Festive Fun in Indiana, PA

If you’re looking for a holiday getaway with young children, the small town of Indiana, Pennsylvania, offers a charming, family-friendly experience! Indiana, located about an hour outside of Pittsburgh, is proudly known as the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World” and hosts the annual It’s a Wonderful Life Festival! Festive events, twinkling lights and activities tailored for children abound.

Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade

The holiday fun begins with one of the most magical evenings of the season: the festival’s tree lighting and parade. Downtown Indiana transforms into a nostalgic winter wonderland Nov. 21. Families can gather in IRMC Park on North 7th Street where from around 5 p.m. you’ll find complimentary hot cocoa, marshmallow roasting and a petting zoo and bounce house for the kids. At about 6:30 p.m., the 30-foot live Christmas tree is illuminated and then the parade skirts through downtown.

Five Saturdays of Fun!

From Saturday, Nov. 22 through Saturday, Dec. 20, the town hosts the festival each Saturday with a specific theme. Pick the best weekend or weekends for your family’s schedule!

Saturday, Nov. 22 – “Hometown Holiday”

This kickoff Saturday includes visits with Santa in IRMC Park (cookies provided), hot chocolate, face painting, ornament-making and live appearances by “George Bailey” of “It’s A Wonderful Life” fame. Downtown businesses join in the fun, too. Families can wander the beautifully decorated streets, peek in shop windows and take part in holiday-themed activities.

Saturday, Nov. 29 – “Small Business Saturday”

Support local shops while your children engage in entertainment in the park. Activities include marshmallow roasting, ornament crafts and youth performances. Meanwhile, parents can browse unique gift options downtown.

Saturday, Dec. 6 – “Sounds of the Season”

For musical families, this Saturday brings carols, live performances and special events like a model train display at the local mall from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13 – “Cookies & Cheer”

Enjoy a self-guided Cookie Tour through downtown on Saturday afternoon from noon to 3 p.m. If you’re able, plan to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Pennsylvania State Police Toy Drive and go from shop to shop sampling treats.

Saturday, Dec. 20 – “Holiday Scramble”

Last-minute shopping and fun! Santa visits, hot cocoa, marshmallows and final carol performances!

More Holiday-Friendly Experiences

Visit Mytrysak Family Tree Farm for family fun weekends. Enjoy tractor wagon rides from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and be sure to visit the gift shop after you cut down your own Christmas tree! Santa visits on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7!

Visit the Jimmy Stewart Museum (835 Philadelphia St.) for a special “It’s a Wonderful Life” exhibit, themed Christmas trees and children’s movie showings. Parents will enjoy the nostalgic touch while kids sit back with cocoa and a movie.

If you’re looking for an evening out, take a slow stroll down Philadelphia Street in downtown Indiana. The storefronts are beautifully decorated, and vintage Christmas light displays are placed throughout town. It’s a gentle evening outing suitable for young children and strollers. Indiana brings together small-town charm with a festival designed for families.

With activities in the park, a short walkable downtown and a series of weekend themes, you can attend one or more events without the stress of a full-blown destination trip. This sounds like our kind of destination at Christmastime: Big on holiday spirit but easy on logistics!

Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and a Pittsburgh mama of two.