Top 5 Destinations for Christmas Lights in Central PA

Christmas Light Displays in Central PA

The Christmas Light Season is here in central PA, so it’s time to start working on your holiday must-do list! Among the many activities you’ll be fitting into the next six weeks- like baking Christmas cookies, caroling, and shopping for gifts- one of our favorite family traditions is grabbing a to-go cup of hot cocoa and visiting our favorite light displays. With so many options and limited time, it can be tough to decide which ones to see this year. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to our top five picks. We did the research so you don’t have to! Now all you need to do is plan your visit, bundle up, and enjoy. 

1. Refreshing Mountain Christmas Light Experience

All is bright here at Refreshing Mountain! Our staff have been hard at working stringing half a million Christmas Lights all across our property (including on our ziplines!). This is an annual event that you do not want to miss. 

Starting November 29th, come and walk through our epic Christmas Lights Display (with a donation-based entry option on select nights) or enjoy one of our exclusive Christmas Light Zipline packages for a little added adventure! Stop by our 3:19 Cafe for a warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee to sip while you and your family stroll through the lights and enjoy the holiday magic. 

If you’d like to learn more about how you can support local nonprofits during your visit to our Christmas Lights experience, click here. We’ll be inviting several local organizations to join us on select evenings throughout the season, where you can connect with them while enjoying the lights. Together, we can make this holiday season brighter for all. #LightForAll

Dates: December 29th, 2024- January 5th, 2025 

Activities: 3 Ziplining Options and 2 Walk-Through Options

Kids Activities: 2 Free Bonus Kids Activities 

2. Stone Gables Estate Christmas Light Drive-Thru 

The Stone Gables Christmas Light Drive Thru is an experience that you don’t want to miss. Located in Elizabethtown, PA, Stone Gables is hosting their 7th Annual Christmas Lights Drive-Thru, featuring over one million lights across their historic property. Along the way, keep a look out for Darrel the Christmas Elf for an added element of fun for you and your family! 

Stone Gables’ light display isn’t just about twinkling lights- it’s a celebration of the Christmas story itself. Each year, their display incorporates scenes that reflect the birth of Christ, providing a beautiful and peaceful reminder of the deeper meaning behind the Christmas season. 

This is a drive-thru only option, but if you want to come during the day throughout the Christmas Season, we highly recommend visiting their Christmas Village and enjoying the vendors and other seasonal activities they have to offer (select days only). 

Dates: November 29th, 2024- January 4th, 2025 

Pricing: Starting at $25 per vehicle on select days 

What’s Included: Christmas Light Drive-Thru ticket, a pass for one 8-passenger vehicle of The Christmas Village at Ironstone Ranch

3. Koziar’s Christmas Village

For 77 years, Koziar’s Christmas Village has been spreading Christmas cheer to our community, making it a must-see destination for anyone wanting to experience dazzling holiday lights in Pennsylvania. This “park and walk” experience lets you stroll through over 2 million Christmas lights, so be sure to set aside at least 60 minutes for your unguided tour. 

The paved walkways are accessible and both wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with free wheelchair rentals available (limited availability). As you explore, you’ll also find 11 beautifully decorated buildings with inside access featuring festive holiday decor and shopping. 

Click Here for more details and to plan your visit!

Dates: November 2nd, 2024- January 1st, 2025 (open all holidays and weekends) 

Pricing: Starting at $13 for adults, $11 for ages 10 and under (with an additional $5.00 per ticket on Prime Nights) 

What’s Included: Self-guided tour of Koziar’s Christmas Village, free parking

4. Grings Mill Holiday Lights

Nestled alongside the picturesque Tulpehocken Creek in Reading, PA, Gring’s Mill is a charming destination year-round, offering a perfect blend of nature and history. But during the holiday season, it transforms into a festive Christmas light display, illuminating the area with beautiful Christmas lights in their recreation area. 

In addition to the twinkling lights, Gring’s Mill offers a variety of seasonal fun, including local vendors, food trucks, live music, and cozy firepits (though you’ll have to forage for chestnuts if you’re hoping to roast them!). Best of all, admission and parking are free- so bring the whole family for a delightful evening of holiday cheer.

Click Here for more details.

Dates: Friday’s, Saturday’s, and Sunday’s in December, and December 16-23, 28, 29, & 30 from 5:30pm-8:30pm 

Pricing: Free!

What’s included: Free parking and access to the lights display as well as to any evening festivities

5. Christmas Magic Festival of Lights 

Set in the scenic Rocky Ridge Park in York, PA, the Christmas Magic Festival of Lights offers a dazzling display of over one million Christmas lights. Stroll along the half-mile candy cane trail through the woods, where you’ll experience the park lit up in all its holiday splendor. Whether you’re enjoying the lights with loved ones or sipping on hot cocoa, this event is a festive must-see for the season!

Ticket sales begin on November 13th, and reservations are required, so be sure to secure your spot in advance! Don’t miss out on this enchanting holiday tradition- it’s a perfect way to experience the magic of Christmas while surrounded by nature. 

Click Here for more details and to purchase tickets. 

Dates: November 29th, 2024- December 30th, 2024 

Pricing: $12 for ages 15 and up, $7 for ages 6-14 

What’s Included: Ticket for the Christmas Light Walk Through, free parking

Ending on a Bright Note ✨

At Refreshing Mountain, we’re passionate about Christmas light displays and the joy they bring to families each year. We’re honored to play a part in making the holiday season even more magical for our guests, and we believe these displays are a beautiful reminder of the true reason for the season- celebrating the birth of Christ.

Visiting Christmas light displays has become a beloved family tradition, one that brings people together and creates lasting memories. Whether you join us at Refreshing Mountain’ Christmas lights or explore other local displays, we encourage you to embrace the season’s spirit of joy, love, and togetherness. So gather your loved ones, hop in the car, and let the glow of the lights fill your hearts with Christmas cheer.