Season’s Greetings from the Mid-Atlantic!

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Greetings MATPRA Media Partners,
Each month, MATPRA distributes a press release designed to inspire media coverage of the Mid-Atlantic region. We plan topics four months in advance to accommodate longer lead times. If you have suggestions for future topics, we’d love to hear them! Please email ([email protected]).

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It’s time to get holly and jolly in the Mid-Atlantic! Discover holiday parades, community tree lightings, spectacular live performances, and all sorts of other festivities to get you into the holiday spirit this December!

DELAWARE

Kent County (DE)

Central Delaware offers a variety of holiday festivities, but the must-see event for this year is the Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway! Enjoy a dazzling display of Christmas lights and scenes, which are all different themes, as you travel through the mystical Woodlands. This event usually begins after Thanksgiving Day and goes until New Year’s Day, so you will have plenty of time to make that trip. There are also themed nights, like Christmas Sweater night or Bring Your Pet night, so keep an eye out for your favorite theme!
Visit Central Delaware

Statewide (DE)

The holiday season in Delaware is full of festive charm from north to south. The state comes alive with twinkling lights, cozy celebrations, and events that feel both magical and meaningful. In Southern Delaware, Schellville becomes a whimsical winter village with train rides, snow zones, a skating rink and fun for the whole family. Up north, Yuletide at Winterthur offers an elegant journey through holiday history with lavishly decorated rooms, handmade ornaments, and a sense of old-world wonder. At Fifer Orchards in Central Delaware, fun takes on a farm-fresh twist with seasonal treats, kids’ activities, and plenty of country charm.
Visit Delaware

MARYLAND

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (MD)

Annapolis sparkles in winter with festive charm and coastal cheer. Stroll historic streets during Midnight Madness, where shops stay open late with treats and deals. Savor sweets at the Chocolate Binge Festival or drive through Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park for a magical light show. The Grand Illumination tree lighting kicks off the season, while the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade dazzles with boats aglow. Sports fans flock to the Military Bowl, featuring a patriotic parade and spirited college football, and runners can join the Bay Bridge Run—a scenic “Holiday Hustle” across the Chesapeake Bay.
Visit Annapolis

Calvert County (MD)

Enjoy festive favorites like the Christmas Tree Lighting on Main Street in Prince Frederick on Dec. 5, the North Beach Christmas Parade on Dec. 6, and both the Home for the Holidays Parade in Prince Frederick and the Solomons Christmas Walk on Dec. 13. Beginning in late November, holiday lights will sparkle across Chesapeake Beach and North Beach, launched with a Light Up the Town event, Christmas Market and Chesapeake Beach Holiday Lights Tour. Don’t miss the magical Garden in Lights at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, open nightly from Nov. 28 through Jan. 1.
Choose Calvert

Hagerstown (MD)

Hagerstown, Maryland, celebrates the holidays with cherished traditions. The Tree Lighting at City Park ushers in the season with dazzling lights and festive cheer. Downtown hosts the Christkindl Markt, a charming German-inspired market brimming with artisan crafts, delicious food, and joyful ambiance. Nearby, the solemn Memorial Illumination at Antietam National Battlefield honors fallen soldiers with 23,000 luminaries, a truly moving tribute. As the year culminates, the unique Krumpe’s Donut Drop rings in the New Year, delighting thousands with free donuts, live music, and fireworks, creating a sweet and memorable close to the holiday season.
Visit Hagerstown

Harford County (MD)

There is something magical about spending Holidays on a Main Street America, a heart-warming feeling you can’t get anywhere else and Harford County has three Main Street Areas offering the Festival of Trees, parades, markets, and tree lighting ceremonies. We also can’t forget our charming train garden, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a variety of holiday-themed live shows.  Around the county we offer even more local favorites such as Deck the Stalls, the Highland Tractor Parade, and the Ladew Gardens lights. With something for everyone, it’s the perfect way to turn your visit to Harford County into a festive weekend getaway.
Hello Harford

Talbot County (MD)

Talbot County, Maryland, transforms into a festive wonderland during the winter holiday season. Throughout Easton, Oxford, St. Michaels, and Tilghman Island, you can take in twinkling lights illuminating town streets, candlelit dinners by warm fireplaces, horse-drawn carriage rides. ‘Tis the season to be transported to another world, where life ambles at a more leisurely pace, the hospitality is warm and welcoming, and the cozy, luxurious accommodations and eateries fill you with the festive spirit. The season’s signature event is Christmas in St. Michaels, which annually takes place the second weekend in December. (Photo Credit: Mark Sandlin)
Tour Talbot

