WHERE TO SEE HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS

Holiday Light Spectacular at Nay Aug Park

Nay Aug Park • Arthur Avenue & Mulberry Steet, Scranton, PA

Take in the holiday spirit from the comfort of your own car as you drive through Nay Aug Park’s Holiday Light Spectacular. Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly tradition for the whole family. Turn up your favorite holiday tunes, pour some hot cocoa into a thermos, pack a few tasty snacks, and cozy up for an evening of pure holiday bliss.

If you’d like to feel Jack Frost nipping at your nose, Brookvalley Farm offers horse-drawn carriage rides. Wrap yourselves in warm blankets and embark on a journey through a world transformed by shimmering lights and festive sights. The crisp night air and the gentle swaying of the carriage will create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Spectacular lights up on Monday, November 24, 2025, and is open nightly through approximately January 7, 2026 (Russian Christmas), from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Admission is free, and donations are gratefully accepted.

Traffic Advisory: To avoid traffic blocking emergency entrances to Geisinger Community Medical Center, please do not use Mulberry Street near the hospital when entering the park. Instead, use Arthur Avenue to access the Mulberry Street park entrance for the Holiday Light Spectacular.​

Peckville Christmas House

1130 Marion Street, Peckville, PA

Imagine yourself strolling down a snowy street, the crisp air tingling your cheeks, and a warm glow emanating from a nearby house. As you approach, the sight before you takes your breath away: thousands of twinkling lights cascading down every surface, transforming the ordinary into a magical winter wonderland. This isn't just any house; it's the legendary Peckville Christmas House, featured on season 5 of ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight."

The Peckville Christmas House is open nightly from Thursday, November 27, 2025, to Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Their hours are 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday through Sunday. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Christmas Lights House

300 Prospect Avenue, Scranton, PA

As you turn onto Prospect Avenue in South Scranton, a spectacle unlike anything else unfolds before your eyes: the Christmas Lights House. 

The Smurl family began it in approximately 1990 with just one house, which has evolved into countless lights and multiple houses over time. This cherished tradition is a place where time stands still, hearts overflow with joy, and the magic of the season shines brightly. So, this holiday season, give yourself the gift of wonder. Come experience the Scranton Christmas Lights House for yourself.

Open December 5, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the Christmas Lights House offers a magical escape for all ages. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Lackawanna County Courthouse Square

Amid the wintry charm of Lackawanna County, Downtown Scranton sparkles with holiday cheer as the county's Christmas tree at Flag Plaza stands proudly illuminated, casting a warm glow across the courthouse under the iconic Electric City Sign on the Linden Street side of Courthouse Square. The trees surrounding the square shimmer with lights, and holiday decorations are thoughtfully placed throughout, creating a magical backdrop for visitors to enjoy all season long.

Adding to the excitement, the beloved three-day Lackawanna Winter Market opens December 5–7, 2025, inviting guests to Downtown Scranton for a medley of vendors, live music, engaging activities, and captivating performances.

On the Biden Street side of the square, the Festival of Trees brightens the season from December 5, 2025, through the New Year, featuring dozens of uniquely decorated trees sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Visitors can stroll through the outdoor exhibit, admire the dazzling designs, and vote for their favorite, making this heartwarming tradition a highlight of the holidays.

The courthouse's holiday lights and decorations and the Festival of Trees remain a centerpiece throughout the season, while the Electric City Sign continues to shine year-round as a proud symbol of Scranton’s heritage.

WEJL Tower

149 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA

Each year since 1960, the iconic WEJL Tower—formerly known as The Times Tower—stands as a proud symbol of the City of Scranton. Rising to a whopping 385 feet when you include the building and lightning rod, this landmark transforms into a luminous beacon of holiday cheer. Nearly 480 twinkling lights cascade down the tower's facade, painting the winter night with vibrant colors. A visit to this breathtaking display is a festive tradition each year.

Whether you're a lifelong resident of the Scranton area or just visiting for the first time, a glimpse of the WEJL Tower bathed in holiday lights is sure to leave you with a lasting memory. It's a reminder of the magic of the season and the simple joy of gathering together to celebrate.

The WEJL Tower lights up annually each Thanksgiving Eve during The WEJL Tower Lighting Celebration and remains lit until the New Year.

Jessup Christmas House

1235 Winthrop Street, Archbald, PA

Add the Jessup Christmas House to your holiday lights tour for a truly magical experience! This beloved display transforms the property into a winter wonderland, glowing nightly from 5:00 PM to midnight through the first week of January. Located in Jessup near the Archbald border, this free, drive-by attraction is perfect for families looking to enjoy festive cheer without leaving the car.

