We seldom think of amusement parks as places to visit during the cold winter months. But some of my favorites throughout the Susquehanna Valley region present some pretty awesome holiday happenings. From drive-through light displays to special festive follies and other activities offered onsite, here are my three suggested Pennsylvania amusement parks to visit at Christmastime.
Notable Knoebels Christmas Attractions
Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg has a claim to fame for being the largest free-admission amusement park in the nation. As a family-owned operation, Knoebels comprises plentiful rides, a fantastic resident campground, an impressive golf course, and some of the best food to be found at any amusement park anywhere. In the spirit of the holiday season, they even offer several festive features nightly, now through December 31 (closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
Joy Through the Grove is the primary anchoring Christmas lights experience to take in here. Presented as a two-mile winding path decked out with twinkling lights, 500 illuminated pieces, and several Knoebels-themed displays, Joy Through the Grove provides a most jolly and genuine family-friendly light viewing experience. What’s more, you can even purchase tasty treats at the admission window to munch on and accompany your viewing pleasure. These include morsels like cotton candy, caramel corn, kettle korn, and even that famous Knoebels fudge you’ve heard so much about.
Visitors on their way to Joy Through the Grove take note of the awesome Christmas Village set up at Three Ponds Golf Course. Now through December 23, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, you can delight in a host of holiday happenings. Stop by Santa’s workshop for photo ops, exciting crafts, treats, and other kid-friendly follies. Enjoy a cozy fire pit to warm up by and roast marshmallows/make s’mores. There are also some tantalizing specials to sink your teeth into over at Nickle Plate Bar & Grill. While you’re here, pick up that perfect last-minute Christmas gift and even snag a fresh-cut tree.
Learn more about these and all other offerings at Knoebels by visiting the website at www.knoebels.com.
Dutch Winter Wonderland
Every year from mid-November through New Year’s, Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster transforms into Dutch “Winter” Wonderland. While the tradition is nothing new, each year boasts a slew of premier offerings, and the 2023 Christmas season is no exception. This year folks can enjoy 10 all-new activities onsite. The lineup includes Merlin’s Magical Forest (an interactive light show), A Chris-Mouse Carol (a puppet show), Duke’s Blizzard Bash (a dance party), live musical entertainment, holiday sing-a-longs, scavenger hunts, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, Holiday Character Dining, Illuminated Lane (a lighted trail experience), and visits with Santa at his Jolly Lodge.
Many more holiday happenings will be ongoing as well. Furthermore, several rides will even be running during all Dutch Winter Wonderland happenings! To learn more, visit the official website at www.dutchwonderland.com.
Hersheypark Holiday Happenings
Head to Hersheypark Candylane for some of the sweetest seasonal offerings around. Now through January 1, visitors may experience a host of good tidings, including family rides and select coasters, Breakfast with Santa for kids on weekends (reservations required), TREEville at the Boardwalk (Christmas Trees), Bright Lights & Holiday Nights (featuring over five million twinkling lights and the popular NOEL Christmas light show by UGI), and so much more. You can even visit Santa along with his nine LIVE reindeer (including Rudolph) at Santa’s Reindeer Stables.
Don’t forget about Hershey Sweet Lights during the evening hours. Presented as a two-mile drive through a wooded trail, here’s your chance to stare in awe at nearly 600 illuminated, animated displays all synchronized in coordination with a custom-made iHeartRadio station. I guarantee you’ll be back for more. Additional details and information regarding Hersheypark Christmas activities and events can be found on the website at www.hersheypark.com.
There are many additional diversions to experience throughout Pennsylvania this holiday season. But these amusement park presentations remain longtime favored hits with so many folks every Christmas season.