am 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.
*2024 events and dates are being added as they are announced for the upcoming season. Check back often for more 2024 updates!
8 Can’t-Miss Christmas Events Near Erie, Pennsylvania
1. Christmas at the Warner
Details:
December 23, 2024: 4:30pm, 7:00pm
December 24, 2024: 11:30am, 2:00pm, 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:
Check back here for dates and times for the 2024 season as soon as they’re announced!
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:
Dates: Fridays-Sundays between December 6-29
6:00pm-9:00pm
Presque Isle State Park
4. Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Lost Christmas Eve Tour
This year’s TSO tour marks the grand return of “THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE” to the stage for the first time since 2013. Expect an all-new, dazzling spectacle packed with pyrotechnics, lasers, and the incredible, heartfelt storytelling synonymous with TSO. The celebration continues with a high-energy second set featuring the group’s greatest hits and fan favorites.
Details:
November 17, 2024
2:30PM and 7:00pm
Erie Insurance Arena
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 29 – December 22
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:
Check back here for dates and times for the 2024 season as soon as they’re announced!
5:30 – 8:30PM
Asbury Woods
7. A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin following a screening of Home Alone
Come on out for a special screening of the timeless holiday classic, Home Alone, followed by an exclusive moderated interview and audience Q&A with the one and only Macaulay Culkin. That’s right, the star who brought Kevin McCallister to life will be joining us for a one-of-a-kind event that you won’t want to miss!
Relive the iconic scenes and heartwarming moments from Home Alone on the big screen, and then dive deep into the behind-the-scenes stories and insights with Macaulay Culkin himself. Hear about his experiences on set, his favorite memories from filming, and his take on why this movie has become such a beloved holiday classic.
Details:
December 1, 2024
6:30PM
Warner Theater
8. ELF The Musical
Broadway is coming to Erie this holiday season! ELF The Musical is the hilarious modern Christmas classic about Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This must-see Broadway holiday production is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.
Details:
November 12 & 13, 2024
7:30PM
Warner Theater
9. The Nutcracker Reimagined
Lake Erie Ballet Company is thrilled to showcase the power of collaboration among local organizations during this annual holiday event! Through the joint efforts of Marguerite’s Academy of Dance, Corella Productions, Seiche Dance Collective, Sovereign Ballet, and NWPA Collegiate Academy, they have created a truly enchanting performance that will warm the hearts of families during the holiday season.
The Nutcracker is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends art, music, and dance, creating an unforgettable experience that brings families together. Join us in downtown Erie for this community collaboration and witness the fascinating beauty that will captivate audiences from near and far.
Details:
Check back here for 2024 dates and times as soon as they’re announced!
Location: Warner Theater