Light Up Downtown
Visitors can take a festive walking or trolley tour through downtown to explore seasonal light displays and do holiday shopping. Highlights include a timed musical light show at MLK Plaza, two sparkling blocks along Calder Way, and the traditional lit evergreen at the Allen Street Gates. Guests can also visit the Enchanted Forest to see trees decorated by local non-profits and vote for their favorite using a QR code.
What to Expect
Downtown holiday light displays, musical shows, and free trolley rides
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Downtown State College Improvement District
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and twinkling
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free trolley rides; no general admission price is stated.
- Hours: MLK Plaza light show: 5–10pm daily; Calder Way Lights: beginning at 5pm nightly. Free trolley rides: Thursday, November 19, 5–8pm; Friday, December 4, 5–8pm; Saturday, December 5, 11am–2pm; Saturday, December 12, 11am–2pm.
- Parking: Downtown garages on Fraser, Pugh and Beaver, plus lots and meters; validation from participating shops, and free parking on Sundays.
Tips & Advice
- Ride the free trolley on November 19, December 4, December 5 or December 12, boarding at MLK Plaza on Fraser Street, since it is the highlight for many kids.
- Stop by the Enchanted Forest at College and Locust before December 6 so you can scan a tree's QR code and vote for your favorite local non-profit.
- Ask downtown shops for a Merchant Validated Parking voucher, which covers up to three hours in the Fraser, Pugh or Beaver garages with a qualifying purchase.
- Park free on Sundays, when downtown streets and metered lots cost nothing all day and the garages are free during the daytime, except when event rates apply.
- Grab takeout and do some holiday shopping as you walk between the MLK Plaza light show, the Calder Way lights and the evergreen at the Allen Street Gates.
Special Events & Promotions
- Light Up Night kicks off the season on November 19 at MLK Plaza and the 100 block of Allen Street
- Free trolley rides from MLK Plaza on November 19, December 4, December 5 and December 12
- Enchanted Forest tree voting by QR code runs November 19 to December 6
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Light Up Downtown good for kids?
Yes. The free trolley ride around downtown is the highlight for many kids. It runs on four days of the season and picks up and drops off at MLK Plaza on Fraser Street.
How do I vote in the Enchanted Forest?
Head to the corner of College and Locust, where 10 local non-profits have decorated trees. Scan the QR code on your favorite tree to vote between November 19 and December 6.
Where do I catch the free trolley?
Pick up and drop off are both at MLK Plaza on Fraser Street.
Is there food?
There are no event food stands. Grab takeout from a downtown spot and get some holiday shopping done while you walk the displays.
Where should I park?
Downtown garages are on the 100 block of South Fraser Street, the 100 block of South Pugh Street and the 200 block of West Beaver Avenue. You can also use municipal lots and street meters. Participating shops give Merchant Validated Parking vouchers, and parking is free on Sundays.
More Christmas Events Near State College
More Christmas Events near State College
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.