For some Happy Travelers, the holidays bring the pursuit of the perfect gift. From one-of-a-kind quilts to designer finds and jewelry, the shopping discoveries in Pennsylvania are unlike anywhere else. Whether you’re searching for holiday crafts to decorate the home or that special gift for the person who has everything, the perfect holiday item can be found in Pennsylvania. So, if pursuing your happiness means shopping ‘til you drop, try our top 9 places to shop – and spread some holiday cheer.
Christkindlmarkt - Lehigh Valley
Bethlehem
Known as “Christmas City,” visitors can find the perfect gift at Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt, an open-air market recognized by Travel and Leisure as one of the top holiday markets in the world. Christkindlmarkt features more than 150 artisans and everything from pottery to holiday crafts and more. Open from mid-November until the weekend before Christmas, Christkindlmarkt attracts more than 65,000 people each year for a remarkable holiday shopping experience.
Peddler’s Village Holiday Shopping - Philadelphia and the Countryside
New Hope
Get lost in the Victorian-style adornment of quaint Peddler’s Village at Christmastime, where visitors see fruit wreaths, greenery and charm galore. With more than 60 unique shops to enjoy, Peddler's Village is in the heart of shopping paradise surrounded by Antiques Row along Route 202 and New Hope shops in the Bucks County countryside. Entries from the Gingerbread House Competition are displayed throughout the holiday season in the Village Gazebo. Peddler’s Village will kick off the holiday season Nov.8 with Santa’s arrival at the Grand Illumination Celebration
Christmas Village in Philadelphia - Philadelphia and the Countryside
Philadelphia
This holiday season, from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, Philadelphia’s LOVE Park transforms into a quaint winter wonderland that’s perfect for finding that holiday gift. Christmas Village will host more than 70 vendors to offer visitors a wide range of seasonal items that can’t be found anywhere else. At this outside market event, shoppers will find everything from jewelry and woolens to nativity sets and glass ornaments. In center stage, visitors can also enjoy live performances from orchestras and choral groups performing holiday classics and witness a traditional Christmas tree lighting. Running from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve with a preview weekend on Nov. 23rd and 24th, Christmas Village will once again bring the charm of an authentic German Christmas market to Center City Philadelphia. It will be officially opened by the original Christkind from Nuremberg/ Germany on Sunday, Dec. 1.
The Waterfront - Pittsburgh and its Countryside
Homestead
Built on the site of the former Homestead steel mill, The Waterfront in Homestead is a distinct upscale shopping complex with 260 acres of shopping, entertainment and dining. Located right along the Monongahela River, the shopping center is known for its huge brick chimneys originating from the steel mill days. There’s even an old-fashioned village square surrounded by more than 70 upscale shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. During the holiday season, the Waterfront is decked out in holiday lights and festive displays that are sure to put shoppers in the holiday spirit.
Downtown State College - The Alleghenies
State College
Brimming with Penn State pride year-round, the shops of downtown State College hold additional festivities during the holiday season with a grand tree lighting, ice sculptures, carriage rides and street vendors offering roasted chestnuts or hot chocolate. Enjoy holiday bargains at a variety of specialty shops, offering everything from unique jewelry to art.
Bellefonte Victorian Christmas - The Alleghenies
Bellefonte
http://www.bellefontevictorianchristmas.com/where-to-dine-shop/
Feeling the holiday spirit yet? Experience holiday cheer while strolling through Bellefonte Victorian Christmas with the surrounding old-fashioned sights and sounds. Pop into the unique shops for a truly merry shopping experience.
Peoples Gas Holiday Market - Pittsburgh and its Countryside
Pittsburgh
https://www.peoples-gas.com/holiday-market/
Experience international flair coupled along with local charm when you visit the Peoples Gas Holiday Market in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. You won’t be disappointed with this one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience where you will come across nothing but high-quality gifts around every corner. Your loved ones will appreciate it too!
Mifflinburg Christkindl Market – Valleys of the Susquehanna
Mifflinburg
https://www.oldchristkindl.com/
Make your way through more than 100 vendors, whose unique crafts and gifts will have you singing holiday jingles from the rooftops. Your holiday shopping needs will be met with a wide variety of items from hand-stitched samplers to Alpaca gloves, mittens, and scarves!