Lackawanna County Holiday Bucket List 2025

Kick off the holiday season with The Santa Parade in downtown Scranton on November 22nd. Then, join the festivities on Thanksgiving Eve, November 26th, at The WEJL Tower Lighting Celebration. On December 6th, enjoy the  Santa Train: Christmas in a Small Town Celebration as St. Nick travels by train from Carbondale to the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, stopping at six stations along the way to greet children and share holiday cheer. Cap off this festive day with the Carbondale Holiday Light Parade in the evening.

Kids will love riding a vintage trolley during the Elf on the Shelf Trolley on November 28th, featuring singalongs, dancing, storytelling, and crafts. Starting November 29th, they can hop aboard the Santa on the Trolley Excursions on Saturdays and Sundays through December 21st. For a scenic journey, take the Holiday Express train excursion from Scranton to Moscow from November 28th to November 30th, and enjoy festive activities at the Moscow station. Or, capture the magic of the season on the North Pole Limited, a steam train adventure with Santa and holiday characters, on select weekends in December.

Lackawanna County has many stunning holiday light displays to get you in the Christmas spirit. Drive through a magical winter wonderland at the Holiday Light Spectacular at Nay Aug Park, or stroll through the impressive Peckville Christmas House display, which was featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight TV show. Don’t miss out—check out our area’s top holiday light displays!

The Nutcracker fans can choose from a free performance by the Ballet Theatre of Scranton on November 28th - 30th, featuring local dancers of all ages, or a professional performance presented by the Scranton Civic Ballet Company on December 12th - 13th. Enjoy a family-friendly holiday concert at the NEPA Philharmonic's (Candle) LIT Holidays on December 6th, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight on December 7th, or the holiday rock orchestra Twelve Twenty-Four on December 20th. Enjoy the Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular at the Scranton Cultural Center on December 10th or Anthony Nunziata Live in Concert: Christmas & Italy at the Theater at North on December 19th. Don’t forget to visit the University of Scranton for their annual Noel Night Concert on December 6th and the Scranton Brass Orchestra Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert on December 14th, which benefits local families in need.

Cut your own Christmas tree at Lakeland Orchard & Cidery or Beezup Christmas Tree Farm. Or choose from pre-cut trees at Lakeland Orchard & Cidery, Jerry's For All Seasons, Corky's Garden Path, The Great Produce Experience Farm Stand, or Simoncelli Tree Farm. Stop by early in the season for the best selection.

For six weeks, enjoy holiday-themed cocktails and treats at Misfits at 409 Adams, a seasonal pop-up bar with a unique twist, eclectic décor, and an environment that celebrates individuality. Normal gets you nowhere.

Downtown Scranton transforms into the vibrant Lackawanna Winter Market from December 5th to 7th, making it a must-visit for holiday shopping. Get a jump on holiday shopping the weekend before Thanksgiving at the Artisan's Marketplace in Waverly, where you’ll find a variety of handcrafted gifts. Experience traditional German food, fun, and shopping at the Waldorf Traditional German Christmas Market on November 29th. On November 30th, explore five floors of local vendors inside the Scranton Cultural Center at the Buy Local Holiday Marketplace. For even more festive cheer, visit the Kris Kringle Market in Olyphant on December 6th.

There’s no better time to shop in Lackawanna County. From boutiques and small businesses offering unique wares to malls and shopping centers featuring your favorite brands, we have it all— including Stately Pet Supply for your four-legged friends. Plus, clothing is tax-free in Pennsylvania, so your budget will stretch a little further. 

Looking for gift inspiration? Check out our Unique Holiday Gifts blog for insider tips, featured shops, and thoughtful gift ideas that celebrate the spirit of the season in Lackawanna County.

Whether you’re filling stockings or stocking up for a party, choose tasty treats from local bakeries and sweet shops. Buy some beloved Santa-shaped smidgens from Gertrude Hawk Chocolates. While in Dunmore, pick up more homemade chocolates from Nibbles & Bits or molded chocolate snowmen at Dunmore Candy Kitchen. Find more goodies at Osborne Cookie Company or Bella Faccias Personalized Chocolates & Gifts. For kosher treats, try National Bakery. Don’t forget your furry friends! Find treats for their stockings at Rockstar Dog Bakery and Stately Pet Supply.

Take your kids to an unforgettable breakfast or brunch with Santa! Popular spots like Montage Mountain Resorts (date coming soon), PNC Field (hosted by the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders) on December 13th, and the Scranton Cultural Center (date coming soon) offer festive meals with Saint Nick himself. For an extra touch of enchantment, join the Prince, Princess, & Santa Holiday Brunch at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel on December 7th. With so many Santa breakfast and brunch events to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect holiday experience with Saint Nick!

For a priceless holiday memory, be sure to take a picture with Santa. You’ll find him at many events and locations throughout the county, including Corky’s Garden Path and the Viewmont Mall. At Jerry’s For All Seasons, families can take photos with a live Highland cow from November 14–16, or kids can get their photos taken with Santa and his live deer from late November through December! Even pets can get pictures with Santa at the Viewmont Mall!

Make your own Pysanky Christmas Egg or Paint a Ceramic Gingerbread House at the Valley Community Library in Peckville. For even more festive fun, Spirited Art is hosting a Holiday Plank Workshop, a Merry Sip 'n Paint event, and a Holiday Wine Glasses event this holiday season.

Craving a classic holiday adventure? Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the dazzling Holiday Light Spectacular display in Nay Aug Park beginning late November and on weekends through December. You can also catch a festive ride at Taylor’s Miracle On Main Street Parade & Event and on December 5th at the Lackawanna Winter Market in downtown Scranton.

If you dare, dive into the darker side of the season with Krampus! You can catch Krampus himself at the Waldorf Park Traditional German Christmas Market in Scranton.

Finish your 2025 holiday season strong by celebrating New Year’s Eve at one of Lackawanna County’s many NYE events. Enjoy live music at The V-Spot. Attend the New Year's Eve Ball at Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale. Step into the glamour and glitz of the Roaring ’20s at Madame Jenny's for their A Gatsby New Year celebration. Or ring in the New Year with dinner and dancing at The Colonnade's A Wickedly Good New Year's Eve celebration.