Winter in Pennsylvania is a magical time! From twinkling lights to festive markets, there's something for every family to enjoy during the colder months. At PA Virtual, we know how important it is for families to indulge in their winter and enjoy quality time together and what better way than exploring the events happening all around the state? Whether you’re strolling through a glowing garden, sipping hot cocoa at a holiday market, or cheering at a local hockey game, these events are the perfect excuse to bundle up and create lasting memories with friends and family.
Eastern Pennsylvania
Longwood Gardens Christmas
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When: December 6, 2024 - January 5, 2025
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Where: Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
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Details: Explore this world-renowned garden adorned with spectacular holiday lights, beautifully decorated trees, and breathtaking fountain shows. It's a festive experience that's both visually stunning and heartwarming.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
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When: Now until December 24, 2024
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Where: Philadelphia, PA
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Details: Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, this outdoor holiday market offers unique gifts, ornaments, and arts and crafts. Enjoy a variety of European foods and beverages in a festive atmosphere.
Clarks Summit Festival of Ice
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When: January 24-26, 2025
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Where: Clarks Summit, PA
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Details: Head to this charming northern Pennsylvania town for the annual Festival of Ice. This year's theme, "Jurassic Ice," features intricate ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations, horse-drawn carriage rides, and family-friendly entertainment. Don't miss the extravagant parade and the magical atmosphere of this winter wonderland.
Jim Thorpe's Olde Time Christmas Festival
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When: Weekends in December 2024
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Where: Jim Thorpe, PA
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Details: Experience a festive holiday atmosphere in one of Pennsylvania's most scenic small towns. Jim Thorpe's Olde Time Christmas Festival features unique shopping experiences, horse-drawn carriage rides, festive decorations, and live performances. The historic town is beautifully decorated, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life amidst its Victorian architecture
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YRRC Winter Series
When: December 2024 - March 2025
Where: York, Pennsylvania
Details: This competition features various races throughout the winter, perfect for those looking to keep active during the colder months. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, there's a distance for you. You might have to do some research to find the closest race to you!
Lehigh Valley Phantoms AHL Hockey -
When: December 2024 - March 2025
Where: Lehigh, Pennsylvania
Details: Catch the Phantoms in action at the PPL Center in Allentown for some fun hockey action. Ahh... the classic "I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out!" applies here.
Central Pennsylvania
Wild Winter Adventure
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When: K-5: December 21-22, 26-30 8:30-11:30 AM or 1PM-4PM
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Where: Hershey, PA
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Details: During the program, participants will learn about the amazing survival skills that animals use in the cold winter months. Participants will explore ZooAmerica® and watch our North American animals explore their winter habitats, get up-close and personal with live animal encounters, participate in an enrichment activity, and enjoy a snack. Plus, they also take a walk into Hersheypark® and visit the reindeer.
IceFest in Chambersburg
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When: January 25-28, 2025
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Where: Chambersburg, PA
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Details: This vibrant festival showcases over 80 ice sculptures by DiMartino’s master ice carvers. Activities include a 40-foot double-track ice slide, a “Run Your Ice Off” 5k, and a chili and BBQ cook-off. The event offers fun for the entire family with an outdoor beer garden too.
Winter Craft Market
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When: December 7, 2024, from 9 AM to 6 PM
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Where: Nittany Valley Sports Centre, State College, PA
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Details: This annual juried craft market hosted by the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen showcases a variety of artisans including painters, jewelers, and potters. It's a great opportunity to find unique gifts and enjoy the craftsmanship of local artists.
Old Fashioned Christmas at Old Bedford Village
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When: December 7, 2024, from 5 PM to 9 PM
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Where: Old Bedford Village, Bedford, PA
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Details: Step back in time and experience a traditional Christmas with decorations, seasonal music, and refreshments. This event offers a nostalgic look at the holiday season, suitable for all ages.
Western Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum Holiday Show
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When: Weekends through January 12, 2025
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Where: Gibsonia, PA
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Details: Enjoy a nostalgic journey through a massive model train display that recreates the iconic railroad journey from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland during the 1950s.
Holiday Lights on the Lake
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When: Nightly through December 2024
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Where: Lakemont Park, Altoona, PA
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Details: This drive-through display features over a million lights illuminating more than 50 acres, making it a bright festive attraction.
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Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
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Dates: Now - Jan 5, 2025
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Where: Pittsburgh, PA
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Details: Experience the enchantment of the winter season with holiday trees, a variety of poinsettias, and mesmerizing light displays. Phipps is famous world wide for its stunning and beautiful set-ups, go see it if you're close to Pittsburgh!
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh
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Dates: Dec 31, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025
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Where: Pittsburgh, PA
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Details: Pittsburgh's signature New Year's celebration featuring a variety of family-friendly activities and fireworks in the Cultural District. It's Pittsburgh's finest celebrations - don't miss it!
Kennywood's Holiday Lights
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Dates: Now - Jan 1, 2025
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Where: Pittsburgh, PA
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Details: Enjoy over two million twinkling lights, the state's tallest Christmas tree, festive foods, holiday drinks, and special entertainment!
Asbury Woods Winter Wonderland
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Dates: Dec 1-31, 2024
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Where: Erie, PA
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Details: Walk through a brightly lit boardwalk, enjoy the holiday cheer and explore the nature center's animal displays and a model train setup!
Exclusive Events for PA Virtual Families
At PA Virtual Charter School, we’re excited to offer our families opportunities to connect and enjoy the winter season together. We regularly have in-person outings designed just for our school community, there’s something for everyone! To stay in the loop on these exclusive events, make sure to log into Blackboard regularly. Once you’re in, navigate to the "Institution Page" and find the "Outings and Clubs" section to find details on upcoming activities with our parent ambassadors! Feel free to reach out to Jennifer Brodhag at jbrodhag@pavcs.us with any questions you may have.
Winter may end up bringing a lot of chilly days and snowy nights, but it’s also a season filled with warmth, laughter, AND of course... dazzling lights! We hope this list helps you to explore some of the things Pennsylvania has to offer this season. So grab your coats, hats, and gloves, and head out with your loved ones to enjoy the magic of winter. There’s no shortage of ways to make the most of these frosty months. From all of us at PA Virtual Charter School, stay warm, stay safe, and have a wonderful winter season! We will update this come January - so keep an eye out!
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