Pennsylvania transforms into a magical wonderland during the holiday season, and nothing captures that spirit quite like a festive meal at a historic inn.
From candlelit colonial dining rooms to elegant mansion feasts, these special places combine cozy charm with incredible food.
Whether you’re planning a family gathering or a romantic getaway, these ten inns serve up holiday memories that’ll last a lifetime.
1. Mercersburg Inn
Picture yourself dining in a grand Georgian mansion where every detail whispers elegance and tradition. Mercersburg Inn delivers gourmet holiday dinners that transform Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve into truly special occasions.
The chef crafts traditional dishes with modern flair, using seasonal ingredients that celebrate Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage. Each course arrives beautifully plated, making you feel like royalty.
The mansion’s historic rooms glow with candlelight and festive decorations, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and magical. Reservations fill up quickly, so plan ahead for this unforgettable experience.
2. The Settlers Inn
Nestled in the beautiful Poconos, this Arts & Crafts lodge serves farm-to-table feasts that showcase local flavors at their absolute best. Their Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations have earned rave reviews from food lovers across the state.
Fresh ingredients come from nearby farms, ensuring every bite bursts with authentic taste and quality. The chef’s creativity shines through in seasonal menus that honor tradition while adding surprising twists.
Cozy up by the fireplace after your meal and enjoy the lodge’s welcoming atmosphere. The combination of rustic charm and culinary excellence makes every holiday visit memorable.
3. Riegelsville Inn
Dating back to 1838, this riverside treasure sits tucked away along the Delaware River, offering upscale American cuisine in an incredibly intimate setting. Everything gets made from scratch, ensuring quality that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The location alone makes it special, imagine watching the river flow by while savoring perfectly prepared holiday dishes. Small and charming, the inn creates a cozy atmosphere that feels like dining at a friend’s historic home.
Their commitment to scratch-made cooking means every sauce, bread, and dessert receives careful attention. It’s the kind of hidden gem that regulars guard jealously.
4. Pine Barn Inn
Rustic doesn’t mean simple at Pine Barn Inn, where a celebrated executive chef has been creating seasonal masterpieces for years. The restaurant’s reputation for quality draws diners from throughout central Pennsylvania.
Holiday menus showcase the chef’s expertise, blending comfort food traditions with sophisticated techniques that elevate every dish. The barn-style architecture adds authentic country charm without sacrificing elegance.
Families appreciate the welcoming vibe that makes everyone feel at home, while food enthusiasts admire the culinary skill on display. Long-time leadership in the kitchen ensures consistency that keeps guests returning year after year for holiday celebrations.
5. The Golden Plough Inn
Located in the incredibly festive Peddler’s Village, this charming inn puts you right in the heart of Pennsylvania’s most celebrated holiday destination. The entire village sparkles with thousands of lights and seasonal decorations.
Multiple dining options surround the inn, giving you choices ranging from casual to upscale, all within walking distance. Special holiday events happen constantly throughout the season, from craft shows to caroling.
Staying here means waking up to a winter wonderland and having easy access to unique shops and restaurants. The combination of cozy accommodations and festive atmosphere creates the perfect holiday escape.
6. The Log Cabin Restaurant
Flickering candlelight dances across ancient log walls, creating shadows that transport you back centuries. This Lancaster County treasure offers a dining experience that feels genuinely historic, not artificially recreated.
The rustic setting provides warmth and intimacy that modern restaurants simply cannot replicate. Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch influences appear throughout the menu, celebrating regional culinary heritage.
During the holidays, the cabin becomes even more magical, with decorations that complement rather than overwhelm the natural beauty of the space. It’s the kind of place where conversation flows easily and time seems to slow down, letting you truly savor the moment.
7. Washington Crossing Inn
An open hearth crackles in the dining room of this preserved 1817 home, creating a colonial-era ambiance that history buffs absolutely adore. The location near Washington’s famous crossing adds historical significance to every meal.
Holiday celebrations here feel particularly meaningful, connecting you to centuries of American tradition. The menu balances historical inspiration with contemporary tastes, satisfying both adventurous and traditional diners.
Exposed beams, original fireplaces, and period details make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Yet modern comfort and excellent service ensure your experience remains thoroughly enjoyable by today’s standards.
8. Blue Bell Inn
Established way back in 1743, this inn has been welcoming guests for nearly three centuries. That’s a lot of holiday dinners! Today it blends historic American heritage with a modern menu that appeals to contemporary tastes.
Their popular Thanksgiving To-Go option proves they understand modern families’ needs while maintaining culinary excellence. But dining in lets you soak up the atmosphere of one of Pennsylvania’s oldest continuously operating establishments.
The building itself tells stories through its architecture and preserved details. Holiday meals here connect you to generations of Pennsylvanians who celebrated in these same rooms, creating a profound sense of tradition.
9. The Sayre Mansion
Staying in a Gilded Age mansion in “Christmas City, USA” sounds like something from a storybook, but it’s absolutely real. Bethlehem transforms into a holiday paradise each year, and this elegant mansion sits right in the middle of it all.
While the mansion focuses on providing elegant breakfast service, its location gives you easy access to Bethlehem’s famous holiday dining scene. Countless restaurants nearby offer special seasonal menus and celebrations.
The mansion itself showcases Victorian grandeur that makes you feel pampered and special. Combine luxurious accommodations with the city’s incredible Christmas atmosphere for an unforgettable holiday getaway.
10. The Farmer’s Daughter
Hidden inside Normandy Farm Hotel, this modern farm-to-table restaurant surprises guests with its sophisticated approach to local ingredients. Their Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve prix fixe menus have become legendary among those in the know.
The chef’s creativity transforms familiar flavors into extraordinary dishes that delight and surprise. Each course flows seamlessly into the next, creating a dining experience that feels choreographed yet relaxed.
The contemporary atmosphere provides a refreshing contrast to more traditional historic inns, appealing to diners seeking modern elegance. It’s a hidden gem that rewards adventurous food lovers with memorable holiday celebrations.
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