10 of the Most Festive Things to Do Near Scranton This Holiday Season
When you’re visiting the Lackawanna Valley, it’s not hard to get in to the holiday spirit. There are so many festive things to do near Scranton this time of year, the only problem you’ll have is figuring out how to fit in everything. Hotel Anthracite is uniquely positioned to put you close to all the merriment. Request our free Destination Guide to assist your travels around the region and make decking the halls even easier.
1. Nay Aug Park Light Spectacular, Scranton
During this annual event, more than 100 light displays depicting holiday scenes decorate the park. Watch the lights dance, jump, and flash on a self-guided drive-through tour! Shows start November 25th and run nightly through Tuesday, January 7th. The display is open to drive through from 5:00 PM-10:00 PM!
2. Festival of Trees, Scranton
Traditional, eclectic and artistic! See a collection of Christmas Trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. The display will be held outdoors at Courthouse Square in Scranton. Each tree offers a unique interpretation of this year’s theme, “A Cartoon Christmas.” The Lackawanna County Winter Market on December 5th will serve as the kickoff for the event, which runs through January 12th. 25 trees will be available to decorate at $25 each, and the funds raised will go to Toys for Tots!
3. Christmas in Montrose, Montrose
Come celebrate Christmas in Montrose! This town-wide holiday celebration lasts all weekend long, December 6th-8th 2024. Activities are scheduled all around the downtown area.
Highlights include a Christmas Craft Fair, Christmas Village on the Green, live music, visits with Santa and his reindeer, dance performances and a Parade of Lights. The giant chocolate Santa roll has been a crowd favorite feature since the event began. There’s even a best dressed elf contest, so throw on a costume and give it your all!
4. Christmas in a Small Town, Carbondale
There’s so much to do in Carbondale at Christmastime! The city of Carbondale celebrates the holidays with a flurry of activities beginning December 2. Day-long activities on December 7th include a Holiday Pop-Up Shop at the Carbondale Public Library. The Greater Carbondale YMCA will host a Christmas Festival from 4-8 p.m on November 17th. that includes Christmas Gift Bingo, Build a Bear Workshops, Grinch School, bounce houses, carnival games, cookie decorating and an ugly sweater contest.
Don’t forget the Lighted Christmas Parade on December 7th at 6:30 PM! This yearly tradition always features beautifully decorated floats and helps ring in the holiday season in style. Watch as they parade down Main Street, and see if you can pick a favorite amongst all the impressive options!
5. Santa on the Trolley, Scranton
All aboard the Santa Trolley! Trolley bells become Christmas bells during this special excursion with Santa. Every weekend from Thanksgiving until Christmas take a festive ride aboard a historic trolley car with Santa Claus himself. Trips depart from the Electric City Trolley Station and Museum. Following the 10-mile round-trip excursion to Montage Mountain, visit the museum for a holiday treat. These delightful trolley rides start up on November 30th and run through December 22nd, 2024.
6. North Pole Limited, Scranton
Choo choo! Climb aboard a steam-powered train decorated for the holiday season for a one-hour excursion to the North Pole. Along the way, sing Christmas Carols and visit with Santa. Trains depart from Steamtown National Historic Site on select weekends from December 8th to December 22nd, 2024!
7. Christmas on Main, Forest City
Forest City’s quaint Main Street welcomes visitors for a host of holiday festivities on December 7th, 2024 at 1:00 PM. There will be gift shopping and crafts, ornament decorating, caroling, horse and carriage rides as well as a tree lighting ceremony overseen by Santa himself!
8. The Nutcracker, Scranton
Celebrate the city of Scranton’s 49th performance of the timeless Christmas ballet classic this year! It’s the only performance of the Nutcracker in the United States that’s presented entirely free of charge. This event is a staple in Scranton’s cultural calendar, and locals and visitors alike look forward to it each year. What a special treat!
9. Lackawanna Winter Market, Scranton
Shop an old-fashioned open-air market in downtown Scranton. Over 70 vendors fill a block of Wyoming Avenue for one weekend in December (December 6-8th, 2024). In addition to unique gifts there are plenty of food vendors and entertainment. Santa will also be on hand throughout the three-day event to take any last-minute Christmas wishes!
10. Festival of Lights, Tunkhannock
Wow, what a dazzling display of lights! Don’t miss out of the Festival of Lights in Tunkhannock this year, fro November 27 through December 31st, 2024 (excluding Christmas Eve). You can view millions of lights on the back nine, and then stop by fro some food and drink (and even s’mores!) at the heated pavilion. Plus, you can see all of the lights from the comfort of your car, so you don’t have to worry about getting too cold. Admission is $20 per car on Sundays-Thursdays and $35 per car on Fridays and Saturdays.
Make Hotel Anthracite Your Home Away from Home
Guest rooms that are modern and comfortable -are the perfect place to get cozy after a full day of making merry. Linger over an exceptional meal at the hotel’s restaurant, Kōl Grill. The menu boasts many innovative twists on dishes that are synonymous with the season. Take some time this holiday season to enjoy the array of festive things to do near Scranton. Check out our specials, see what’s available and book your holiday getaway today.