Celebrating all the traditions of Christmas in Oaks, PA is a heartwarming way to amp up the holiday magic. Live entertainment, Christmas lights, ice skating, visits with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are just a few ways to liven everyone’s holiday experience in the great state of Pennsylvania.
Why Christmas in Oaks, PA?
There are many towns across America that are known for “decking the halls” with special events for the Christmas season. Nevertheless, Christmas in Oaks, PA and the greater surrounding Philadelphia area is a must see and has something for the whole family.
Check out our Google Map to get orientated with all this sweet town has to offer. Free events, ticketed events and private experiences and tours are listed on our map to help you plan your tinseltown holiday spectacular. Read on to get a taste for a few of the events that happen here every year.
Free Events
When the holiday season approaches, you might find yourself wanting to save money for stocking stuffers and wish list items for the kids. But that’s no reason not to treat them to some amazing free light displays, holiday carolers and a chat with Santa Claus. Here are several events for celebrating the season of Christmas in Oaks, PA that are free to attend.
Christmas in Oaks, PA at the Expo Center
The Philadelphia Expo Center celebrated their 1st Annual Oaks Christmas Market this year. This year’s event will host nearly 300 crafters and vendors in Hall C. Admission is free and there is ample free parking available onsite with visits from Santa Claus daily!
Location: 100 Station Avenue Oaks, PA
Manayunk Gets Lit
This charming part of Northeast Philadelphia feels like it just stepped out of a Hallmark movie. Stroll along Main Street, where you can explore delightful shops and restaurants, or enjoy a free ride on the Jolly Trolley while admiring over 80,000 dazzling holiday lights. As you ride, you might even be accompanied by hired carolers, adding to the holiday cheer. Finally, hop off the trolley and capture memorable photos in front of the beautiful tree at Canal View Park! Check out all the events by clicking here.
Location: Main Street to Canal View Park (4415 Main Street, Philadelphia)
Peddler’s Village
Photo by Nellie Adamyan on Unsplash
Charming visitors all year long with its 18th century buildings and brick paths, this part of town really takes it over the top for the Christmas season. Time your visit for after 4:30pm to gaze at over 1 million Christmas lights. In addition, there are plenty of family friendly events, over 60 locally owned shops, a giant gingerbread house display, live entertainment and parades with Santa Claus. Click here for a calendar of their holiday events.
Location: 2400 Street Road, New Hope, PA
Franklin Square Electric Light Show
Philadelphia boasts a rich history, and it’s no surprise that this event draws inspiration from Ben Franklin’s famous kite and key experiment. Aimed at delighting the entire family, hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights come to life, synchronized to music every half hour. Other winter wonderland activities include taking elfie selfies with Santa, enjoying Chilly Philly Mini Golf, and trying your hand at street curling. Click here to check out all their live events!
Location: 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Ticketed Events
You won’t be disappointed when you spend a few dollars on some of these amazing events. If it’s your first time in the area, not only will these enhance your visit but they will also brighten your holiday spirit!
Longwood Gardens
Named “Best Botanical Holiday Lights Display” by USA Today’s Readers Choice Awards, be enchanted by over a half million lights among hundreds of trees and seasonal decorated plants. Cozy firepits, Old Towne Carolers singing your favorite Christmas songs and a festive outdoor railway tie together everything into a delightful package! Click here to check ticket availability and timing information.
Location: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
Shady Brook Farm
The kids will love this after dark holiday lights event set up across acres and acres of beautiful farmland. First, drive your own vehicle or take a whimsical open air wagon ride through the farm. Familiar holiday characters and animated winter scenes in dazzling lights are set up along the journey. Wagons can be reserved for whole groups or family reunion parties. After your drive, stop by Santa’s Village for pictures with Santa Claus, tasty treats and spirited drinks. Finally, walk Candy Cane Lane and snuggle up next to a cozy fire pit to sing some of your favorite Christmas songs. Click here to learn more about this special place.
Location: 931 Stony Hill Rd. Yardley, PA
Carnival of Lights in Pottstown
Prphilachristmas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This walk-through event in Montgomery County includes a gorgeous light display, unlimited amusement park rides, and parking. Food, games, bungee jump, pictures with Santa Claus, holiday crafts and gifts are extra. A special “sensory friendly night” is also scheduled into the year’s event lineup. Staff have been trained to help with guests that have special needs, and the lights are set to be steady with a softer volume of music on sensory friendly night. A “quiet room” is also available if needed. Click here for their calendar and ticket information.
Location: NORCO Fire Company Route 724 144 W. Schuylkill Rd. Pottstown, PA
Tours
Having trouble picking one light display, why not reserve a tour and view several in one night! These are great for large groups who want to travel and celebrate the season together.
Sightseeing Philadelphia Trolley Tour
Photo by Steve Wrzeszczynski on Unsplash
The Hop On Hop Off Trolley by Sight Seeing Philadelphia operates year-round, providing a fantastic opportunity to explore the city’s significant historical sites. During the Christmas season, special reserved trolley tours feature twinkling lights, holiday carolers, and the option to bring your own beverages. This charming Victorian trolley makes several stops, including LOVE Park, the Comcast Holiday Spectacular, Franklin Square, and Smedley Street, where it pauses for about 15 minutes.. Click here for ticket availability.
Location: Meet outside the Bourse Building at 111 S. Independence M1 East
Founding Footsteps Trolley Tour
Founding Footsteps Holiday Lights Tours also offers year round tours. However during the holiday season, guests can BYOB and enjoy talented local musicians onboard the two-hour tours to popular lights spectaculars. The tour is family friendly and delight’s everyone with visiting the city’s most festive locations.
Location: Meeting Point: 901 N Delaware Ave Philadelphia PA
76 Carriage Co & Big Bus Trolley Tour
A third option for a BYOB trolley tour, the 90 minute Victorian trolley ride by 76 Carriage Company and Big Bus takes guests to the same popular places in town. Smedley Street, Miracle on 13th St., Christmas Village/Love Park, City Hall Tree & Dilworth Plaza, Comcast Building, Washington Square, and Franklin Square are all on the agenda! Check out all the details by visiting this website.
Location: Meeting Point: 1200 Filbert Street Philadelphia PA
In conclusion, Christmas in Oaks, PA is a special place for making memories or establishing holiday traditions. New events are being added each year making Southern Pennsylvania a place you can have yourself a merry little Christmas!
