Western Pennsylvania’s 2024 holiday events calendar

There are SO MANY holiday events happening around Western Pennsylvania — Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Erie, Sewickley, Steubenville, Butler and beyond — this year! We’re making our list and checking it twice! Plan your holiday season with this epic holiday happenings calendar.

As always, check with organizers before going, as times, events, dates, etc., might change.

If your event was missed or you know of an event missing, send a message.

Check with organizers on dates, hours, costs and other information. Some events spanning multiple days might be open on select dates.

Current events

Date	Event	Details
Through Dec. 31	Kraynak’s Christmasland	The Hermitage, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, business is well-known for its 300-foot-long hallway that features multiple holiday-themed “rooms.”
Through Dec. 31	Holidays at the History Center	Strip District, Pittsburgh; Bring the whole family to the Smithsonian’s home in Pittsburgh to enjoy the museum’s A Very Merry Pittsburgh experience, snap photos with Santa Claus, shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, and so much more! Plus, kids aged 17 and under receive free admission now through Dec. 31.
Nov. 7 through Jan. 5	Oglebay’s Festival of Lights	Wheeling, West Virginia; The dazzling drive-thru experience is lit up nightly from dusk to midnight, including holidays. Tip: Visit Monday through Wednesday to avoid higher wait times; arrive between 5 and 6 p.m. to beat the “rush.” Don’t miss more than 100 lighted attractions along our 6-mile driving route. Follow the directions on Oglebay’s site instead of using a maps app, and begin at light display No. 1 on the map.
Nov. 8 through Dec. 24	Santa at Ross Park Mall	Ross Township, Pennsylvania
Nov. 14 to Dec. 24	Santa at South Hills Village	Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Select dates Nov. 15 through Jan. 1	Holiday Lights at Kennywood Park	West Mifflin, Pennsylvania; See Kennywood Park sparkle with holiday magic with more than 2 million lights. Visit with Santa, hear the reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Pittsburgh celebrities and eat Potato Patch fries! Plus, many Kiddieland rides are open, and several other rides are open throughout the park as well.
Nov. 15 through Jan.5	Holiday Lights on the Lake at Lakemont Park	Altoona, Pennsylvania; Prepare to be mesmerized by holiday magic as you drive through a dazzling array of more than 1 million lights at Lakemont Park. Be sure to stop in and see Santa at his gift shop, where you’ll also find unique holiday gifts and ornaments, baked goods and decorations from local crafters. Open nightly from 6-10 p.m., including holidays.
Select nights Nov. 15 through Jan. 12	Pittsburgh Zoo’s Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience	Pittsburgh; Wild Illuminations is a fabulously frosty reimagination of the Zoo’s treasured Asian Lantern Festival and Zoo Lights. Guests who have marveled at the handmade silk and steel structures will be amazed by an all-new lineup of sights, sounds, and surprises. More than a million twinkling lights will further enhance our biggest and brightest holiday glow-fest ever! Wintry activities, holiday treats and a visit by Santa himself will make this your family’s new must-see holiday tradition. Plus, you will have the chance to meet live reindeer as Santa’s favorite animals will be at the zoo.
Nov. 16 through Jan. 5	Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Winter Flower Show	The Pittsburgh conservatory and botanical gardens features an array of holiday trees, topiaries, designs and lights.
Nov. 16 through Dec. 24	Santa at Millcreek Mall	Erie (Millcreek Township), Pennsylvania
Nov. 21 to Dec. 29	Elegant Illusions Christmas Lights Drive-Through	Portage County Randolph Fairgrounds, Ohio; Nov. 21 to Dec. 29; Elegant Christmas Lighting is proud to bring back the holiday light drive-through experience to the Portage County Randolph Fairgrounds. This event features LED displays, the latest in animatronics and over 50 holiday scene displays.
Nov. 21 to Dec. 30	Overlys Country Christmas	Near Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is not a drive-thru light display but rather a unique, walk-around Christmas village where, each season, over 300 volunteers bring Overly’s Country Christmas to life. Events and activities include lights displays, train displays, Santa’s workshop, a talking Christmas tree, tractor rides, bonfire, shopping and more.
