Paradise, Pennsylvania: National Christmas Center (Closed)
After the North Pole, this was the ultimate destination for Christmas junkies. Featured a replica Woolworth store. Closed permanently after Christmas 2017.
- Directions:
- 6 miles east of the Rockvale Square Outlets, Lancaster, and 3 miles west of the intersection of Routes 41 and US Hwy 30 in Gap, PA.
- Hours:
- Closed permanently after Christmas 2017.
- Status:
- Closed
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Visitor Tips and News About National Christmas Center
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National Christmas Center
They have switched to mostly LED lights and are continuously refreshing the displays. The recreation of a Woolworth's is worth the price of admission. Nice gift shop with lots of ornaments. Best to visit during December to really get you in the spirit. Non-December hours are quite limited, so check first.
[Brent Thompson, 01/02/2011]National Christmas Center
A 20,000 sq. ft. family attraction and museum dedicated to the magic, memories, history and traditions of Christmas. Twelve main galleries include "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus," "The First Christmas," "Woolworth's 5&10," "Emporium," "Santa's North Pole Workshop and Reindeer Barn," "TudorTowne" animated storybook village, "Pennsylvania Christmas," "Amish Christmas," "Toyland" train mountain under a giant Christmas tree, "Christmas 1944 - the War Years," and "The Art of the Nativity." Realistic life-sized figures, thousands of antiques and collectibles, fun for all ages. Take a walk from Nazareth to Bethlehem in authentically-recreated settings.
Looks like an Outlet from outside, but it's magic inside!
[jennifer, 06/22/2006]There are fair weather Christmas attractions in nearly every state these days, yet this one sounds like it goes over the top to spread a special holiday cheer.
My husband and I went here after I saw it on the Food Network's Christmas Top 5 Special 2003. This place was amazing. Every room is something different. We were there about 2 hours, and still didn't see everything there. The owner, Jim Morrison, was very nice, and was available to answer questions from anyone. If you go to Lancaster during the Holiday season, this is a must see.
[Andrea Ritter, 08/14/2004]The National Christmas Center is an "attraction," with religious dioramas, exhibits on historical Santa Claus, Tudor Towne, Toy Land, etc.
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Features the vast collection of Jim Morrison, who's been squirreling away Christmas booty since 1946. Has old department store window displays and over 300 nativity scenes.