One chrysanthemum plant can carry more than a thousand blooms at once. Growers use an old Asian technique called Ozukuri to pull it off, and the planning takes over a year.
I honestly can’t stop thinking about the patience that requires.
That flower is just one reason November in Pennsylvania deserves more credit. The month gets squeezed between Halloween candy and holiday shopping.
Yet it’s packed with bacon contests, pierogi tables, apple treats, and glowing markets set against old steel furnaces.
I love that one weekend can hold hog-calling and the next can hold a German ornament shop. There’s even a ballpark planning a drone show to reveal a brand-new team identity.
The variety feels a little wild, in the best way.
So grab a jacket, an appetite, and some comfy shoes. Which of these would you hit first this year?
1. PA Bacon Fest
Hog-calling is an actual contest here, so warm up your lungs before you warm up your appetite. Easton turns its historic downtown into a two-day tribute to the world’s most beloved breakfast side.
The 2026 festival lands on November 7 and 8, and it marks the 15th anniversary. That’s a decade and a half of people agreeing that bacon belongs in more places.
You’ll find more than 150 vendors spread around Centre Square. Expect a wide range of bacon-themed dishes, so pace yourself like a marathon runner with a napkin.
Music fills the air too, with over 15 acts performing on several stages. You can snack, stroll, and catch a set without ever feeling rushed.
The contests steal the spotlight for plenty of visitors. Along with hog-calling, there’s a bacon-eating contest that sounds like a dream job for some of us.
Cooking demonstrations offer a calmer way to spend some time. You might pick up an idea or two for your next weekend breakfast at home.
Here’s a bonus that makes the munching feel even better. The event is the biggest fundraiser for the Greater Easton Development Partnership, and admission works on a suggested donation.
Parade.com once named it one of the country’s five can’t-miss bacon festivals. Pennsylvania clearly knows how to throw a party with a sizzle soundtrack.
The festival runs rain or shine, so pack a jacket instead of a backup plan. Family-friendly activities round things out for younger bacon fans.
Address: Centre Square, 3rd St. and Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042
2. Christkindlmarkt
Few holiday markets can claim giant steel furnaces as their backdrop. In Bethlehem, those glowing 100-year-old ruins tower over rows of handmade gifts and sweet treats.
Christkindlmarkt returns in 2026 for its 34th year. It opens on November 13 and runs weekends through the rest of the month and into December.
The market sprawls across 10 acres at SteelStacks. More than 200 artisans and crafters from across the country set up shop, so bring patience and maybe an empty tote.
Ornament lovers, listen up. The market is one of a select few in the U.S. to host Käthe Wohlfahrt, the famous German ornament maker.
Hungry? Strudel, German bratwurst, and Christmas cookies all make appearances on the food lineup.
Kids can stop by the Crayola Craft Area and might even meet St. Nicholas. Glassblowing and ice sculpting demonstrations give everyone something mesmerizing to watch.
You can rent an igloo with an Amish fireplace and hot chocolate. It’s a clever way to rest your feet while still feeling part of the action.
Brass groups, strolling carolers, and community choirs keep the soundtrack festive. The music pairs nicely with the lit-up furnaces after sunset.
One practical tip before you go. The market is cashless for admission and food, though some individual artisans may take cash.
Free public parking sits right next to SteelStacks. That’s one less thing to stress about while you hunt for the perfect ornament.
Address: PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, 645 E. First St., Bethlehem, PA 18015
3. Christmas Village in Philadelphia
A 65-foot Ferris wheel spinning beside City Hall is not your average downtown view. Philadelphia’s Christmas Village brings a German-style market right into the heart of the city.
For 2026, the village opens on November 21 and stays through December 27. It closes November 23 through 25, so plan around that small break.
Admission is free, which leaves more room in your budget for snacks. Waffles, gingerbread, and bratwurst are classic picks you can count on.
New food arrivals sound a little delightfully unexpected. Look for a Chesapeake crab loaded baked potato, a mac-and-cheese booth, and a soft-serve churro ice cream split.
Shopping is a big part of the fun here. International and local vendors sell handmade gifts, ornaments, jewelry, and arts and crafts.
The 30-foot German Christmas Pyramid joined the scene in 2025. It stands out among thousands of holiday lights that glow across LOVE Park.
A historic double-tier carousel adds an old-fashioned touch. Between that and the Ferris wheel, younger visitors may never want to leave.
