring snowy landscapes and winter hikes. You don’t need to drive far for a change of scenery!
Eastern Pennsylvania day trip ideas
Philadelphia
You can visit Philadelphia any day of the week, but a winter weekday is best in order to avoid crowds, especially at Philly’s favorite holiday attractions. Weekdays are more peaceful at Center City’s Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, which is made up entirely of Philly-based vendors, so your shopping supports local businesses and artists.
You might also strap on some skates and try ice skating at the Dilworth Park rink, which is adjacent to the Made in Philadelphia market. Finally, play tourist in Old City, admiring the cobblestone streets and visiting the historic sites that attract millions of visitors every year—the winter chill makes for a quieter and more magical experience.
Bethlehem
You can’t go wrong with visiting “Christmas City” during the holidays. Bethlehem lives up to its nickname, rooted in its founding by Moravian settlers on Christmas Eve. The city’s strong Christmas traditions make it a perfect place for a Pennsylvania day trip filled with holiday spirit.
Don’t miss Christkindlmarkt, the traditional German Christmas market and festival with hundreds of vendors and plenty of mulled wine that has regularly been named among the top Christmas markets in the country. But one Christmas market isn’t enough for Bethlehem—there’s also Christmas City Village, a smaller market downtown with local vendors selling art and other wares.
You can also explore historic Moravian sites, which were recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stop by the Moravian Book Shop, the oldest continuously operated bookstore in the country. Before you head home, grab some comforting baked goods at Vallos Bakery.
Jim Thorpe
Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Jim Thorpe, nestled in the southern Pocono Mountains, is often called the “Switzerland of America” because of its dramatic mountain scenery. Jim Thorpe is picturesque all year, but in winter, the snowy landscapes and charming downtown make for a special sort of holiday magic.
The town’s Olde Time Christmas weekend celebrations bring a Victorian-inspired Christmas to Jim Thorpe, with carriage rides, glowing lights, and plenty of small-town festivities. You can take a stroll on the brick-lined streets, visiting local shops and cafes. Then, enjoy the surrounding scenery with a train ride along the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.
Central Pennsylvania day trip ideas
Lancaster County
Lancaster County, the center of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, offers a hometown holiday experience throughout the area’s cozy small towns, covered bridges, and rolling hills.
You might take a ride on the Strasburg Rail Road (where you can meet Santa on select trips); explore cute small towns that have great local shopping districts, like Lititz; and check out historic sites and museums—including Elizabethtown’s National Christmas Center, a museum that celebrates the history and nostalgia of the Christmas season, found at Stone Gables Estate.
Bedford
Bedford, a small town tucked into the mountains of south-central Pennsylvania, offers an off-the-beaten-path day trip for folks interested in offbeat museums, historic architecture, and a tight-knit community spirit.
The walkable downtown has great cafes, the famous candy store Bedford Candies, and the National Museum of the American Coverlet. Bedford is also close to a number of trails perfect for winter hikes, like those at nearby Blue Knob State Park.
Hershey
Hershey feels like it was made for the holidays, likely because of all the chocolate. Embrace the season with a day trip to the “Sweetest Place on Earth.” You can visit Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, a celebration at the amusement park with fun rides, seasonal shows, and millions of lights. Nearby, Hershey Gardens is a beautiful place even in winter, as it hosts its Christmas Tree Showcase with intricately decorated trees, including a 14-foot-tall poinsettia tree.
You can also experience how Hershey crafts its famous candies at Hershey’s Chocolate World, a typical tourist draw that is transformed during the holiday season. Don’t forget to stock up on souvenirs: chocolate, some candy, and more chocolate.
Western Pennsylvania day trip ideas
The Laurel Highlands
Not far from Pittsburgh, the Laurel Highlands—located among the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains—encompasses Westmoreland, Fayette, and Somerset Counties and offers the best of rural and small-town holiday experiences.
Towns like historic Ligonier shine during the holiday season; Ligonier’s old-fashioned streets are lined with festive light displays and local boutiques selling quality gifts. Meanwhile, natural areas like Ohiopyle State Park are transformed into winter wonderlands. You can take a winter hike at Ohiopyle, glimpsing frozen waterfalls. If you’re into winter sports, both Seven Springs Ski Resort and Hidden Valley Resort have skiing and snowboarding opportunities (including lessons) as well as snow tubing (no lessons required!).
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park, on the shore of Lake Erie, may be most popular in the summer, but it’s also a peaceful winter escape during the holiday season, when snow and ice blanket the natural scenery. You can explore snow-dusted trails while getting beautiful and eerie (ha) views of the icy lake.
Keep an eye out for migrating birds—including snowy owls—as Presque Isle is a key spot on the Atlantic Flyway.
Pittsburgh
Enjoy urban holiday experiences on a day trip to Pittsburgh, where you can stroll the downtown holiday market, explore the city’s unique neighborhoods, and check out some stellar holiday exhibits. You can even ride the Duquesne Incline and get an incredible view of the wintry Pittsburgh skyline.
Dozens of local vendors will help you choose gifts for your loved ones (or yourself) at the Peoples Gas Holiday Market, which is centrally located in downtown’s Market Square. Besides shopping, the market offers festive snacks and drinks, as well as regular entertainment, such as live music. The market is also close to the Rink at PPG Place for ice skating. Ice skating is also offered near Squirrel Hill at the Schenley Park Ice Skating Rink.
Finally, check out some of Pittsburgh’s cultural experiences, like Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which is hosting the garden and light display Phipps Holiday Magic through early January.
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