Lackawanna County Holiday Bucket List 2024

Kick off the holiday season with The Santa Parade in downtown Scranton on November 23rd. Then, join the festivities on Thanksgiving Eve, November 27th, at The WEJL Tower Lighting Celebration. On December 7th, 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 Lighted Christmas Parade in the evening.

The Santa Parade in Scranton

Kids will love riding a vintage trolley during the Elf on the Shelf Trolley on November 29th, featuring singalongs, dancing, storytelling, and crafts. Starting November 30th, they can hop aboard the Santa on the Trolley Excursions on Saturdays and Sundays through December 22nd. For a scenic journey, take the Holiday Express train excursion from Scranton to Moscow from November 29th to December 1st, 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.

Elf on the Shelf Trolley at the Electric City Trolley Station & Museum in Scranton

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!

Peckville Christmas House

The Nutcracker fans can choose from a free performance by the Ballet Theatre of Scranton on November 29 - December 1st, featuring local dancers of all ages, or a professional performance presented by the Scranton Civic Ballet Company on December 13th-14th. Enjoy a lively evening at the NEPA Philharmonic Holiday Pops Performance on December 8th or the holiday rock orchestra Twelve Twenty-Four on December 21st. Enjoy The Irish Tenors: A Family Christmas at the Scranton Cultural Center on November 30th or Christmas with the New York Tenors at the Theater at North on December 22nd. Don’t forget to visit the University of Scranton for their annual Noel Night Concert on December 7th and the Empty Stocking Concert on December 11th, which benefits local families in need.

The Nutcracker by the Ballet Theatre of Scranton

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

For five weeks, enjoy holiday-themed cocktails and treats at Misfits, a seasonal pop-up bar with a unique twist, eclectic décor, and an environment that celebrates individuality. Or bask in the sparkly holiday aesthetic and unique cocktails at Tinsel at The Loft on weekends in December.

Downtown Scranton transforms into the vibrant Lackawanna Winter Market from December 6th to 8th, making it a must-visit for holiday shopping. That same weekend, head to Factoryville for its own charming Christmas Market. 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 30th. On December 1st, 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 and Festival of Lights in Olyphant on December 14th.

Lackawanna Winter Market at Courthouse Square in Downtown Scranton

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— even pet stores for your four-legged friends. Plus, clothing is tax-free in Pennsylvania, so your budget will stretch a little further.

Noteology in Scranton

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 Osbourne Specialties 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.

Gertrude Hawk Chocolates

Take your kids to an unforgettable breakfast or brunch with Santa! Popular spots like Montage Mountain Resorts on December 15th, PNC Field (hosted by the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders) on December 9th, and the Scranton Cultural Center on December 15th 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 8th. With so many Santa breakfast and brunch events to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect holiday experience with Saint Nick!

Breakfast with Santa at Montage Mountain Resorts

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, kids can have their photos taken with Santa and one of his live deer! Even pets can get pictures with Santa at the Viewmont Mall!

Make your own Christmas Pysanky Egg at the Valley Community Library in Peckville, or join Spirited Art Paint & Sip Studio at Imagine NEPA in Dalton to paint a gingerbread man or craft a beautiful glass ornament. For even more festive fun, visit the Scranton Public Library, where you can drop by for a gift-wrapping workshop or make an adorable sock snowman.

Craving a classic holiday adventure? Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the dazzling Holiday Light Spectacular display in Nay Aug Park beginning the last weekend in November and on weekends through December 22nd. You can also catch a festive ride at Taylor’s Miracle On Main Street Parade & Event on November 29th and at the Lackawanna Winter Market in downtown Scranton on December 6th.

Holiday Light Spectacular at Nay Aug Park in Scranton

If you dare, dive into the darker side of the season with Krampus! Learn more about the rich folklore surrounding this legendary figure at the Krampus Night Celebration on December 8th at Pickyweedz. You can also catch Krampus himself at the Waldorf Park Traditional German Christmas Market in Scranton, and he’s even been known to make appearances at the Carbondale Christmas Light Drive-Through Display.

Finish your 2024 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. Enjoy NYE specials at The Railyard, and then stick around for a party. Or ring in the New Year with dinner and dancing at The Colonnade New Year’s Eve Celebration.