Lackawanna County Holiday Bucket List 2026

Kick off the holiday season with The Santa Parade in downtown Scranton on November 21. Then, join the festivities on Thanksgiving Eve, November 25, at The WEJL Tower Lighting Celebration. On December 5, 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. 

Kids will love riding a vintage trolley during the Elf on the Shelf Trolley on November 27, featuring sing-alongs, dancing, storytelling, and crafts. Starting November 28, they can hop aboard the Santa on the Trolley Excursions on Saturdays and Sundays through December 20. For a scenic journey, take the Holiday Express train excursion from Scranton to Moscow from November 27 to November 29, 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 weekends from December 6 through December 20.

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!

Celebrate the season with holiday ballet, festive concerts, and live entertainment across Lackawanna County! The Nutcracker fans can head to The Theater at North for free performances by the Ballet Theatre of Scranton on November 27–29 or ticketed performances by the Scranton Civic Ballet Company on December 11–12. At the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, catch NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet on December 2.

Fill your holiday calendar with music and laughter! The Theater at North hosts O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy on December 4, Anthony Nunziata’s A Sinatra Christmas on December 10, and Twelve Twenty-Four: The Holiday Rock Orchestra on December 19. For a festive twist, Homicide and Holly: A Murder Mystery Dinner pairs a three-course meal with an interactive holiday whodunit at The Green Ridge Club on December 18 (ages 18+).

For an evening of orchestral music, choir, and ballet, experience the NEPA Philharmonic’s (CANDLE)LIT Holiday Magic at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on December 10. Continue the tradition at The University of Scranton’s annual Noel Night Concert on December 5. On December 11, the Empty Stocking Benefit Concert: Holidays Around the World features pianist Llewellyn Sánchez-Werner, with donations benefiting 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 five 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.

Find thoughtful gifts while supporting local artisans and small businesses at Lackawanna County’s holiday markets! Start at the Artisans' Marketplace at the Waverly Community House on November 21–22, where handcrafted finds make holiday shopping feel personal. Experience traditional German food, fun, and shopping at the Waldorf Traditional German Christmas Market on November 28. On November 29, explore five floors of shopping and more than 95 vendors at the Buy Local Holiday Marketplace inside the Scranton Cultural Center.

Courthouse Square in Downtown Scranton comes alive with the Lackawanna Winter Market on December 4–6, featuring local gifts, seasonal food and drinks, and live entertainment. For even more festive cheer, visit the Kris Kringle Market in Olyphant on December 12. Then visit the Holiday Market at Lace Village on December 13 for a free outdoor market featuring more than 50 local vendors and businesses, warm drinks, and cozy fire pits. Bring family and friends, browse the stalls, and check a few more gifts off your list!

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. For kosher treats, try National Bakery. Don’t forget your furry friends! Find treats for their stockings at 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 (date coming soon), and the Scranton Cultural Center (date coming soon) offer festive meals with Saint Nick himself. 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. Even pets can get pictures with Santa at the Viewmont Mall!

For a festive photo with some furry friends, head to Windy Haven Farm on November 21 for holiday alpaca photo shoots with Lisa Petz Photography, featuring a holiday sleigh, cozy blankets, and alpaca “reindeer.” Advance reservations are required.

At Jerry’s For All Seasons, families can take photos with a live Highland cow from November 13–15 & 30, or kids can get their photos taken with Santa and his live deer from late November through December (dates coming soon)!

Take home a holiday keepsake at the Nutcracker Charcuterie Board Paint and Sip at Corky's Garden Path on November 7-8. More workshops will be announced throughout the 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.

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 on November 28 in Scranton.

Finish your 2026 holiday season strong by celebrating New Year’s Eve at one of Lackawanna County’s many NYE events. We'll announce events throughout the season.