Top 5 Things to Do in PA This Winter…That DON'T break the bank

Top 5 Things to Do in PA This Winter…That DON'T break the bank  

by Dominic Moore

Everything, and we mean eeeeeeverything is getting more expensive. And, bad news, your favorite bars or restaurants may be shutting down again amid PA’s winter COVID surge. So, what can a Pennsylvania family do this winter that’s both a) open and b) doesn’t hurt the Paycheck?

Answer: Here’s five great Winter 2022 activity ideas for folks all over the Commonwealth:

1. Be a weird Pennsylvanian this New Year’s Eve

(PC: Discover Lehigh Valley)

Everyone knows about the NYE ball drop in Times Square, but here in the Keystone State we drop FOOD!!! 

• Bethlehem's annual Peepsfest celebration is on December 30-31, 2021. This Lehigh Valley city drops a 400-pound(!!) marshmallow Peep to celebrate Peeps, Bethlehem’s most famous export. Live music, activities, and a “Fun Run/Walk” make this a celebration perfect for all ages. 
• What's at the center of Pennsylvanian hearts… and the state? That's right, Chocolate! At Hershey’s “Kiss Drop” in Central PA, they'll be  dropping a 300-pound, 7-foot tall Hershey’s Kiss, complete with a 500-square foot aluminum foil wrapper, from a height of three stories. 
• Lebanon will host its 25th annual Bologna Drop. Lebanon, home of the quintessential Pennsylvania lunchmeat, drops a giant version of its namesake food and hosts a festival for the whole family. This Lebanon Valley celebration runs from 7:00pm to midnight, with a special 8:00pm drop for the kids so they don’t miss their bedtime.

2. Yes, it’s finally time to see Punxsutawney Phil 

(PC: AP photo/ Gene J. Puskar, via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Pennsylvania’s world-renowned groundhog / meteorologist, Punxsutawney Phil, forecasts national and international news (Eat your heart out, Al Roker.) According to Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow on February 2nd, it'll be six more weeks of winter, but if it doesn't, spring is coming early. This western PA borough hosts an annual civic festival, with food, activities, and fun for the entire family. Most Pennsylvanians haven’t actually seen our most famous groundhog in person, so 2022 is a great time to start!

3.  Take The Office Self-Guided Walking Tour in Scranton

(PC: Screencap, The Office, PeacockTV)

A winter walking tour of lovely Scranton, PA may not sound appealing to most sensible Pennsylvanians, but fans of The Office are a different breed. You can walk (or just drive the route) and check out several locations made famous by the hit TV show. Most locations on the tour are free, but you can always grab a slice at Alfredo’s Pizza Café (NOT Pizza by Alfredo, that hot circle of garbage) or stop by Poor Richard’s Pub for a drink of your choice. Cheers!

4. Catch the Phipps Conservatory Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show before it’s gone

(PC: Phipps Conservatory)

The Phipps Conservatory Holiday Magic flower show, featuring beautiful flowers and Chihuly glass sculptures, is back after a COVID-induced hiatus during the 2020 holiday season. The gardens, glass, and lights are a must-see Pittsburgh holiday attraction. The flower show runs until January 9th, and tickets must be reserved ($19.95 for adults, $11.95 for kids.) 

5. Check out the Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show

(PC: Shady Brook Farm)

If you live in the Philadelphia area, take a ride through the Shady Brook Farms Holiday Light Show. The celebration covers acres of rural farmland and features over 3 million lights. Tickets are $40/car, and you can end your visit at Santa’s Village with hot chocolate or a treat. The light show runs through January 30.

You quite literally can’t find a giant Lebanon bologna or a weather-forecasting rodent anywhere else, so lean into the Commonwealth's uncommon (and affordable!) Winter opportunities! 

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