Discover the Magic: Johnstown’s Top Holiday Happenings

Welcome to a festive guide full of heartwarming and joy-filled holiday events throughout the Johnstown region! This curated list highlights the very best of the season! From dazzling light displays and Victorian-style village strolls to live music, traditional markets, and cozy community gatherings. Whether you’re a local looking to soak in hometown traditions or a visitor wanting a memorable winter getaway, find something magical in and around Johnstown this holiday season!

Looking for more great holiday events? Visit our event calendar for a full listing of breakfasts with Santa and other great family-friendly experiences!

90 Johns St., Johnstown, PA

Experience the festive charm of Johnstown’s 36-foot Christmas Tree and Village at Peoples Natural Gas Park, where Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership’s signature holiday tree glows and dances in sync with cheerful seasonal music. This inviting holiday stop is completely free to visit, making it an easy addition to any winter outing! Whether you’re exploring downtown, meeting friends, or simply looking for a cozy moment of holiday cheer. Stroll through the village, enjoy the animated light show, and capture the perfect seasonal photo as the tree lights up the park daily from November 21st to January 8th, 2026, shining from Noon – 1 PM and again from 5 PM – 11 PM.

1217 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown, PA

The Holly Bazaar at the Community Arts Center of Cambria County is a beloved holiday tradition running from November 8th through December 24th. The Bazaar is open Monday – Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays from noon to 5 PM (closed Thanksgiving Day, and closing early at 1 PM on Christmas Eve). Visitors can browse handcrafted gifts from more than 60 local artisans, explore the gently used purse and scarf sale, enter the 50/50 raffle, and check out the popular Basket Bonanza featuring over 120 baskets to win!

Roxbury Park, 1430 Franklin St., Johnstown, PA

Kick off the holiday season at the Roxbury Park Bandshell with a warm and festive gathering on November 30th, from 5 PM to 5:30 PM. The evening features a reading of The Night Before Christmas, joyful caroling that invites everyone to join in, and a beautiful tree lighting ceremony. To top it off, Santa arrives to meet and greet families, making the event a cozy, heartwarming way to welcome the spirit of Christmas in the heart of Johnstown.

Ebensburg, PA

Experience a magical Victorian‑era holiday festival that brings Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to life in the heart of downtown. On December 5th – 7th, the town transforms into a 19th‑century winter wonderland, with costumed vendors, carolers, and charming street scenes. Visitors can enjoy a full weekend of family fun!  From a Christmas parade and carriage rides to a Santa Pub Crawl and craft fairs, all set beneath vintage lampposts and alongside historic architecture. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the season, full of nostalgia, community, and old‑fashioned holiday cheer!

309 Lincoln St., Johnstown, PA 15901

Step into a beautiful celebration of Christmas wonder at First Presbyterian Church in Johnstown, where the Festival of the Nativity unfolds on December 5th – 7th, from 6 PM to 9 PM. The event features over 100 intricately crafted crèches displayed throughout the church chapel, while live music fills the sanctuary, including a grand finale with a mass choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus. There’s also a welcoming children’s room and light refreshments, making it a warm and meaningful evening for both locals and visitors to reflect on the true spirit of the season!

450 Schoolhouse Rd., Johnstown, PA

Step into a timeless holiday adventure with the Johnstown Concert Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. On December 5th at 7:30 PM and December 6th at 2 PM, audiences are treated to a magical performance on the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center stage, featuring a cast of local dancers, handmade costumes, and enchanting sets. This beloved tradition captures Clara’s journey through a winter wonderland, including the Land of Sweets and the iconic battle with the Mouse King.

90 Johns St., Johnstown, PA

Step into a festive winter wonderland in Johnstown on December 6th, from 10 AM to 8 PM, when the downtown Christmas Market comes to life at Peoples Natural Gas Park. With free admission, this family‑friendly celebration features artisan vendors, food trucks, and live holiday entertainment. Santa, the Grinch, and Cindy Lou Who make special appearances, making it the perfect spot to soak up seasonal cheer, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy the warmth of community under the twinkling lights of the 36-foot-tall animated Christmas tree!

601 Luzerne St., Johnstown, PA

Bring some holiday magic to your December by joining the Old Westmont Neighbors & Garden Club for their cherished Holiday Home Tour on Saturday, December 6th, with tours at 12 PM and 2 PM. You’ll get an exclusive look at five beautifully decorated historic Westmont homes that haven’t been on the tour before. Afterward, you can browse a festive Christmas Market at Westmont Presbyterian Church. It’s a wonderful opportunity to admire elegant architecture and support community causes, all while enjoying the cozy spirit of the neighborhood. Tickets go FAST, get yours here!

90 Johns St., Johnstown, PA

Full steam ahead! The holiday spirit chugs into Peoples Natural Gas Park in Johnstown as Santa invites families aboard the Christmas Express on December 12th and 13th, from 5 PM to 8 PM. As you ride, you’ll be surrounded by the park’s dazzling centerpiece, a 36-foot-tall animated Christmas tree whose lights are synced to festive holiday music. You’ll also get a look at the various custom-built homes that make up the charming Christmas Village, adding to the sense of wonder and community magic!

Portage, PA

This holiday season, downtown Portage lights up with charm and holiday spirit during its annual Winterfest, happening December 12th – 14th. Throughout the weekend, you can enjoy a variety of free festivities, from sleigh rides and a festive parade to craft fairs, games, musical performances, and glorious holiday lighting. It’s a warm, family-friendly event that celebrates the simple joy of the season.

538 Park Ave., Johnstown, PA

Celebrate the season at the Russell House in Johnstown during its festive Christmas Open House. The event takes place on Saturday, December 13th, from 12 PM to 7 PM, and Sunday, December 14th, from 12 PM to 5 PM. Guests can enjoy themed Christmas trees, live music, visits from Santa, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a bake sale, and a basket raffle, creating a welcoming holiday experience!

450 Schoolhouse Rd., Johnstown, PA

Celebrate the season with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra at their Holiday Pops! concert on Saturday, December 13th, with performances at 3 PM and 7:30 PM. Held at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, this festive program features the full orchestra joined by the JSO Chorus and the Inclined to Sing children’s chorus, delivering beloved holiday choral classics with rich orchestration and warm harmony. It’s the perfect way to embrace the magic of the season through stirring musical traditions.

90 Johns St., Johnstown, PA

Join the Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership to make new holiday memories, toast marshmallows around the fire, and make some delicious s’mores at the animated Christmas Tree and Village @ Peoples Natural Gas Park. This free event will be held on Saturday, December 20th, from 6 PM to 8 PM, and is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter’s night!