Nov . 22 through Dec. 24	Holiday Market at Market Square	Market Square, Pittsburgh; Experience the charm of a European-style holiday market in the heart of Pittsburgh. Browse unique wares from local makers, enjoy festive food, and soak up the holiday cheer in Market Square.
Select days Nov. 22 through Dec. 28	Joy of Christmas drive-thru display	Firestone Park, Columbiana, Ohio; The Joy of Christmas drive-through holiday light display features more than 1 million lights in more than 90 holiday scenes.
Nov. 22-Jan. 4	Fun Fore All’s Holiday Lights Mini Golf	Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; Two miniature golf courses are turned into fully playable walk-through holiday light extravaganzas. Families can experience an interactive holiday experience.
Nov. 23 through Jan. 2	Clinton Christmas Light-Up	Findlay Township, Pennsylvania; Drive through a more than 1-mile path of lights and displays. Event is $10 (cash only).
Nov 24 through Dec. 24	Santa’s Workshop at Washington Crown Center	Washington, Pennsylvania
Nov. 26 through Jan. 10	Steubenville Nutcracker Village	Steubenville, Ohio; See more than 200 life-size nutcrackers across several city blocks. The nutcrackers are painted to represent, local icons, celebrities, sports teams, characters and more.
Select dates Nov. 29 to Dec. 31	Enchanted Lights	Freedom, Pennsylvania; Enchanted Lights is an outdoor, holiday walk-through event. The event features a display of twinkling lights and decorations. Take a stroll through the enchanted winter wonderland and see the sights and sounds of the season.
Select days Nov. 29 through Dec. 22	Country Christmas at Port Farms	Waterford, Pennsylvania; Find a Christmas tree, experience a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage ride Country Christmas. Plus, festive children’s activities, food, drink, Santa (weekends only).
Nov. 29 through Dec. 31	Dazzling Nights at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden	Collier Township, Pennsylvania; Travel through a bright, 70-foot-long tunnel of lights; experience the brilliance of hundreds of thousands of lights festooning the trees throughout the garden; travel through a meadow illuminated by candy-cane white and red neon.
Nov. 30 to Dec. 30	Zombek Christmas Display	Elizabeth, Pennsylvania; opening night is 6-8:30 p.m. Nov. 20. The 2024 display will feature Frosty the six-foot animatronic snowman and Crystal the snowlady.
Dec. 1 to 30 (except Dec. 24 and 25)	Asbury Woods Winter Wonderland	Erie, Pennsylvania; The boardwalk adjacent to the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods will be lit up each night in December (except Dec. 24 and 25) from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. for the community to enjoy a peaceful evening stroll on the boardwalk through the woods. Holiday lights will twinkle in the woods and wetlands along the boardwalk, which covers 1/3 of a mile. Stop inside the Nature Center, view our animal exhibit, and browse holiday items for sale in our expanded gift shop with products from local artisans.
Dec. 6-8	Victorian Holidays at Hagen History Center	Erie, Pennsylvania; Guests can enjoy a discounted visit to the Hagen History Center during the Victorian Holidays to celebrate the season. The Watson-Curtze Mansion will be decorated for the holidays, and all four buildings will be open for self-guided tours.
Dec. 6-7	Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas	Canonsburg, Pennsylvania; This two-day event is considered one of Pennsylvania’s most “Hallmark movie-esque” locations. The event features gingerbread displays, music, lights, characters, shops, food, and entertainment.
Dec. 6-7	Handmade Arcade Holiday Market	Pittsburgh; The Holiday Market is Handmade Arcade’s longest-running and largest event, hosting up to 250 makers from Western Pennsylvania and beyond and welcoming over 10,000 shoppers annually. The event is held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Dec. 6 through 23	Allegheny County’s Holiday Laser Show	North Park, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Celebrate the holidays with a one-of-a-kind drive-in laser show at North Park! You will be dazzled by a beautiful 40-minute light show synchronized with holiday music from the comfort of your own vehicle. Cost is $30 per vehicle.
