Christmastime in the Pittsburgh area offers something for everyone. Whether we embrace the excitement and bustle of the big city or prefer the quaint charm of a small Western Pennsylvania town, we can find just what we’re looking for close to home. Slow things down this holiday season when you visit this charming Christmas town near Pittsburgh that boasts one of the most enchanting Main Streets in the United States.

Feel as though you’ve stepped straight into Bedford Falls, the fictional town in the Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life, when you visit Indiana, just over an hour’s drive from downtown Pittsburgh.
Facebook/It’s A Wonderful Life Festival
If you've never been to Indiana, PA, before, you're in for a delightful treat. This darling Western Pennsylvania is a throwback to yesteryear with its quaint Main Street, small-town friendliness, and mall with an 80s vibe.
The charming town’s main street, Philadelphia Street, is dotted with charming shops, restaurants, and a museum dedicated to Jimmy Stewart, the beloved hometown son who played George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life.
Facebook/It’s A Wonderful Life Festival
The Hollywood legend's presence is felt throughout his hometown - from the statue in front of the Indiana County Courthouse on Philadelphia Street to the Christmas lights that draw out "George Lassos the Moon."
The Christmas season generally kicks off the Friday before Thanksgiving with the annual Lucy Donnelly Memorial Fund Light Up Night and Holiday Parade.
Facebook/It’s A Wonderful Life Festival
The It's A Wonderful Life Festival runs on weekends from mid-November through mid-December.
Indiana transforms into a real-life Bedford Falls with the “You Are Now In Bedford Falls” sign on Philadelphia Street and “George Lassos The Moon” outlined in Christmas lights.
Facebook/It’s A Wonderful Life Festival
If you’re a fan of Indiana native Stewart, visit The Jimmy Stewart Museum, which features showings of "It's A Wonderful Life" in the museum theater during the Christmas season. (You might even be able to snag a seat next to Harvey.)

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Saturdays along Philadelphia Street promise a full menu of activities, from visits with Santa to the chance to roast marshmallows over a roaring fire.
Facebook/It’s A Wonderful Life Festival
Stroll along the enchanting main street any time during the holiday season to admire the buildings all decked out in Christmas lights.
Don’t forget to bring your shopping list along, too. You might just find the perfect gift at one of the quaint shops on Philadelphia Street.
Facebook/Dan Smith’s Candies & Gifts
You’ve probably worked up a hearty appetite with all that holiday cheer. Stop for a bite to eat at one of the restaurants on Philadelphia Street.
Facebook/Benjamins Restaurant
After you’ve visited, shopped, and dined on Philadelphia Street, head to one of the nearby Christmas tree farms. Indiana, after all, is The Christmas Tree Capital of the World.
Fleming’s Tree Farm
Stop by the official website of the Indiana County Tourist Bureau for more information. Or, check out the Indiana County Tourist Bureau Facebook page.
Facebook/It’s A Wonderful Life Festival

 

Go for a walk down Philadelphia Street on a snowy Christmastime evening in Indiana (listen for Jimmy Stewart’s voice at the crosswalk), courtesy of David Mitsko on YouTube.

Have you been to Indiana, PA during Christmas? What do you think? Does it remind you of Bedford Falls? Share your experience of visiting this Christmas town near Pittsburgh. For more Christmas fun, visit these seven towns near Pittsburgh that look like they belong in a Hallmark movie.

All of those Christmastime adventures mean only one thing. You’ll need a camera to capture all of the magical moments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Christmas In Pittsburgh

Beth Price-Williams | November 07, 2023

Are there any other Christmas towns near Pittsburgh?

Indiana, Pennsylvania – a real-life Bedford Falls – promises an enchanting way to help us get into the holiday spirit. But what if we want to explore more Christmas towns near Pittsburgh? Fortunately, we’ve got a few, including:

  • Sewickley is a charming small town near Pittsburgh that’s a must-visit during the Christmas season. Go Christmas shopping in the quaint downtown that’s all decked out for the holidays.
  • Bundle up for a visit to Greensburg, home to Overly’s Country Christmas, a beloved annual Christmas lights display. Start your visit with a drive through the lights before heading into the fairgrounds to indulge in seasonal goodies; go on a horse-drawn wagon ride, and visit with Santa.
  • Stroll through the quaint town of Ligonier, where you can do a bit of Christmas shopping, snap photos by the town’s Christmas tree, and grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants.
  • Journey to the Amish town of Smicksburg, a quiet community where you’ll find an eclectic collection of shops that are perfect for getting your Christmas shopping done.

Where can I view the Christmas lights in Pittsburgh?

Bring the whole family along to view some of the best Christmas light displays in Pittsburgh, including:

  • Downtown Pittsburgh celebrates the season with Light-Up Night, and you can visit the Christmas tree at PPG Place all season long.
  • Kennywood Lights in West Mifflin
  • Overly’s Country Christmas in Greensburg
  • Phipp’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Oakland

 

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Philadelphia Street, Philadelphia St, Indiana, PA 15701, USA