Looking for affordable holiday fun to keep the kids busy during this week before Christmas? We’ve rounded up seven festive events happening in Erie this week, and the best part? Most are completely FREE! Click on the event titles below for all the details and make this week magical without breaking the bank.
1. FREE: Holiday Light Displays
Nothing says holiday magic like sparkling lights! Bundle up, grab some cocoa, and check out these must-see displays:
- 🎄FREE: Winter Wonderland at Asbury Woods (Through Dec. 31, 5:30–8:30 p.m., closed Dec. 24 & 25): Stroll the twinkling boardwalk and enjoy the holiday-themed model train display inside the nature center.
- 🎄FREE: Presque Isle Lights (Fridays through Dec. 29, 6–9 p.m.): Tune into Classy 99.9 for Christmas hits as you drive through this dazzling display at Presque Isle State Park.
- 🎄Downtown D'Lights (Ongoing): Perry Square and surrounding businesses are aglow with holiday cheer — don’t forget to snap a family selfie!
- 🎄Erie's Best Holiday Lights: Thanks to a local Facebook group, finding Clark Griswold-level displays in neighborhoods near you has never been easier!
Donations are encouraged at some locations to help keep the holiday spirit shining bright.
2. FREE: Winter Solstice Storytime at Blasco Library
📖 Dec. 21, 10 a.m.
We've certainly already gotten a BIG taste of winter in Erie, but the new season officially hits Dec. 21! Celebrate the shortest day of the year with stories, crafts, and delicious winter treats! Kids can make mason jar lanterns, sunflower butter bird feeders, and enjoy Yule log cake and wassail while learning about solstice traditions from around the world.
3. FREE: Tree Family Party Piggies at the Edinboro and Lincoln Libraries
- 🐷 Dec. 21
- Edinboro Branch at 10 a.m.
- Lincoln Branch at 2 p.m.
Oink, oink! Meet Maribeth and her adorable party piggies for a one-of-a-kind storytime experience. Perfect for kids who love animals, this event is as educational as it is fun.
4. 🎄$3: Make Natural Ornaments at Tom Ridge Center
🎨 Dec. 20, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Get crafty at the TREC! Using natural materials collected from Presque Isle, kids and parents can create one-of-a-kind holiday ornaments to take home.
5. 🎅🏽 $5: Grinchmas Extravaganza Skate-A-Thon at LECOM Sports Park
⛸️ Dec. 21, 1–4 p.m.
Join the fun at this festive skating event featuring public skating, special performances, and visits from Santa, the Grinch, and Chompy the Lake Monster! Don’t forget to bring a coat donation to support the Mercy Center for Women. $5 admission includes skate rentals.
6. 🎄 FREE: Christmas at the Warner with Grace Church
🎶 Dec. 23 & 24
Rediscover the magic of Christmas with a free community event at the Warner Theatre! Sing along to your favorite carols, enjoy awe-inspiring creative moments, and soak in a message of hope. This event is completely free thanks to Grace Church and local sponsors.
7. FREE Admission to Erie Art Museum
🖼️ Dec. 21, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
You can explore the Erie Art Museum for free this Saturday, a perfect outing if you have family in town! Stroll the galleries, get inspired, and make it a memorable day out.
With so many amazing events to choose from, there’s no shortage of affordable fun for your family this week. Want even more options? Check out our Events Calendar for a full lineup of local happenings.
Happy Holidays, Erie! 🎅✨
