Autumn awesomeness is back in season at Lake Land Orchard & Cidery. Whatever the season, a visit to this lush, lavish locale in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is nothing short of magical. Coming out in the heart of leaf-peeping season, though, is an even more charming pursuit.
Among the many ongoing seasonal events they host in the height of family-friendly fall follies are their acclaimed Apple Harvest Festival and Halloween Light Shows. The former is ongoing now through the first weekend in November. Nighttime Halloween Light Shows begin Friday, September 19.
As Lakeland Orchard’s signature event, the annual Apple Harvest Festival offerings here span a two-month, weekend-long duration. With the purchase of a general admission ticket, folks are permitted onto the grounds for apple picking opportunities and a host of other good-to-the-core callouts. Pick your provisions directly from the branches of over 20,000 trees, yielding a vast range of versatile varieties. A bag size of one-fourth a peck is standard, although upgrades are available.
Decadently delightful sweet treats are also featured throughout the festival’s run in addition to all their regularly offered concessions. Spotlight hits sure to hit the spot include their warm baked apple dumplings with ice cream, and the famed Apple King Slush—a refreshing apple slushie made with vanilla ice cream, garnished with whipped cream, and topped with an apple-glazed donut. Other concoctions include candy apples and other “appealing” apple appetizers.
Certain well-known superheroes and princesses are also known to make featured appearances on select days throughout the Apple Festival’s run. Times and calendar days vary, so please check the schedule for updates.
The popular Halloween Light Shows here are the stuff of legends. They’ve even garnered praise for being the largest of all Halloween-themed light show displays in the state. Also running through the first weekend in November, these shows are in high demand, so you’ll want to snag your tickets early whenever possible. You may still purchase tickets at the gate upon arrival; however, seating cannot be guaranteed when going about it via this method. There is a standby line, though.
Upon arrival at either admissions or the orchard’s resident train station, you get to board the exclusive Lakeland Express for a unique one-mile journey through hauntingly happy Halloween-themed lighted displays. The spooky scenes include everything from ghosts and goblins to a haunted house and more ghoulishly giddy sights. But don’t worry, everything is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
Admission to the Halloween Light Show also includes admission to their onsite Cider Garden (and hard cider on tap for adults), live music, featured refreshments, access to 15 permanent attractions, Lakeland LumberjAXE (axe throwing), and utilization of public firepits located on orchard grounds.
It’s always a blast coming out for one of these two awesome autumnal offerings. But do take note of the other optimal opportunities for visiting throughout the orchard’s operating season. Other festivals they are known for include the Tulip Festival at their big spring reopening in May, Baby Animal Days (select dates through May and June), the Strawberry Festival in June, Summer Fest in July, and Blooms & Butterflies (in the late summer months).
Lakeland Orchard & Cidery is owned and operated by the Roba Family, who also manage the sister location at Roba Family Farms. Running now through September 28 at that location is their ever-popular themed Jurassic Farm Dino Fest featuring dozens of life-sized, interactive dinosaurs.
Following that will be their signature Pumpkin Harvest Festival, running through November 2, and Halloween on the Farm. Click here to read more about Roba Family Farm and all the seasonal events happening there.
Visit Lakeland Orchard & Cidery at 1649 Lakeland Drive, Scott Township, PA 18433. Learn more about general admission costs, ongoing events, site features, and more on their website.