Most booths will use countertop setups to meet accessibility standards. That’s a thoughtful detail that helps more people enjoy the shopping.
Weekday evenings run until 8 p.m., with Friday and Saturday nights going an hour later. Arriving after dark lets you see the lights at full sparkle.
Need parking? Discounted rates are available at the iParkit Love Park Garage nearby.
Address: LOVE Park and City Hall, 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
4. The Adventure Begins Fall Festival
Baseball fans in northeastern Pennsylvania are about to learn a brand-new name. The big reveal comes wrapped in a free fall party at PNC Field.
Hosted by the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the festival happens Saturday, November 7, 2026. Gates run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., so you’ve got a full afternoon of fun.
The headline moment is the unveiling of the region’s new professional baseball team identity. That means a new team name, uniforms, and branding all at once.
Talk about a day people will remember. Years from now, you can say you were there when the new look first appeared.
A drone show lights up the sky after the announcement. It’s a fitting way to celebrate, and way quieter than fireworks for the little ones.
Speaking of little ones, there’s plenty to keep them busy. A petting zoo and kids’ activities give families a break from waiting on the big news.
Food trucks handle the hunger side of things. Live music keeps the energy up while you munch and mingle with fellow fans.
Special guests are also part of the lineup. Expect a few surprises to add to the excitement of the day.
Best part? Admission is free, and all ages are welcome.
Even casual fans can enjoy the mix of music, animals, and lights. Diehards will just enjoy it a little louder.
Address: PNC Field, 235 Montage Mountain Rd, Moosic, PA 18507
5. Grand Illumination Celebration
Flipping on millions of lights at once takes serious holiday commitment. Peddler’s Village does exactly that, and the result looks like a storybook come to life.
The 26th Annual Grand Illumination Celebration happens Friday, November 20, 2026. Festivities run from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., giving you plenty of time after work or school.
Lights sparkle across the entire village during the celebration. Picturesque paths become a glowing route for an evening stroll.
Grab a hot drink and wander at your own pace. It’s the kind of night that makes chilly air feel worth it.
Live local music and dance performances add to the charm. You’ll get a show without needing a ticket.
Hungry folks can choose from the village’s dining spots. A sit-down meal makes a nice break between rounds of light-gazing.
The celebration kicks off the Holiday Kickoff Weekend, which runs through November 22. Shops stay open later that weekend, which is handy for early gift hunters.
Don’t skip the Gingerbread Competition Display either. It opens on November 20, so you can catch the edible artwork on day one.
Admission is free, which feels like a gift of its own. Your wallet can save its energy for gingerbread envy.
Bring a camera with plenty of battery life. Those lights are going to fill up your photo roll fast.
Address: Peddler’s Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope, PA 18938
6. 39th Annual Christmas in the Village Craft Festival
Candyland is coming to a tiny village in Washington County this year. The 2026 theme for Eldersville’s long-running craft festival is a Candyland Christmas, and that sounds delightfully sweet.
The festival runs November 6 through 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. It spreads across several roads in the village, so wear shoes made for wandering.
More than 50 crafters show off their artisan goods. It’s a great chance to find gifts nobody else will have under the tree.
The schedule packs in plenty of small-town fun. There’s an opening ceremony, Santa appearances, and a parade with marching bands and floats.
Chili fans should mark their calendars too. A Chili Cook-Off brings some friendly competition to the weekend.
Live bluegrass music adds a toe-tapping soundtrack. Banjos and holiday shopping turn out to be a pretty great combo.
Food is served at several spots around town. Look for the Jefferson Township Fire Department and Eldersville United Methodist Church.
Snowflake lights and festive banners decorate the streets. Even before you buy anything, the village looks ready for the holidays.
Want an early start? A Light Up Night Service takes place on Thursday, November 5.
Admission and parking are both free. Parking sits at the Fire Hall, the Grade School, and the Methodist church.
Address: 676 Cedar Grove Road, Burgettstown, PA 15021
7. Smicksburg Old Fashioned Christmas
Fresh pies might be the best reason ever to drive down a country road. In Smicksburg, they come with refreshments, Christmas baked goods, and a whole town full of holiday shops.
The Old Fashioned Country Christmas Open House runs November 7 through 15, 2026. It stretches across more than one weekend, so you’ve got options.
Shops and restaurants in the area fill up with Christmas merchandise. You can browse slowly and actually enjoy the hunt.
