EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us and with holiday cheer comes holiday events and activities to enjoy.
28/22 News searched high and low across northeastern Pennsylvania to find holiday hotspots for merrymakers to enjoy this coming holidays.
From holiday light displays to the spookier side of the season, 28/22 News has no shortage of holiday activities for the whole family.
Holiday Light Displays
Those who like to take a ride for those Christmas lights can make their way out to Tunkhannock Township, Wyoming County, for the Festival of Lights at Stonehedge Golf Course.
FILE 2019
The large drive-thru Christmas light display transforms the golf course into a winter wonderland with millions of lights to enjoy.
Guests can also enjoy the heated and handicap-accessible pavilion with some hot chocolate, food, vendors, and after the tour, some s'mores by the fire.
Drivers can make their way through the light display from November 27 until New Year's Eve on December 31 from 5:00 p.m. To 9:00 p.m. From Sunday to Thursday for $30 for each vehicle and from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for $35 for each vehicle.
The light display will be open every night excluding Christmas Eve.
If that's not enough, drivers can coast through the Holiday Light Spectacular at Nay Aug Park in Scranton, Lackawanna County.
On Monday, November 25 at 5:00 p.m. Nay Aug Park will kick off the holiday season with their light display open nightly until January 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
With an array of music-choreographed lights and a specially made Scranton Electric City sign light display, families can make memories to enjoy for years to come.
FILE 2023
For even more holiday lights, drivers can make their way out to Knoebel's in Northumberland County for their annual Joy Through the Grove Christmas light experience.
Starting November 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., drivers can enjoy new holiday light displays for the winter season.
The holiday experience can be enjoyed by car for $25 or by passenger van for $40.
Crews begin Christmas transformation of Public Square
Residents and visitors to Stroudsburg can watch the downtown dazzle for the annual Stroudsburg Tree Lighting on November 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Merrymakers can enjoy live music from Brad Roccanova and his Big Band beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by some words from the community at about 6:15 leading up to the lighting of the tree at 6:30 p.m.
Holiday enjoyers will have the chance to meet the Grinch, enjoy an early visit from Santa, and take some pictures in a photo booth.
Café Duet will also have some coffee or hot chocolate to help warm up and there will also be a Harry Potter-themed after party at the Siamsa Irish Pub.
Red ribbons will also be available for purchase to support local food banks and displayed in Downtown Stroudsburg.
Courtesy of Julia Priest
Christmas Shopping
If you're missing that one special piece to complete your Christmas decorations, Main Hardware in Wilkes-Barre may have just what you need.
Up the stairs towards the back of the store, you'll find Christmasland and a wide variety of supplies to bring that holiday magic to your home or workplace.
Main Hardware features a nativity scene and has handmade afghans for sale for $9.99 made by the owner's mother.
The Fright Before Christmas
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For a creepier Christmas, merrymakers can pay a visit to Strange and Unusual in Kingston for Photos with Krampus.
Photos with Krampus are first-come, first-served, $5 per group, and photos must be taken with your own device. Pets can also attend as long as they're leashed.
Black Cat Bakery will also be at Strange and Unusual selling various baked goods to pair with a specialty latte from Strange Brew.
Photos with Santa for our Four-Legged Friends
In Hunlock Creek, pet owners and their furry companions can get their pictures taken with good old Kris Kringle.
From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, the Blue Chip Farm Animal Rescue is holding a benefit at the Muhlenburg General Store in Hunlock Creek.
Pet owners who go can also enjoy flavored hot chocolates by Cocktail Cruiser of NEPA and music with DJ Rob Sax.
Enjoying the Holidays at Hershey
For those looking for something a little sweeter this holiday season, residents can make their way to Hershey in Dauphin County for experiences as sweet as their chocolate.
On November 15, Hershey's Cholocate World kicked off its holiday celebrations with new and returning seasonal offerings.
Courtesy of Hershey's Chocolate World
New this year is Hershey's Illumination: Holiday, as Hershey's Cholocate World lights up for the season with dancing lights, snow, and holiday music to spread holiday cheer. It will be held at the front entrance every 20 minutes after 6:00 p.m.
Free holiday meter parking in select areas of downtown Wilkes-Barre
Also making its debut this year is the Santa, Dr.Seuss's The Grinch and Max Arrival Event.
Children of all ages can join characters like Hershey, Kiss, and Reese as they're all dressed up for the holidays to welcome back some friends for the season.
AJ Snavely, Head of Holiday Decorating, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Dr. Seuss's The Grinch, along with his canine sidekick Max, are all paying a visit for the first time at Hershey's Chocolate World.
There are also some new festive additions to the free Chocolate Making Tour Ride. Merrymakers may find some holiday surprises if they keep their eyes peeled while on the ride.
"Just like Hershey's Chocolate World attraction, the holidays are meant for spending time with loved ones, fun, and sweet treats," Vice President of The Hershey Experience Suzanne Jones said.
Snowman Hunting Season
Courtesy of Go Collaborative
Out in Stroudsburg, residents and visitors can go on the hunt for nearly 60 life-size snowman sculptures.
According to Go Collaborative, The snowmen will come out for the holiday season on November 29 and will stay in the Stroudsburg area until February 21.
Of the 60 snowmen, Go Collaborative says there's also 10 new designs for hunters to find.
However you celebrate the holiday season, 28/22 News will be covering the things you may enjoy this winter.
