Christmastime in the Pittsburgh area offers something for everyone, whether you like the excitement and bustle of the big city or you prefer the quaint charm of a small Western Pennsylvania town. 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
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
In fact, the Christmas season officially kicks off in Indiana with the start of the annual It’s A Wonderful Life Festival, which runs on Saturdays from November 23 to December 14, 2019.
Facebook/It’s A Wonderful Life Festival The festival, however, begins on Friday, November 22, 2019 with a magical parade, the official lighting of the Indiana Christmas tree, and fun activities for the whole family.
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, and snap photos of his statue in front of the Indiana County Courthouse. (Both are on Philadelphia Street.)
Saturdays along Philadelphia Street promise a full menu of activities, from visits with Santa to screenings of It’s A Wonderful Life. Click here for a full list of activities.
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 such quaint shops on Philadelphia Street as Dan Smith’s Candy & Gifts and Gatti Pharmacy and Gift Shop.
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 such main street restaurants as The Coney, Donatello’s, and Benjamins.
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
Click here for the official website of Indiana County Tourist Bureau. Or, go here for Facebook.
Facebook/It’s A Wonderful Life Festival
What Christmas town near Pittsburgh do you think has the most enchanting Main Street? Let us know in the comments! For more Christmas fun, visit these seven towns near Pittsburgh that look like they belong in a Hallmark movie.
Facebook/It’s A Wonderful Life Festival
The festival, however, begins on Friday, November 22, 2019 with a magical parade, the official lighting of the Indiana Christmas tree, and fun activities for the whole family.
If you’re a fan of Indiana-native Stewart, visit The Jimmy Stewart Museum, and snap photos of his statue in front of the Indiana County Courthouse. (Both are on Philadelphia Street.)
Stroll along the enchanting main street any time during the holiday season to admire the buildings all decked out in Christmas lights.
Facebook/Dan Smith’s Candies & Gifts
Facebook/Benjamins Restaurant
Fleming’s Tree Farm
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Address: Philadelphia Street, Philadelphia St, Indiana, PA 15701, USA