PENNSYLVANIA

Bradford County (PA)

The Hometown Christmas celebration in Towanda is a nostalgic weekend to celebrate the season in the heart of beautiful Bradford County.  Whether you are a local resident, home for the holidays, or just someone who wants to experience true small-town Pennsylvania at its holiday best—Hometown Christmas is the can’t-miss event of the season! Events, shopping, and the local agricultural community and business district roll out the welcome mat for visitors from far and wide to feel part of this community celebration.
Visit Bradford County

Bucks County (PA)
Celebrate the holidays in Bucks County, Pennsylvania! Tour the beautifully lit Fonthill Castle in Doylestown and drive through over 3 million lights at Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show. Stroll through Peddler’s Village, illuminated by a million lights and a whimsical Gingerbread Competition display. At Sesame Place, enjoy “A Very Furry Christmas” with festive shows and character meet-and-greets. Perkasie hosts the nation’s oldest Christmas tree lighting, delighting generations for over 100 years. Hop aboard New Hope’s North Pole Express for a scenic ride filled with carolers and cheer. The holidays in Bucks County offer an unforgettable experience this season.
Visit Bucks County

Butler County (PA)

Each year, the small towns in Butler County host their annual holiday parades, like “Miracle on Main” in Zelienople, a special evening event that includes a live nativity, carolers roaming through the streets, carriage rides, and a parade that concludes with Santa’s arrival. The German town of Harmony hosts a traditional Christmas market. From Thanksgiving to New Year, families can enjoy the Enchanted Lights, a holiday light walk-through experience. Additionally, Butler County has several pop-up holiday bars, such as Johnny’s Distillery’s Jolly Holiday Bar, where every wall is adorned with wrapping paper, ornaments, and hanging lights.
Experience Butler

Clearfield County (PA)
Within the rolling mountains of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, you will find charming little towns full of magic, spirit, beautiful lights, and decorations all in the spirit of Kris Kringle. During this season, our communities come together to light Christmas trees, decorate the streetlight poles, host cookie walks, Christmas parades, and sing holiday carols. So, stay in a home away from home in one of our Airbnb’s, and let your family grow a little bigger with us in Clearfield County.
Visit Clearfield County

Endless Mountains (PA)

The Annual Endless Mountains Christmas celebration runs from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day offering visitors events, shopping, and opportunities galore across the scenic mountain setting of Northeastern Pennsylvania where nostalgic charm is a way of life! Tree farms across the region supply locally grown fresh pines to markets across the Mid-Atlantic. When you visit for an Endless Mountains Christmas you can enjoy small-town celebrations, discover local holiday shopping spots stocked with Santa’s favorites, and cut down your own tree fresh from the farms to take home as the centerpiece of your family’s holiday season!
Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau

Gettysburg and Adams County (PA)

In Gettysburg, rich history blends with small town hospitality to create a flurry of holiday experiences. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past Civil War era homes exuding historic character. Chefs concoct delightful dishes, bartenders craft holiday drinks and storefronts fill their window displays with eye-catching gifts. The Friday after Thanksgiving, the whole town gathers for the Christmas tree lighting on Lincoln Square and a chance to meet Santa Claus. Then the first weekend of December marks the annual Gettysburg Christmas Festival, where visitors can meet reindeer, see ice sculpted into works of art, try roasted chestnuts and sip hot cocoa.
Destination Gettysburg

Juniata River Valley (PA)

Experience the magic of the holidays at the Festival of Ice in downtown Lewistown Dec. 4-5! This year’s theme—Christmas Candyland—brings the streets to life with whimsical ice sculptures, candy-themed décor, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Don’t miss Santa’s Workshop, where kids can shop for gifts, meet Santa, and even visit live reindeer! Enjoy wagon rides, food trucks, artisan vendors, live nativity, and plenty of festive photo ops. Explore this charming small-town celebration that draws thousands each year and captures the heart of a classic Christmas—sweet, sparkling, and full of wonder.
Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau

Lancaster County (PA)

The traditional start to Lancaster County’s holiday season is the early November debut of American Music Theatre’s annual Christmas Show.  This year’s edition—Deck The Halls—is an original production full of heartwarming secular & sacred holiday songs and the spectacular dancing that AMT is always known for.
Discover Lancaster

Lebanon Valley (PA)

The City of Lebanon offers a two-day kickoff to the holiday season each year with their annual tree lighting and holiday parade. Beginning on Friday, November 21, watch as the season begins with the lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree at 6pm. Then on Saturday morning, check out the City of Lebanon’s 49th annual holiday parade! With a gingerbread theme and floats from local and regional organizations, it’s the perfect way to ring in the season.
Visit Lebanon Valley

