Drive through the Pennsylvania countryside to experience Holiday Markets beyond Philadelphia’s Christmas Market where the spirit of the season is joyous and the crafts are irresistible. You’ll find plenty of stocking stuffers, glass ornaments, and maybe that special necklace to wear on New Year’s Eve.

“Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” won’t be lying still this holiday season. Starting in mid-November, Bethlehem, PA celebrates its thirty-second, iconic Christmas Market also known as Christkindlmarkt featuring handmade gifts by the nation’s finest artisans, German ornaments, and for the kids – an ice skating rink. Ranked as one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel + Leisure, this Bethlehem Christmas market will transport you to a European holiday market without going through airport security. Bethlehem is a 2-hour drive from Philly.

Kennett Square Holiday Village Market, at the Creamery of Kennett Square, Dec 14-15, is a free event with artisanal crafts, original art, and local food trucks. It also promises to be one of the classiest holiday markets, if only because of the location, in the heart of Kennett Square’s Historic District where you’ll find upscale shops and restaurants. There will be a free shuttle during the holiday market (11-5 pm) taking people from the market to the downtown, running on a 10-minute loop. Kennett Square is a two-hour and fifteen-minute drive from Philly.

Or head north to visit the more than 60 specialty shops in Peddler’s Village, in Lahaska, a pleasant one-hour drive from Philadelphia. A highlight of your visit will be the Gingerbread Competition & Display (November 15, 2024, to January 19, 2025), featuring dozens of handcrafted gingerbread creations on display for free. When you’re done shopping, it’s just a 10-minute drive to New Hope for more shopping and charming restaurants.

On Dec. 13 and 14, discover the charm of the Historic Schaefferstown Christkindlmarkt. You can explore a delightful selection of handmade period gifts crafted by more than 20 skilled artisans from the region. With ample shopping space and convenient off-street parking, this enchanting market invites visitors to immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere while uncovering unique treasures. This is a little over a 2-hour drive from Philly.

If your idea of holiday shopping is a step above candy canes and gingerbread, consider visiting the King of Prussia Mall where Dior, Fendi, and Cartier await, along with Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Eileen Fisher, and Chanel. The halls are decked with lights and holiday decor. Hungry? Morton’s Steakhouse, The Cheesecake Factory, and Shake Shack await. Just remember where you parked! 45 minutes and a couple of credit cards from Philly. 

For a more relaxed, small-town feel, the charming shops and restaurants of Chestnut Hill offer a reprieve from the commercialization of Christmas. Here you will find independently owned, gayly decorated shops offering tasteful clothing, accessories, and jewelry for men, women, and children, as well as kitchenware, fine art, and antiques. Don’t miss browsing at Booked, Robertson’s gift shop, lunch at Cake, or poking around Kilian’s Hardware, a Century old store, which has everything you never knew you needed. Santa will be there along with live music and carol singers. The Chestnut Hill West SEPTA train will take you to the heart of the shopping district in 25 minutes. Or you can drive there at the same time.

Also, close by is Yuletide at Liberty Hill at Union League of Philadelphia Liberty Hill, which runs through January 5, 2025. Located in Lafayette Hill, this is a decidedly upscale holiday market featuring 30 high-end booths, ice skating, a merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel, live music, and visits with Santa, plus a Brauhouse, a whiskey room, and a beer garden. Admission tickets are $23 per person.

Tired of shopping and looking for a fun holiday experience with your loved ones? Longwood Gardens, a year-round favorite for lovers of botanical gardens, goes all out for the Holidays! Enjoy early-morning Gardens access during a three-hour, in-person painting experience inside the Conservatories with your choice of medium, easel, and tools. The wonderful Garden Railway will enchant model train fans of all ages. Meanwhile, the famous Longwood Garden organ will play holiday music throughout the day and the fountains will “dance.” Longwood also offers an unforgettable holiday dining experience in their Fountain Room. Reservations are required.

However you choose to celebrate the holidays, we wish you the warmth of family and friends, with plenty of joy and laughter. Still looking for the perfect holiday gift? Check out our sustainable holiday shopping guide.