The festive season has arrived in Erie! Discover all the must-see holiday events with our guide. Asheville
One of the highlights you won't want to miss is the Festival of Trees, where beautifully decorated trees create a winter wonderland atmosphere. Take in the magic of the Presque Isle Lights, which transform the peninsula into a glistening display of colorful illuminations. And the Christmas at the Warner is something you definitely don't want to miss, with enchanting performances to delight audiences of all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Erie
- Festival of Trees
- Presque Isle Lights
- Christmas at the Warner
- Holiday Crafts & Fine Arts Show
- Lights Over Lake Erie
Erie Holiday Light Displays
Presque Isle Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in a state park
Description:
Presque Isle State Park glows with holiday spirit as it hosts a unique drive-through light experience. This natural peninsula, formed over 11,000 years ago by glacial activity, now serves as a canvas for a vibrant light display. Visitors cruise along the park's winding roads, encountering illuminated scenes that celebrate both the holiday season and the park's diverse ecosystem. Keep an eye out for light sculptures depicting local wildlife. The event offers a distinctive blend of nature appreciation and holiday cheer, making it a standout among winter activities.
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Lights Over Lake Erie
What to Expect:
Synchronized light show over Lake Erie
Description:
Lake Erie's shoreline comes alive with a dazzling synchronized light show. Lights Over Lake Erie paints the night sky with vibrant colors, reflecting off the water's surface to create a mesmerizing display. This innovative event combines cutting-edge lighting technology with the natural beauty of Pennsylvania's only Great Lake. Spectators can tune in to a dedicated radio station to hear the music accompanying the light choreography. The show pays homage to Erie's maritime history, incorporating nautical themes into its stunning visual narrative. Bundle up and prepare to be awed by this lakeside spectacle.
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Erie Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Crafts & Fine Arts Show
What to Expect:
Showcase of handmade holiday crafts and fine arts
Description:
Artisans and craftspeople converge at the Holiday Crafts & Fine Arts Show, showcasing their skills and creativity. This event celebrates the rich tradition of handmade goods, featuring everything from intricate jewelry to hand-carved wooden ornaments. Visitors can watch live demonstrations, gaining insight into the artisans' techniques. The show highlights Erie's vibrant arts community, which has flourished since the city's founding in 1795. As you browse the stalls, you'll discover unique pieces that capture the essence of the season, each item telling its own story of craftsmanship and inspiration.
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Holiday Crafts & Fine Arts Show
Erie Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at the Warner
What to Expect:
Holiday performances in a historic theater
Description:
The Warner Theatre, an architectural gem from 1931, bursts with holiday cheer during Christmas at the Warner. This Art Deco masterpiece provides a stunning backdrop for seasonal performances that captivate audiences. From ballet to orchestral concerts, the event showcases local talent in a venue steeped in history. You might catch a glimpse of the theater's original Wurlitzer organ, still in use today. The performances transport viewers to different worlds, each act bringing its own flavor to the holiday season. This celebration of the arts has become a cornerstone of Erie's cultural calendar.
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Erie Other Holiday Activities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Elaborately decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms Erie into a forest of creativity. Local organizations and businesses showcase their ingenuity with elaborately decorated trees, each telling a unique story. Visitors can stroll through the dazzling display, marveling at the intricate ornaments and innovative designs. One highlight is the opportunity to vote for your favorite tree. This event, dating back to 1984, has become a cherished Erie tradition, raising funds for various community projects. The air fills with the crisp scent of pine as you explore this winter spectacle.
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Nearby Events
Grape Discovery Center Christmas Winery Tour (Westfield)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed winery tour in Lake Erie Wine Country
Description:
The Grape Discovery Center's Christmas Winery Tour offers a spirited journey through Lake Erie Wine Country. This region, part of the largest grape-growing territory east of the Rockies, sparkles with holiday cheer during the tour. Participants savor specially crafted holiday wines, each sip capturing the essence of the season. Learn about the area's 150-year winemaking history as you visit multiple wineries, each adorned with unique holiday decorations. The tour provides a delightful blend of viticulture education and festive celebration, showcasing the best of Westfield's wine culture.
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Grape Discovery Center Christmas Winery Tour
Edinboro Dickens Christmas Celebration (Edinboro)
What to Expect:
Victorian-era themed Christmas celebration
Description:
Edinboro steps back in time with its Dickens Christmas Celebration, immersing visitors in the ambiance of Victorian-era England. The town transforms into a living tableau of Charles Dickens' world, complete with costumed characters and period decorations. Stroll through streets lined with gas lamps and enjoy the sounds of carolers singing traditional English Christmas songs. This event pays homage to Edinboro's rich history, which dates back to its founding in 1801 by Scottish settlers. Visitors can participate in traditional Victorian games, adding an interactive element to this unique holiday experience.
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Edinboro Dickens Christmas Celebration