Holiday Lights, Glitter, and Family Fun in the Snow

It’s that time of year again where nights are cold, days are refreshing, and the best family activities may be mostly enjoyed from the warmth of your own vehicle and out on the slopes!  Altoona/Blair County has just that!  Celebrating its 27th season, Holiday Lights on the Lake, at Lakemont Park, features a magical 51-acre drive-through holiday light display to add to your family’s holiday tradition.  Afterward, complete your experience with a stop into Santa’s Village for holiday gifts, snacks, a model train display and photos with Santa!

In addition, Blair County is home to Pennsylvania’s highest skiable mountain and most challenging slopes at Blue Knob All Seasons Resort which exudes a true Alpine atmosphere.

There are plenty of indoor activities also just waiting to be explored with three family fun centers. 

Slinky Action Zone, located in the hometown of the iconic Slinky, features something fun for everyone. Showcasing the world’s largest Slinky, they have a recently expanded two-tier laser tag arena, Central PA’s largest soft play area, complete with seating for adults, an arcade, duckpin bowling, a brewery and great food.

Urban Air Adventure Park

Head on over to Urban Air Adventure Park featuring climbing walls, a ropes course, battle beam, warrior course, wipeout tubes playground, trampolines & more.

Additional fun can be had at Tilt Studio with black light laser tag, spin and flip zone bumper cars, amusement rides, black light mini golf, laser frenzy and over 150 arcade and video games, pinball, and virtual reality!

Things to do in Altoona

The historic Mishler Theatre offers many holiday performances throughout the season; the theatre is a majestic 1906 Beaux Arts architectural gem, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  These holiday presentations and shows include Miracle on 34th Street movie screening, The Nutcracker, A Motown Christmas & a performance by Ornament – the premier Trans-Siberian Tribute Band’s farewell performance.  This grand facility has served as the area’s performing arts center for more than a century with renowned artists and national touring company productions.

Children of all ages will enjoy a scenic steam-powered ride through the winter countryside and a visit with Santa when they board The Santa Express at The Everett Railroad!  Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided and all children receive a small gift.

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When you and your family are ready for that exhilarating winter fun on the slopes, head to Blue Knob for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and more! Skiing options include downhill skiing from the highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania with an opportunity to compete with other skiers on the resort’s NASTAR course as well as groomed Nordic skiing. And for those not interested in the thrill of skiing, be ready to hold on and feel the chill of the winter air in your face as you race to the bottom of the snow tubing park! The resort offers restaurants and condominium lodging as well as all four seasons of fun including a renowned 9-hole mountain top golf course with manicured greens and scenic views. Other classic activities include excellent mountain biking opportunities, swimming, and tennis. The resort offers a small conference center as well.

Find these holiday and winter seasonal experiences, happenings & more in Altoona/Blair County! For lodging, dining, and other things to do, please visit www.ExploreAltoona.com!