Holly Jolly Happenings!-Fox Chapel Area, Pine-Richland and Ross Township
From twinkling lights and tree lightings to holiday markets, visits with Santa, festive performances, and family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Welcoming the Season
Butler’s Spirit of Christmas Parade
When: November 28
Where: Main Street, Downtown Butler
For more info: butlerradio.com/spirit-of-christmas-parade
Enjoy a variety of fun activities to kick off the holiday season! This year’s theme is “Christmas at the Movies.” There will be floats, marching bands, dance groups and much more.
Fun Fore All Holiday Lights Mini-Golf Festival
When: November 20 through January 4
Where: 8 Progress Avenue, Cranberry Township
For more info: funforeall.com
What could make mini-golf even more fun? Holiday lights, of course! Two award-winning courses turn into a walk-through holiday lights extravaganza.
Holiday Dazzle 2026
When: November 16
Where: Pine Community Center, 100 Pine Park Drive, Wexford
For more info: twp.pine.pa.us
Holiday Dazzle is a spectacular celebration offering fireworks, food trucks, carriage rides, Santa and his elves, and much more!
Light Up Bellevue
When: December 5
Where: Lincoln Avenue, Bellevue
For more info: bonafidebellevue.org/lightup
This annual holiday celebration brings neighbors together for some festive fun. The event includes an outdoor holiday market, activities for children, the tree lighting, a visit from Santa, and live music.
Light Up Fest
When: November 27
Where: Business District, Beaver
For more info: beaverpa.us
Join the Beaver Area Chamber of Commerce to light up the town and gather the community to celebrate the season.
Light Up Mars
When: November 28
Where: Downtown Mars
For more info: marsborough.com
Shop at the holiday market and enjoy great food, horse-drawn carriage rides, the tree lighting and the Light Up Mars Parade.
Miracle on Main Street
When: December 3
Where: Main Street, Zelienople
For more info: zelieboro.org
Enjoy an annual event that features children’s activities, a parade, a living nativity, Santa, and other yuletide traditions.
Reserve Light Up Night
When: December 4
Where: 33 Lonsdale Street, Reserve Township
For more info: reservetwp.com
There will be a variety of festive activities for residents to enjoy in a fun, family-friendly setting. Dress warm, sip on hot cocoa by the fire, and join Santa for the lighting of the tree!
Santa’s First Stop
When: November 20
Where: Cranberry Township Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township
For more info: cranberrytownship.org
This free event brings residents together to enjoy games, crafts, music, food trucks, live reindeer, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Saxonburg Annual Holiday Parade
When: November 27
Where: Main Street, Saxonburg
For more info: saxonburgpa.com
Kick off the season with this yearly parade sponsored by the Saxonburg Area Business Association! The event starts at Dinnerbell Square and ends at the little white church.
Sewickley Light Up Night
When: December 4
Where: Beaver Street, Sewickley
For more info: sewickleyborough.org
Usher in the holidays at the annual Light Up Night in Sewickley!
Shaler Township’s Annual “Lite” Up Night
When: November 21
Where: Shaler North Hills Library and Shaler Area Middle School, Mt. Royal Boulevard, Shaler
For more info: shaler.org
Enjoy a parade down the boulevard featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, and other holiday characters followed by the annual tree lighting.
Spirits, Cheers & Beers
When: November 7
Where: Freedom Farms, 434 Overbrook Road, Valencia
For more info: freedomfarmspa.com
Enjoy holiday cheers and beers on the farm with Santa—hang out by the fire and try a variety of local brews while listening to live music.
Town of McCandless Winterfest
When: December 6
Where: Town Hall Grounds, 9955 Grubbs Road, Wexford
For more info: townofmccandless.org/438/Winterfest
A world of wintery excitement awaits at this year’s Winterfest! Bonfire and s’mores, hot chocolate bar, food trucks, winter crafts, live ice carving, character appearances, a holiday light display at Devlin Park and the ever-popular Name the Snow Plow contest all make this event a lot of fun.
Wreaths Across America
When: December 19
Where: Mars VFW Post 7505, 331 Mars Valencia Road, Mars
For more info: wreathsacrossamerica.org
Help honor as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths to be placed on their graves at Mars, Mt. Olive, and West Union cemeteries. You can also volunteer to place wreaths. There will be a ceremony at the Mars VFW.
