This Christmas River Town Near NYC is ‘America’s Real-Life Hallmark Movie Set’ — With North Pole Train Rides & A Million-Bulb Light Village

Long before the twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and Santa trains arrive each winter, New Hope, Pennsylvania quietly continues to charm in a way that only historic river towns can. I mean...there’s a reason it truly is one of the best small towns in the Northeast. But come December, the entire town—and its twin across the bridge, Lambertville, New Jersey—somehow get even better...transforming into a full-blown holiday scene straight out of a Christmas movie . A Christmas river town that feels frozen in time ---------------------------------------------------- Strolling from New Hope to Lambertville across the pedestrian bridge, you get two walkable towns for the price of one. Each block feels designed for movie magic: storefronts gleam with garlands and lights, galleries showcase holiday-themed art, and cobblestone lanes invite leisurely wandering . Local restaurants, cozy cafés, and antique shops pepper Main Street , creating a downtown you can park in once and explore for hours! All aboard: The North Pole Express and Santa’s Steam Train -------------------------------------------------------------- No Christmas escape is complete without a train ride to the North Pole , and New Hope delivers on that promise! The New Hope Railroad runs the North Pole Express from now through late December, with hot chocolate, cookies, live carolers, and a visit from Santa himself. On select dates, the Steam Train Ride revives the iconic #40 engine, puffing clouds of steam through the snowy Bucks County countryside . Afterwards, kids and adults can stroll the historic station, shop in the festive freight house, and spill straight onto Main Street for even more holiday shopping and sights . Nearby holiday worlds for extra cheer ----------------------------------------- Just a short drive from New Hope, Peddler’s Village in Lahaska goes all-in on Christmas. The fairytale spectacle can be seen lit up with a million distinct bulbs across every tree and roofline ! Over 100 handmade gingerbread creations line the village , from cozy cottages to elaborate skyscrapers, with free viewings running through mid-January . And even on select December evenings, “Enchanted Evenings” keep shops open late, feature roaming carolers, and create a quieter, magical alternative to weekend crowds. Shady Brook Farm near Yardley also adds a different holiday flavor: a two-mile drive-thru light show with four million lights, plus wagon rides with hay bales, blankets, and bonfires for roasting s’mores . Together, these spots make the region a trifecta of festive experiences—all easily paired with a New Hope weekend. Eat, drink, and get cozy ---------------------------- New Hope doesn’t just deliver sights either, it delivers the *vibes*. Miracle at Logan transforms the historic Logan Inn into a pop-up Christmas bar with themed cocktails, Santa mugs, and tinsel galore , running through January 1. Meanwhile, riverfront dining at Stella of New Hope offers mulled wine by fire pits overlooking the icy Delaware, and The Salt House , a 1751 stone tavern, pairs roaring fireplaces with hearty gastropub fare. Unique holiday experiences only in New Hope ----------------------------------------------- Sure, the “touristy” things are great, but what about those hidden gems that can only be done this year? Say less. **Bucks County Playhouse anchors the town’s cultural side, presenting *Elf: The Musical* from now through January 4 in a historic theater with Broadway-level talent. Walking the bridge to Lambertville at night is a must-do as well, as its lights reflect on the river, letting you pose with one foot in each state. And for holiday shopping with a twist, Ferry Market and Love Saves the Day offer quirky, one-of-a-kind gifts that are perfect for last-minute shoppers. In less than two hours from Manhattan, New Hope offers a rare holiday experience: a cinematic river town with boutique shopping, live performances, twinkling lights, and Santa’s own train. Pair it with nearby Peddler’s Village and Shady Brook Farm, and you have a full weekend of Christmas magic without leaving the Northeast**. Source: https://secretnyc.co/new-hope-pa-christmas-town-near-nyc/