Believe it or not, Christmas time is here again! It’s time to put up the tree, hang up the stockings, and start planning some unforgettable holiday memories for both you and the entire family. We created a list of all of our favorite Christmas events, traditions, and happenings near Erie, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas this holiday season. This list is specifically curated for 2023, but many of these events are annual traditions that happen every holiday season in Erie.
So, whether you’re new to the area or are just looking for a new Christmas tradition, put on your favorite Christmas music as you explore some of these fun family Christmas activities.
8 Can’t-Miss Christmas Events Near Erie, Pennsylvania (2023)
1. Christmas at the Warner
Details:
December 22, 2023: 5PM and 7:30PM
December 23, 2023: 2PM and 4:30PM
Warner Theater
2. Downtown D’lights – Perry Square Christmas Tree Lighting Event
Come see Santa Claus light up Perry Square and the Downtown Holiday Tree with incredible professional lighting. Enjoy horse carriage rides, a skating rink, free hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa himself. This is a fun outdoor Christmas event for the whole family!
Details:
December 1, 2023
5PM-8PM
Perry Square, Downtown Erie – North Park Row
3. Presque Isle Lights
Presque Isle Lights is a free evening drive-thru tour of seasonal lights at the beautiful Presque Isle State Park. The holiday drive-thru highlights Presque Isle’s natural beauty while also being respectful of the environment. Put on your favorite Christmas music or tune into 99.9 Classy 100 to enjoy a peaceful and holiday-spirit-filled drive around the park.
Details:
Thursdays-Sundays in December from 6-9PM
Presque Isle
4. Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Broadway is coming to Erie this holiday! Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life.
Details:
November 29, 2023 at 7:30PM
Warner Theater
Related Article: 13 Best Christian Christmas Gifts This Year
5. Port Farms Country Christmas at the Farm
Whether you’re searching for the perfect Christmas tree or a place to experience a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride, you need to stop by Port Farms this Christmas! They have many festive children’s activities, delectable cocktails for 21+ guests, live music, and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus on the weekends.
Details:
November 24 – December 17, 2023
Wed – Sun: 9AM – 5PM
Santas Workshop: Weekends Only
Port Farms
6. Asbury Woods Winter Wonderland
Enjoy a free, peaceful evening stroll on the boardwalk through the woods. Holiday lights will twinkle in the woods and wetlands along the boardwalk, which covers 1/3 of a mile. Then, warm up inside the Nature Center, view their animal exhibits, and browse holiday items for sale in their gift shop with products from local artisans.
Details:
December 1-31, 2023 (Except December 24, 25)
5:30 – 8:30PM
Asbury Woods
7. Erie Philharmonic: Come Home for the Holidays Matinee
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration and music—This “Come Home for the Holidays” concert combines all three! They will also feature special guest vocalist Melinda Doolittle, American Idol finalist, with her powerful voice, while the Philharmonic Chorus, Junior Chorus, and Youth Chorale will lend their artistry to the performance. Ballet dancers will lend a touch of grace to the concert, and of course, no holiday event would be complete without a special visit from Santa himself.
Details:
December 3, 2023
3-5:30PM
Warner Theater
8. Candlelight Concerts: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Erie. This event will feature the music of the Holidays from the Listeso String Quartet at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Details:
December 15, 2023
6PM and 8:30PM
First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant
We hope you and your family have a blessed and merry Christmas!