Dec. 7	Home for the Holidays in Dormont	Dormont, Pennsylvania; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Celebrate the holiday season in Dormont with a parade and other activities.
Dec. 7	Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra presents “Handel’s Messiah”	Pittsburgh; Join the Pittsburgh Symphony this holiday season for Handel’s beloved masterpiece “Messiah,” led by Manfred Honeck and performed with the outstanding Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.
Dec. 7	Moon Lights Holiday Festival	Moon Township, Pennsylvania: 5-7:30 p.m.; The event will feature performances, food trucks, craft vendors, games and Santa Claus. Santa will ride into Moon Park atop a firetruck at 5:30 p.m. and light the Moon Park tree at the Rotary Pavilion. Following the lighting of the tree, Santa will be available for photos and visits with children and families. Bring your letters for Santa to drop in his mailbox.
Dec. 7	Light Up Bellevue	Bellevue, Pennsylvania; Bona Fide Bellevue presents Light Up Bellevue, a holiday celebration that brings our neighborhood together for fun, festive cheer. The event includes an outdoor holiday market, activities for children, music, tree lighting and a visit from Santa.
Dec. 7	Mt. Lebanon Winter Market and Holiday Celebration	Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania; This event is an excellent stop for last-minute shopping and to get the whole family in the holiday spirit. The event will include artists and makers selling an assortment of handmade items, farm and food producers, as well as live music. And word has it, the jolly old elf, Santa himself, will be making an appearance to delight the youngsters.
Dec. 7-8	Christmas at the Village	Ambridge, Pennsylvania; Celebrate the holidays at Old Economy Village.
Dec. 7-Jan. 7	Moon Holiday Lights Drive-Thru	Moon Township, Pennsylvania; Drive through this free holiday lights drive-thru in Moon Park. Operating Hours start nightly on Dec. 7 and continue through Jan. 7: Sundays through Wednesdays, dusk until 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays through Saturdays, dusk until 10 p.m.
Dec. 8-29 (Fridays through Sundays)	Presque Isle Lights	Erie, Pennsylvania; Presque Isle Lights is an evening drive-thru tour of seasonal lights at Presque Isle State Park.
Dec. 13	Erie’s Downtown D’Lights	Erie, Pennsylvania; Annual festival to celebrate the holidays in Erie, complete with a tree lighting at Perry Square.
Dec. 13-22	Pittsburgh CLO presents “A Musical Christmas Carol”	Pittsburgh; Join Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and a host of colorful characters for “A Musical Christmas Carol.” With dazzling special effects, holiday charm, and ticket prices even Scrooge would approve of, this Charles Dickens classic is a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
Dec. 14	Christmas House Tour in Zelienople	Zelienople, Pennsylvania; Visit decorated local homes and businesses. A lunch and door prizes — including annual quilt raffle drawing — are included.
Dec. 14-15	Monticello Lights	Delmont, Pennsylvania; 6-9 p.m.; Treat your family to a drive-through holiday spectacular as neighbors compete to put on the most outstanding display. This year, proceeds will benefit WTAE’s Project Bundle-Up and Delmont Meals on Wheels. All donations will be split evenly between charities. Donation jars will be available throughout the neighborhood. They accept cash, check or Venmo donations. Tax-deductible donations may be made out by check to either charity and placed in a donation jar. Venmo donations can be made to @Monticello-Lights. To vote for your favorite display, organizers ask that you include the house number with your Venmo donation or donate in the box at your favorite display.
Dec. 19, 20, 21, 22	Feel The Love – A Taylor Family Christmas	The spirit of the late B.E. Taylor lives on through this holiday tradition. The Taylor family performs holiday classics and their own creations. Dec. 19 (Morgantown), 20 (Moon Twp.), 21 (Moon Twp.), 22 (Wheeling).
Dec. 21	Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s ‘The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO” concert	Pittsburgh; (2:30 and 7:30 p.m.); Rock out this holiday season with TSO as they bring back “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More.”