Amish shops are a big part of the experience. Many visitors come looking for specialty crafts that feel handmade and personal.
Local foods also earn a spot on the must-try list. Between the pies and baked goods, your car may smell like a bakery on the ride home.
Heritage exhibits give a peek into the area’s traditions. It’s a nice way to learn a little while you shop.
Families will find activities to keep kids interested. That’s helpful when the grown-ups want just one more store.
Daily hours can vary, so check ahead before you head out. Small-town events sometimes keep their own schedule.
This annual tradition feels like a slower, simpler kind of holiday kickoff. No giant crowds of flashing screens, just shops, snacks, and seasonal cheer.
Bring a list, but leave room for surprises. Some of the best gifts are the ones you never planned to buy.
Address: Downtown Smicksburg, Smicksburg, PA 16256
8. Apple Festival
Some traditions are older than your parents’ favorite sweater. The Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village has been around since 1973.
For 2026, it happens November 7 and 8. Hours run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, rain or shine.
The event celebrates apple season in Bucks County. Expect local vendors, apple treats, and plenty of other tasty foods.
Think of it as a weekend-long excuse to eat fruit in its finest dessert form. Nobody’s judging if you call it a healthy choice.
Admission and general parking are free. Food and attractions work on a pay-as-you-go basis, so spend only what you want.
Bring a little cash just in case. Some vendors may only accept it.
The village shops stay open during the festival too. On Saturday, they’re open until 8 p.m., which gives you extra browsing time.
Popularity comes with a small catch. Parking can fill up, so arriving early, carpooling, or using a rideshare is a smart move.
Since it’s held outdoors, dress for the weather. Layers make it easier to enjoy the day whether it’s sunny or brisk.
This festival makes a great family outing in Pennsylvania’s autumn season. You get food, shopping, and a fun tradition all in one stop.
Address: Peddler’s Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope, PA 18938
9. Pierogi Festival
Cheesesteak pierogi might be the most Philadelphia snack ever invented. You can find them at the Pierogi Festival at St. Nicholas Eastern Orthodox Cathedral.
The 2026 festival runs November 7 and 8. Saturday goes from noon to 8 p.m., while Sunday wraps up at 5 p.m.
Homemade pierogi are the stars of the show. Choices include potato cheese, kapusta, cherry, cheesesteak, and pulled pork.
That lineup covers savory, sweet, and something in between. You may need to try several just to pick a favorite.
The menu goes way beyond dumplings too. Halupki, kielbasa, halushki, pelmeni, blini, and soups are all on the list.
Here’s the catch, and it’s a big one. Food is served while supplies last, so showing up early is a smart plan.
Outdoor seating gives you a place to enjoy your plate. Live music plays under a tent, adding some fun to your feast.
Admission is free, and so is parking. You can use the lot or find a spot on the street.
This is a great pick if you love comfort food. November weather practically begs for warm dumplings and soup.
Bring a friend so you can split more flavors. Sharing is caring, especially when pierogi are involved.
Address: St. Nicholas Eastern Orthodox Cathedral, 811 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
10. Longwood Gardens Chrysanthemum Festival
A single plant with over a thousand blooms sounds like a fairy tale. At Longwood Gardens, the Thousand Bloom Chrysanthemum is real, and it’s a showstopper.
The technique behind it is called Ozukuri. It started centuries ago in Asia and takes serious skill to pull off.
The Chrysanthemum Festival runs October 16 through November 15, 2026. That gives you the first half of November to catch the flowers at their peak.
Thousands of chrysanthemums fill the historic conservatories. They’re shaped into spirals, cascading baskets, floating clouds, and towering columns.
New this year is a double chrysanthemum arch in the East Conservatory. Walking under it sounds like the start of a flower-filled adventure.
The Exhibition Hall shows off a chrysanthemum curtain. Pagoda and viewing stone forms add even more surprises.
Bonsai fans have their own treat. Chrysanthemum bonsai appear in the Peirce-du Pont House Conservatory and the Bonsai Workshop.
These displays take more than a year to plan. Knowing that makes each arrangement feel even more impressive.
Timed admission tickets are required, so buy them ahead. The festival is included with regular Gardens admission.
From November 2 to 15, hours run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Gardens close on Tuesdays, so plan your trip for another day.
Pennsylvania saves one of its prettiest shows for last. Consider it the grand finale of your festival season.
Address: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
