Winter night view Pittsburgh , PA
There ’ s nothing wrong with wanting to get away from it all in some tropical paradise when the temperature starts dropping and the snow starts piling up . But don ’ t flee the Pennsylvanian winter wonderland just yet . Let ’ s look in our own backyard for some holiday staycation ideas for a vacation getaway without the need to get away !
5 . THE POCONOS
The Pocono Mountains are a onestop-shop for winter activities . Skiing , snow tubing , horseback rides , cottage getaways , yoga retreats , wine tours , and glamping sites await you and your family on these mountains . But that ’ s not all ! The Poconos have been called an “ endless outdoor playground ,” and a winter wonderland adventure is always just a short hike away !
4 . MACY ’ S CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW IN PHILADELPHIA
With online shopping now very much the norm , it may seem like an antiquated notion to actually shop in a physical location , but the Macy ’ s in downtown Philadelphia provides the perfect opportunity to show your kids the magic that can only be found in a department store at Christmas time . A grand pipe organ and an even grander 2,500-pound bronze eagle hold court in the store ’ s grand court , which is a dizzying cathedral of white stone decorated with an elaborate Christmas lights light show , a huge Christmas tree , and even a Dickens Village , which faithfully recreates A Christmas Carol all season long !
3 . HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE LAKE IN ALTOONA
For over 25 years , Blair Country has been home to one of the world ’ s only drive-thru Christmas light experiences . You ’ ll experience over one million lights spread across more than 50 acres during a roughly 45-minute drive . A local radio station is even on board and will play nonstop Christmas music if you tune in during the drive !
2 . LONGWOOD GARDENS IN KENNETT SQUARE
Hundreds of thousands of visitors get lost in this fairy-tale world of Christmas magic each holiday season . The green thumbs of Longwood Gardens have created nothing less than a to-scale replica of what Santa ’ s Garden in the North Pole must look like . And no need to worry about the cold . This large indoor conservatory keeps the temperature just right for its hundreds of lush plants . The display changes every year , so you never know what you ’ ll find on this garden stroll !
1 . CENTRAL PITTSBURGH
Did you know that Pittsburgh is home to over 440 bridges ? That ’ s more than Venice ! And between its three main rivers during the holidays , you ’ ll find fireworks , pop-up Christmas markets , and an outdoor skating rink light up the downtown core during the month of December . Meanwhile , a little closer to the Allegheny River , be on the lookout for a parade of penguins , yes , real penguins , from the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium marching down the street for their weekend walks all December long . Then head down toward the Monongahela River to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to take in a winter flower and light show !
9