Past events

Christmas in Killarney Craft Show: Youngstown, Ohio; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov 10; The second annual Christmas in Killarney Craft Show will be held at Penguin City Beer in Youngstown. Capture the magic of the season with free photos alongside Santa Claus. Bring an unwrapped toy or a grocery bag of unexpired, nonperishable food items for donation to receive a free sheet of basket raffle tickets. Rumor has it that the Grinch might make a surprise visit.

Tree lighting and Cheermeister crowning at Millcreek Mall: Erie, Pennsylvania; 6-8 p.m., Nov. 15. Millcreek Mall ushers in the holiday season with a tree lighting and other special events. There will be cookies, cocoa and Christmas songs to get you in the spirit. One lucky child (ages 4-10) will be drawn at random to serve as this year’s Cheermeister. As the Cheermeister, they have the honor of lighting the tree and escorting Santa to his seat when he arrives the next day. Plus, they will hand deliver their wish list to Santa as well as be the first to have their picture taken with him.

I Made It! for the Holidays at The Block Northway: Ross Township, Pennsylvania; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 16; Shop handcrafted goods, connect with makers and enjoy a variety of other fun activities.

Pine Township’s Holiday Dazzle: Pine Township, Pennsylvania; Nov. 16; food, crafts, live music performances, bounce house inflatables and more.

Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh: Open house planned for noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 17. In the spirit of an open house tradition and to foster connections among neighbors, members of the Nationality and Heritage Room Committees will welcome guests into the Cathedral of Learning for an afternoon of exploration and engagement. Guests will be invited into the Nationality and Heritage Rooms which will be decorated for the holiday season and can participate in traditional crafts and cultural demonstrations to learn about the rooms, the committees, and their ethnic communities and traditions. In the Cathedral of Learning Commons, guests will enjoy traditional treats as they listen to world and holiday music and shop for handcrafted and cultural wares and other items that represent the cultural diversity of the Nationality and Heritage Rooms. We are pleased to welcome the community of the Latin American Cultural Center lacc.lasaweb.org this year as our partners. The event is free and open to the public. No prior registration is required. Food and gift items will be available for purchase.

Light Up Norwin: Irwin, Pennsylvania; Nov. 21; Get all the holiday “feels” at this fun family event! Peruse the shops for gift ideas, watch the festive parade and visit with Santa. Shuttles will be available. For event details, visit the Light-Up Norwin Facebook page. Organized by the Norwin Rotary.

Santa’s First Stop: Cranberry Township, Butler County; Nov. 22; Santa’s First Stop is a free public event in Cranberry Township. It’s held at the municipal center and is open to the public from 6–8 p.m. Santa usually arrives at 7.

Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular: Monroeville, Pennsylvania; Nov. 22, 23, 24; This shopping event features over 250 indoor booths of arts, crafts and pre-packaged foods in two exhibit halls. Whether you are looking for new decor items for the holidays or you are ready to start (or finish!) your Christmas shopping, you are sure to find something to suit your style and budget!

Sparkle Night at Settlers Ridge: Robinson Township, Pennsylvania; 5:30 p.m. Nov. 22.

Harrisburg tree lighting: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 6-8 p.m., Nov. 22; The city of Harrisburg will host its inaugural tree lighting ceremony in front of the MLK Jr. City Government Center. There will be free cocoa and cookies, an artist market to shop, kids craft, caroling groups and a visit from Santa Claus. The tree will be illuminated at 7. To add to the fun, attendees are encouraged to wear their best ugly holiday sweaters. One child and one adult deemed best dressed to the theme will receive a prize.

Hermitage Holiday Light Parade: Hermitage, Pennsylvania; 6 p.m. Nov. 23

Oakmont’s Hometown Christmas & Parade: Oakmont, Pennsylvania; Nov. 23. (Event is listed as 3 to 8 p.m. on borough calendar.)

Pittsburgh Light Up Night: Pittsburgh; Nov. 23; The region’s largest and oldest holiday celebration is hosted throughout Downtown Pittsburgh. What began as a way for the department stores to usher in the holidays has turned into a holiday party, with music and food, tree lights and fireworks.

Light Up Night in Slippery Rock: Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania; 4-7 p.m. Nov. 23; Train rides, Christmas Market, art walk, Christmas tree contest, letters to Santa, Santa from 4-6 p.m., photo booth, carolers, crafts.

Harrisburg Holiday Parade: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; 10 a.m. Nov. 23; Join the city of Harrisburg for the annual Cargill Holiday Parade.

McDonald Light Up Night: McDonald, Pennsylvania; Nov. 27

Festival of Trees: Erie, Pennsylvania; Nov. 29 to Dec. 1; Celebrate the 40th annual Festival of Trees and see the sights and sounds of the season. Over 80 uniquely decorated trees in the Gallery of Trees, live reindeer from noon – 5 p.m. each day, holiday displays and rooms from Santa’s Castle, local entertainment, holiday shopping with various vendors. Also, visit the Teddy Bear Clinic, where families can have a stuffed toy examined by AHN Saint Vincent Hospital’s team of teddy bear specialists before it travels home with them.

Beaver Light-Up Festival: Beaver, Pennsylvania; Nov. 29; Visit this Hallmark-esque holiday celebration, complete with a small-town parade and Santa. Visit shops and eateries and see fireworks to round out the night.