Potter-Tioga Counties (PA)

Head to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon region this December for TWO of the state’s biggest holiday celebrations. The annual Dickens of a Christmas event the first weekend of the last month transforms downtown Wellsboro into a Victorian Marketplace filled with vendors, strolling entertainers, and events galore. December’s second weekend is a celebration of the town’s gift to the world—the creation of classic Shiny Brite holiday ornaments during World War II at the local Corning glass factory. This Christmas on Main Street event honors that story of “the town that saved Christmas” and includes a weekend of holiday fun!
Visit Potter-Tioga

Susquehanna River Valley (PA)

Mifflinburg, a small town in central PA best known for its buggy manufacturing history, led the tradition of creating an outdoor German Christmas market in 1989 and today claims to be the oldest outdoor Christmas market in the US. The town’s main goal was to keep it as authentic to European markets as possible, inspired by the 700-year old tradition of the Christkindlmarkt, or Christ Child Market, mainly celebrated in Germany and Austria. Visitors to the 36th annual market can enjoy German entertainment, food, sips and merchandise along with a wide variety of local favorites. Learn more at www.oldchristkindl.com.
Visit Central PA

York County (PA)

Add some sparkle to your season with a holiday road trip to York County, PA. Marvel at millions of lights at Bright Nights in WellSpan Park and stroll the enchanting woodland trail of Christmas Magic at Rocky Ridge Park. Make Hallmark-worthy memories at Santa’s cabin in Hanover—a beloved tradition for nearly 90 years—ride festive holiday trains through snowy countryside, and catch the tree lighting in York’s historic square. Don’t miss the fun at the annual Christkindlmarkt at Dill’s Tavern, packed with unique gifts and tasty treats. Shop small, gift big, and soak up all the holiday cheer!
Explore York

VIRGINIA

Hampton (VA)

Hampton, VA is ready to illuminate your holidays with cherished community traditions and spectacular celebrations. Experience the magic of the Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade, a highly anticipated gathering of illuminated power boats and sail boats visible from anywhere along the Hampton River. As the year draws to a close, join us for the New Year’s Eve Crab Pot Drop, a unique and memorable way to ring in the New Year!
Visit Hampton

Loudoun County (VA)

Picture the scene: dozens of scarlet-jacketed riders, packs of pure-bred foxhounds, vintage horse-drawn carriages, a 1.5-mile-long procession of floats, firetrucks, drummers and bagpipers… Loudoun has several holiday parades but the first Saturday of December is always Christmas in Middleburg, a beloved tradition for over 100 years. Celebrations start on Friday with the Oh Holy Night! Tree Lighting Ceremony and carol singing in the heart of the storybook town. Come Saturday there are actually two parades: The Middleburg Hunt & Hounds Review to see the hounds and dazzling mounted riders, and then the Christmas Parade.
Visit Loudoun

Richmond Region (VA)

The Richmond Region shines bright for the holidays with events across all seven localities. A must-see: our legendary Tacky Lights, including homes featured on “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” Join a guided tour or just explore on your own. Don’t miss the CarMax Tacky Light Run, where festive runners race through dazzling Walton Park. For classic magic, Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden—named USA Today’s #1 Botanical Garden Holiday Lights—features glowing displays, cocoa, and live music. Bonus: Ashland’s Light Up the Tracks brings small-town charm and a visit from Santa via Amtrak.
Visit Richmond, VA

Shenandoah County (VA)

Travelers are invited to experience the all-new holiday magic at The American Celebration on Parade in Shenandoah County! This year’s Christmas Wonderland transforms the space into an elegant, upscale—but family-friendly—holiday destination. Marvel at a stunning 20-foot Christmas tree surrounded by beautifully decorated companion trees, each reflecting the charm of Shenandoah County’s unique small towns. The atmosphere dazzles with twinkling lights, festive bells, and enchanting musical performances. Celebrate the season in a setting where tradition meets wonder—perfect for capturing stories that sparkle. Come see why this magical new holiday experience belongs on every travel itinerary this winter!
Visit Shenandoah County

About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance
The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a collaborative network of tourism partners across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The alliance is dedicated to supporting travel journalists by providing resources that transcend geographic boundaries, much like travelers themselves. By identifying common themes and regional highlights, MATPRA offers a wealth of story ideas for journalists interested in showcasing the diverse destinations of the Mid-Atlantic region as a unified whole. For more information, visit matpra.org.

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