The holidays shine a little brighter along the shores of Lake Erie. From twinkling light displays and charming small-town traditions to festive flavors, local shopping, and winter adventures, Erie, Pennsylvania is full of ways to make the season memorable. Whether you're planning a family getaway, a festive weekend with friends, or a cozy escape for two, here are 10 ways to celebrate the holiday season in Erie.

Drive Through a Mile of Twinkling Lights
New this year, enjoy hundreds of professional larger-than-life light displays at Lake Erie Speedway's Holiday Light Drive Thru. With more than one mile of lights synchronized to music playing through your car radio, it's an easy way to kick off a festive evening with family or friends, surrounded by twinkling lights and holiday cheer. This event runs from November 19 – December 31 every Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

… Then Cozy Up with a Holiday-Inspired Drink
After taking in the holiday lights at Lake Erie Speedway, continue the festivities in charming downtown North East with dinner and drinks at Skunk & Goat Tavern. Housed in a historic former bank building, this restaurant serves creative comfort food and handcrafted cocktails. Under a flurry of decorative snowflakes, sip on a Winter Mule made with cranberry-rosemary-infused vodka, ginger beer, and lime. After dinner, head across the street to Gibson Park for pictures with the town Christmas tree. 

Catch a Holiday Show at the Historic Warner Theatre
Few places capture the magic of the holidays quite like Erie's historic Warner Theatre. With its ornate architecture and grand atmosphere, the theatre makes any performance feel like a special occasion. In 2026, enjoy “Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland” on November 24, featuring breathtaking acrobatics and aerial performances set to beloved holiday music. On December 5 and 6, the Erie Philharmonic's “Come Home for the Holidays” returns featuring the Erie Philharmonic Chorus, Junior Chorus, Children’s Chorus, Youth Chorale, and Mercyhurst University Department of Dance. Families can also enjoy Erie's Nutcracker, performed by the Lake Erie Ballet on December 12 and 13.

Experience the Grandeur of a Victorian Christmas 
Step into the elegance of holidays past at the Hagen History Center's Victorian Holidays. Located along Erie's historic Millionaires' Row, the magnificent Watson-Curtze Mansion comes alive with more than 30 decorated Christmas trees, nutcrackers, festive garlands, and wreaths throughout the campus. Wander through the 1891 mansion, where grand staircases, stained-glass windows, ornate fireplaces, and Victorian-era decorations create a setting straight out of a holiday storybook. The decorations will be on view from December 4 through January 11, 2027.

Visitor Tip: While visiting the Hagen campus, explore the Frank Lloyd Wright Field Office Museum, featuring the renowned architect's original San Francisco office, reconstructed right here in Erie.

Find Something Special at the Flagship Market
Discover a different kind of holiday shopping experience at Flagship Market, Erie's indoor marketplace on West 12th Street. This newly opened shopping destination brings together local entrepreneurs, artisans, makers, and collectors under one roof, offering everything from handmade blankets, lotions, candy, jewelry, clothing and one-of-a-kind treasures. Browse the Market Weekend on November 21 and 22, or stop by during the Black Friday and Small Business Saturday events on November 27 and 28.

Light Up Downtown Erie
The holiday season officially begins in Downtown Erie with Downtown d'Lights on November 20 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Perry Square comes alive with festive lights and holiday cheer when Santa and Mrs. Claus stop by to turn on the holiday tree. Enjoy free hot cocoa, carriage rides, skating, and kid-friendly crafts and activities.

Stroll Downtown for Artful Holiday Gifts
This time of year there is a holiday buzz in the air. In downtown Erie, festive decorations and cheerful window displays set the scene for a day of holiday shopping. Find something special at Glass Growers Gallery & Gifts on East 5th Street, where you'll discover handcrafted jewelry, original artwork, colorful glass pieces, and unique holiday ornaments made by local and regional artists. Just a few blocks away, stop into Flagship City Press on West 8th Street for beautifully designed greeting cards, stationery, art prints, and Erie-inspired gifts that make perfect stocking stuffers or souvenirs. Along the way, make time to explore seasonal pop-up markets at the Erie Art Museum and the Masonic Temple on West 8th Street, where local artisans offer even more one-of-a-kind finds.

Gather With Friends for a Cozy Meal
Escape the winter chill in a heated igloo for a memorable dining experience along Erie's waterfront. At Two45 Waterfront Grille, located inside the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, private igloos offer a cozy retreat overlooking Presque Isle Bay. Settle in beneath the twinkling lights with a soft blanket, sip on handcrafted cocktails, and enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the waterfront views.

Discover Small-Town Holiday Charm in Edinboro
With its artsy spirit and small-town charm, downtown Edinboro is a fun place to wander and discover one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Stroll along Meadville and Erie Streets, where independently owned shops reflect the town's creative personality. At Earthshine Co, browse colorful clothing, jewelry, incense, and other quirky gifts. Step into The Cottage Rose for vintage finds, seasonal décor, and charming home accessories, or explore the handcrafted furniture and rustic accents made from reclaimed barn wood at Willow Creek Barn Wood Furniture. Stop by Edinboro Chocolaterie for handmade chocolates and sweet treats that make perfect stocking stuffers or a little sweet treat for yourself.

Take Home Some Sweet Treats 
Sweeten up the holidays with a stop at Herb & Honey Bakery in Erie's West Bayfront neighborhood. Known for its buttery pain au chocolat croissants, flaky bee pollen puff pastries, and fruit-filled homemade Pop-Tarts, this bakery puts a local spin on seasonal baking. Using ingredients sourced from nearby farms and producers, Herb & Honey brings the flavors of the region into its always-changing menu. Past holiday favorites have included homemade pumpkin pies made with locally grown pumpkins from North East and eggs from Waterford.

Visitor Tip: Seasonal treats can sell out quickly, so plan to stop by earlier in the day or pre-order your favorites.