If you’re looking to escape the gridlock of NYC holiday shopping, there’s a 42-acre colonial-style village in Pennsylvania that feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie.
Each holiday season, 42 acres of Lahaska, Pennsylvania are transformed into a sprawling, illuminated winter village. The scent of hot cider and fresh-baked cinnamon buns fills the air, and an astonishing one million lights reflect off the colonial-style storefronts as visitors browse dozens of independent shops.
With its massive footprint featuring over 60 locally owned stores and boutiques—with no big-box chains in sight—Peddler’s Village has become the ultimate destination for tracking down unique gifts while soaking in magically festive vibes.
Now, the village is returning for its 2026 holiday season, kicking off with its massive Grand Illumination celebration on November 20, 2026 and running its holiday displays through early January.
More than just a shopping trip
Peddler’s Village isn’t a pop-up; it’s a permanent fixture that fully leans into the holidays. And while the boutique shopping is a massive draw, the village packs its calendar with seasonal events that make it worth the 90-minute drive from the city
The crown jewel of their holiday season is the annual Gingerbread Competition & Display, a beloved tradition that’s been running since 1984.
Running from November 20, 2026, through January 9, 2027, you can view over 100 hand-decorated baked goods, featuring everything from your traditional gingerbread abode to Santa’s “unproductive” workshop.
Best of all: admission is completely free. (Pro-tip: Lines can get long for this, so try to visit on a weekday if you want a front-row view of the sugar architecture).
What else you’ll experience throughout the village
Peddler’s Village adds a cinematic, nostalgic edge you won’t find at a typical mall or city pop-up.
The entire village is set against beautiful, historic-style architecture with winding brick pathways. At night, the trees and buildings are wrapped in a million lights, creating the most magical winter backdrop.
It’s easily one of the most picture-perfect holiday settings in the region, making it a perfect day trip escape from NYC.
Expect the village’s sprawling 2026 lineup to feature:
- A massive, glowing display of one million holiday lights covering the trees, buildings, and Village Green
- The famous Gingerbread Competition & Display, featuring incredible edible art
- 60+ locally owned shops selling everything from artisan pantry gifts like Bucks County House of Jerky to European-style cuckoo clocks at Fehrenbach Black Forest Clocks & Gifts
- Traditional holiday treats including hot cider, cocoa, and freshly baked gingerbread from Mama Hawk’s Kitchen
- Tasting rooms for local craft beverages, allowing you to carry a wine or beer flight from Free Will Brewing as you stroll through the lights
- A fully restored 1922 carousel at Giggleberry Fair, perfect for families looking to warm up indoors
Peddler’s Village also hosts special events throughout the run, including the Holly Jolly Weekend on December 5 and 6, featuring a Santa Parade through the village, and the 6th Annual Holiday Hustle on December 3.
A historic slice of Pennsylvania that’s worth an entire day
The village is located in Lahaska, Pennsylvania, roughly 90 minutes west of Manhattan in the picturesque Bucks County.
It’s an area that fully leans into its colonial history, making this 42-acre village feel like discovering a hidden Christmas capital just across the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border.
The surrounding Bucks County region is packed with centuries-old architecture, local wineries, and neighboring historic towns like New Hope that can easily convince you to build a full weekend itinerary.
Tips for visiting the village
Because this event draws visitors from across several states, you have to strategize your visit rather than just winging it:
- Time it right for crowds: The Grand Illumination on November 20 is spectacular, but weekends get incredibly packed; visit on a weeknight to enjoy the lights and gingerbread displays with far more breathing room
- Embrace the freebies: Unlike many massive holiday markets, general admission and parking at Peddler’s Village are completely free
- Dress in layers: It’s a lot of walking outdoors on nights that often drop below freezing, so dress warmly and build in stops at the shops to thaw out
- Grab a drink to-go: Take advantage of the open-container policy within the village by grabbing a craft beer flight or hot cider to sip while you admire the lights
- Make a weekend trip out of it: While you’re in Pennsylvania, pair your trip to the village with a stop at Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, PA, a 10-acre European-style Christmas Market in a town called “Christmas City USA” just under an hour away
The details
📍 Location: Peddler’s Village, Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, PA 18931
🗓️ Dates: Lights and Gingerbread Display run from November 20, 2026, to January 9, 2027
⏰ Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm | Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm (Holiday hours)
🎟️ Tickets: General admission and parking are completely free
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