Light Up Nemacolin: Farmington, Pennsylvania; 6 p.m. Nov. 29; At this annual tradition, the lighting ceremony is only the beginning. Available to overnight guests and members.

Olde Fashioned Christmas at Lanterman’s Mill: Youngstown, Ohio; Nov. 30 and Dec. 1; Enjoy the traditional holiday atmosphere at Lanterman’s Mill. Fire-roasted chestnuts, artisans demonstrating crafts, unique handcrafted gifts for sale, and festive entertainment will lift your spirits.

Christmas In Guyasuta: O’Hara Township, Pennsylvania; 4-9 p.m. Nov. 30; Visit the lights display, climb a climbing wall under the lights, make crafts, write letters to Santa, visit with Santa and see the bonfire. Camp Trading Post will be open, and vendors will be at the event.

Christmas at Molnar Farms: Poland, Ohio; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 30; Join Molnar Farms for their annual craft and gift market on Small Business Saturday! This holiday shopping experience features more than twenty unique artisans. Find handmade holiday décor, perfectly crafted gifts, and tasty treats from local vendors.

Annual Goat Farm Holiday Open House: Canfield, Ohio; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 30; Join Frog Pond Farm at their annual Holiday Open House. They will have the barns open so you can visit the goats and chickens. Get your picture taken with a goat by a professional photographer with a Christmas backdrop. They will have shopping available with several other vendors such as beautiful holiday wreaths and handmade quilted items. Sample their many flavors of award-winning goat milk fudge and smell their goat milk soap.

Butler’s Spirit of Christmas Parade: Butler, Pennsylvania; 5 p.m. Nov. 30.

Light Up Mars: Mars, Pennsylvania; 4-8 p.m. Nov. 30; Holiday market from 4-8 p.m., tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., parade at 7:30 p.m.

Christmas On The Farm at Freedom Farms: Middlesex Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1; Check out over 50 local craft vendors. Local Christmas trees and wreaths will be available for purchase as well as lunch and/or dinner and snacks. There will be face painting for the kids and access to the animal barn and corn pit. Santa will be at the event both days with times to be announced. Admission is $10 per person, kids 3 and under are free. Admission includes the corn pit, tractor ride, hay mountain, animal barn, swings and tire graveyard.

TubaChristmas & Holiday Craft Show: Youngstown, Ohio; Dec. 1; Stambaugh Auditorium’s Holiday Craft Show will return as part of the 51st Tuba Christmas Concert. The concert features local tuba players joining together to perform a variety of Christmas classics. The Craft Show will feature local artisans and crafters before and after the concert. There will also be the opportunity to purchase TubaChristmas merchandise and concessions will be available. A goodwill offering is encouraged and will be accepted at the door to help offset the expenses of the event.

Oakmont Christmas Home Tour: Oakmont, Pennsylvania; noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 1; This self-guided tour features homes throughout Oakmont that are decorated for the holiday season.

Miracle On Main: Zelienople, Pennsylvania: 4-8 p.m. Dec. 5; Free charity event in downtown Zelienople featuring children’s activities, carriage rides and Santa Claus. There will also be a live nativity, strolling carolers and a holiday parade. All proceeds from the event are distributed to various charities. A coat tent is on site to provide children’s coats to anyone in need. Each year, it is estimated that nearly 200 coats are distributed at the event. New and “like new” coats are being collected. Nonperishable food Items will also be collected for the Butler County Weekend Backpack program. The food pantry will also be accepting donations.

Merry at McCandless: McCandless, Pennsylvania; 6-8 p.m. Dec. 2; McCandless Crossing will host its annual tree lighting on the town green at McCandless Crossing. Visit with Santa, listen to live music from Elias Khouri and see dance performances from Michele’s Dance Center.

Joy-Thru Fairview: South Fayette, Pennsylvania; 6-9 p.m. Dec. 6; Drive through Fairview Park to see holiday lights, festive characters and performers, music, business booths, live reindeer and Santa Claus.

Sewickley Light Up Night: Sewickley, Pennsylvania; Dec. 6; Annual celebration to usher in the holidays in Sewickley.

Quaker Valley Santa Parade: Sewickley, Pennsylvania; 10 a.m. Dec. 7; Sewickley welcomes Santa with a parade.