Navigate the holiday festivities in Scranton with our expert guide. From Scranton aficionados to curious newcomers, our guide showcases the best of the holiday season.
Join the excitement with the beloved Santa Parade, where joy and cheer fill the streets. Experience the festive ambiance as brightly lit and decorated trees enchant visitors at the Festival of Trees. And Santa on the Trolley is something you definitely don't want to miss, bringing an unforgettable holiday ride through charming neighborhoods. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Scranton
- Santa Parade
- Festival of Trees
- Santa on the Trolley
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- Christmas with The Choral Society
- Holiday Market
- Christmas Carol Train Excursion
Scranton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Focuses on locally-made and sustainable gifts
Description:
Scranton's Holiday Market stands out for its emphasis on locally-crafted and eco-friendly gifts. This curated marketplace brings together artisans, craftspeople, and small businesses from across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The market buzzes with the energy of shoppers discovering unique, handmade treasures. Visitors can participate in sustainability workshops, learning skills like upcycling and eco-gift wrapping. Housed in a repurposed industrial space, the market pays homage to Scranton's manufacturing heritage while promoting a future-focused, sustainable approach to holiday shopping.
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Scranton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Local dancers perform alongside professional guest artists
Description:
Scranton's production of The Nutcracker Ballet elevates local talent by featuring area dancers alongside renowned guest artists. This collaborative approach creates a unique blend of community spirit and professional artistry. The performance takes place in the historic Scranton Cultural Center, a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Audience members can marvel at the intricate costumes, handcrafted by local artisans. This annual production has been a Scranton tradition for over three decades, inspiring generations of aspiring dancers in the region.
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Christmas with The Choral Society
What to Expect:
Combines classical and contemporary holiday music
Description:
The Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania presents a diverse holiday concert, blending classical masterpieces with contemporary arrangements. This unique musical journey spans centuries of holiday traditions, featuring everything from Gregorian chants to modern pop interpretations. The performance showcases the rich acoustics of St. Peter's Cathedral, a Romanesque Revival landmark in downtown Scranton. Audience members can join in a community sing-along of beloved carols. The Choral Society, founded in 1999, has become an integral part of Scranton's cultural landscape, preserving and evolving choral music traditions.
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Christmas with The Choral Society
Christmas Carol Train Excursion
What to Expect:
Interactive retelling of Dickens' classic on a moving train
Description:
Scranton's Christmas Carol Train Excursion brings Dickens' beloved tale to life aboard a moving train. As the locomotive winds through the scenic Pocono Mountains, actors in Victorian costumes perform scenes from "A Christmas Carol" throughout the cars. The rhythmic sounds of the train provide a unique backdrop to the storytelling. Passengers can interact with the characters, becoming part of the narrative. This immersive experience combines Scranton's rich railroad history with classic literature, creating a one-of-a-kind holiday adventure that has been delighting audiences since 2015.
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Christmas Carol Train Excursion
Scranton Other Holiday Activities
Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Largest holiday parade in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Description:
Scranton's Santa Parade transforms downtown into a winter spectacle. As the largest holiday parade in Northeastern Pennsylvania, it features elaborate floats, marching bands, and community groups. The parade's centerpiece, a towering inflatable Santa, pays homage to Scranton's industrial past, standing as tall as the historic Lackawanna Coal Mine Tower. You can join the festive atmosphere by decorating a small float for the "Community Showcase" section. The event has been a city tradition since 1993, uniting residents and visitors in a spirited celebration of the season.
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Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Creatively decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
The Festival of Trees in Scranton showcases a forest of uniquely adorned evergreens. Local businesses, schools, and community groups compete to create the most innovative tree designs, resulting in a diverse display of creativity. The air fills with the crisp scent of pine as visitors wander through the indoor winter forest. Attendees can vote for their favorite tree, with proceeds benefiting local charities. This event, inspired by similar festivals in Europe, was first introduced to Scranton in 1997 and has since become a beloved annual tradition.
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Santa on the Trolley
What to Expect:
Combines historic trolley ride with Santa visit
Description:
Santa trades his sleigh for a trolley in this unique Scranton experience. The historic Electric City Trolley Museum hosts this event, blending nostalgia with holiday cheer. Passengers embark on a journey through time aboard a restored vintage trolley, accompanied by jolly old St. Nick himself. Children receive a special gift from Santa during the ride. The trolley route passes by significant landmarks, offering glimpses of Scranton's rich industrial heritage. This event pays tribute to the city's nickname, "The Electric City," earned for its early adoption of electric streetcars in the 1880s.
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Nearby Events
Christmas Village (Clarks Summit)
What to Expect:
Transforms downtown into a European-style Christmas market
Description:
Clarks Summit's Christmas Village transports visitors to a charming European-style holiday market. The downtown area metamorphoses into a collection of wooden chalets, each offering unique artisanal gifts and seasonal treats. Strolling carolers in Victorian attire serenade shoppers, adding to the old-world ambiance. You can try your hand at traditional crafts like candle-making or ornament painting in interactive workshops. This event, inspired by the famous Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, was introduced to Clarks Summit in 2010 and has since become a regional attraction.
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Christmas at the Castle (Dunmore)
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a historic 1900s stone castle
Description:
Christmas at the Castle offers a regal holiday experience in Dunmore's historic Lonesome Pine Castle. This 1900s stone mansion, reminiscent of a medieval fortress, provides a majestic backdrop for seasonal celebrations. Visitors can explore lavishly decorated rooms, each showcasing a different holiday theme. The castle's great hall hosts live performances of medieval and Renaissance holiday music. You can participate in a Victorian-era holiday craft workshop, creating period-appropriate decorations. This event not only celebrates the season but also highlights the architectural and cultural heritage of the region.