Every holiday season, the Jessup Christmas House chooses a local nonprofit to collect donations. For 2025, visitors are invited to bring animal supplies to the front porch to support Griffin Pond Animal Shelter—a meaningful way to spread cheer while enjoying the lights. Don’t forget to check out the holiday-themed Little Library at the front of the display for an extra sprinkle of Christmas magic!

Marywood University's Christmas Tree & Nativity Scene

2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA

Marywood University’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting heralds the arrival of the holiday season with a joyous celebration in the heart of campus. This free, family-friendly event takes place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, and is open to everyone. It's the perfect opportunity to gather loved ones and create cherished memories under the dazzling lights. The Christmas tree is located in the Rotunda of the Liberal Arts Center.

The public is also invited to view the Marywood Christmas tree during the regular operating hours of the Liberal Arts Center, Monday through Friday, beginning with the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 3 and continuing through the Friday before Christmas. Viewing hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Celebrate the holidays with Marywood University's stunning outdoor Christmas display. Admire the Nativity scene at the iconic Memorial Arch on Adams Avenue, and soak in the beauty of the Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations in front of the Learning Commons.

Keep the holiday cheer alive after the tree lighting ceremony by tuning into Marywood's student-run radio station, 91.7 VMFM. Broadcasting commercial-free holiday music throughout the season, the station spreads warmth and festive spirit across the airwaves and beyond, with streaming options available for listeners everywhere. Embrace the sights and sounds of the season at Marywood University!

In Memory of Tom Culkin and

The Holiday House Scranton 🕊️

This cherished display will no longer continue following the passing of its creator, Tom Culkin. We’ve kept this listing so visitors who remember it can still find information and celebrate its legacy.

For over 50 years, The Holiday House on Moosic Street was a cherished Scranton tradition, delighting families with its magical Halloween and Christmas displays. Created with love and dedication by Tom Culkin, this display brought joy to countless visitors and became part of our community’s holiday spirit. Tom sadly passed away in the summer of 2025. Although the tradition will not continue, Tom’s legacy lives on in the memories of all who experienced the wonder he created.
 

EXPLORE THE HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS INTERACTIVE MAP

See our map of Holiday Light Displays below!

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY LIGHT FAQs

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When do Christmas light displays open in NEPA?

Times and dates vary from year to year for each Christmas light display, but lights typically begin to shine around Thanksgiving or the beginning of December. Many displays stay up until the New Year, the first week of January, and through Russian Christmas. Keep an eye on this page for updated info as it becomes available.

Are there drive-through Christmas light events?

Yes! Lackawanna County has several drive-through Christmas light displays, including Nay Aug Park’s Holiday Light Spectacular in Scranton. You can also drive around the Peckville Christmas House, although the display may also be explored on foot.

Which holiday light events are family-friendly? 

Every NEPA holiday light display is sure to delight guests of all ages, from the young to the young at heart, which is why seeing Christmas lights is a wonderful family holiday tradition. In addition to festive displays and light shows, featuring tons of Christmas lights and lots of holiday cheer, some events include visits from Santa and photo opportunities with holiday characters, hot chocolate, sweet treats, and even horse-drawn carriage rides.

What are the best holiday light displays in Lackawanna County? 

You’ll have to visit them all and decide for yourself! Lackawanna County features several types of holiday light displays. Some, like Nay Aug Park’s Holiday Light Spectacular, can be experienced from the warmth of your car as you drive through festive scenes and tune your radio to a special station to listen to accompanying Christmas music. Others, like the Peckville Christmas House and Christmas Lights House, are best enjoyed on foot, so bundle up and get ready to stroll past blow molds, inflatables, holiday scenes, and, of course, lots of lights! Santa might even make an appearance. Or enjoy community displays, like those in Lackawanna County Courthouse Square, which hosts The Festival of Trees. You won’t want to miss special lighting events like WEJL Tower Lighting Celebration in Scranton or Marywood University’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

How much does it cost to visit the holiday light displays? 

The displays listed above are free to visit, though donations are often welcomed.

Are pets allowed at the holiday light displays? 

Pet policy varies by location. You may bring pets in the car with you to drive through displays. For walkthrough light displays, check the event website before bringing your dog or other pet, or reach out to organizers to ask if their display is pet-friendly if you can’t find this information online. Know your pet’s temperament, as light displays are often crowded, loud, and may be overstimulating to animals. On particularly cold nights, it may be best to leave your pets at home for their comfort and safety. 

How do I plan the best route to see multiple holiday light displays in one evening? 

Our guide to holiday light displays in NEPA includes addresses so you can easily plan a route to see multiple Christmas displays in one night. Several displays are located just a few miles apart in Scranton and are easy to visit on the same evening. Peckville is a bit further outside Scranton, but it's just under a 25-minute drive from downtown Scranton.