Holiday Festivities and Fun
Christmas at Old Economy Village
When: December 5 & 6
Where: 1401 Church Street, Ambridge
For more info: oldeconomyvillage.org
Walk along a candlelit cobblestone street to find unique handmade items, enjoy local choirs and maybe even see Belsnickel (the Pennsylvania Dutch Santa Claus)!
Enchanted Lights: A Magical Holiday Stroll
When: November 27 through December 30
Where: 282 Rochester Road, Freedom
For more info: enchantedlightspittsburgh.com
Enchanted Lights is an outdoor walk-through experience for the whole family and will feature festive lights, holiday decorations, dazzling displays, and illuminated pathways.
German Christmas Market
When: November 14 & 15
Where: Harmony Museum, 218 Mercer Street, Harmony
For more info: harmonymuseum.org
The Harmony Museum’s annual Weihnachtsmarkt, a Christmas market in the German tradition, has become a major regional attraction. It features handcrafted and German imports for sale from artisans and vendors who have been chosen based on their quality offerings. The event also includes entertainment, food and refreshments.
Here Comes Santa Claus
When: December 5
Where: Mars Area Public Library, 107 Grand Avenue, Mars
For more info: marsarealibrary.org
Take a photo with Santa Claus, drink hot cocoa, and take part in some fun holiday activities to celebrate the season at this event for the kiddos!
Lunch with Santa
When: December 6
Where: 33 Lonsdale Street, Reserve Township
For more info: reservetwp.com
Lunch will Santa will take place in the Mt. Troy Ballroom. Children can choose cheese or pepperoni pizza, meet Santa, and tell him what they wish for Christmas. It’s a special event for the whole family, so dress in your festive best and enjoy the holiday cheer.
Meet and Greet with Santa
When: December 12
Where: Blueberry Hill Park Activity Center, 1604 Blaine’s Way, Franklin Park
For more info: franklinparkborough.us
Spend some time with the “big guy” at this holiday meet and greet!
Milk and Cookies with Santa
When: December 5 & 6
Where: Cranberry Township Municipal Center (Grange Hall/Senior Center), 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township
For more info: cranberrytownship.org
Leaving cookies and milk for Santa is a family tradition. At this event, kids can enjoy milk and cookies with Santa! It will be a great photo opportunity and there will be special holiday crafts too. Pre-registration is required.
Recreation Alliance of North Pittsburgh Holiday Dance
When: December 18
Where: Franklin Park Activity Center, 1604 Blaine’s Way, Franklin Park
For more info: ranp.recdesk.com
Enjoy music and light refreshments at this holiday-themed dance.
Santa Parade
When: December 5
Where: Wolcott Park, 488 Broad Street, Sewickley
For more info: sewickleyborough.org
The Santa Parade, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Quaker Valley, celebrates the season and will be followed by visits with Santa in the gazebo.
Silvester New Year’s Eve Celebration
When: December 31
Where: Harmony Museum, 218 Mercer Street, Harmony
For more info: harmonymuseum.org
A pork and sauerkraut dinner, music, a ball drop, fireworks, and lots more are part of this annual event in the heart of Harmony!
Winter Wonderland Tours
When: November 21 through December 20 (weekends)
Where: Old Economy Village, 401 Church Street, Ambridge
For more info: oldeconomyvillage.org
Visit the historic 19th century village decorated for Christmas! Enjoy the festive scenery and holiday lights while learning about the history of the Harmony Society.
Zelienople Christmas House Tour
When: December 12
Where: Harmony-Zelienople United Methodist Church, 123 North Pittsburgh Street, Zelienople
For more info: zeliehistory.org
Visit local homes decorated beautifully for the holidays. A delicious lunch plus door prizes and a quilt raffle are included.
Seasonal Shows
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
When: November 28
Where: The Strand Theater, 119 North Main Street, Zelienople
For more info: thestrandtheater.org
Direct from Las Vegas, two of the best in the business return to bring audiences an unforgettable concert with a yuletide theme—A Christmas Toast to Dean Martin & Marilyn Monroe.
Holiday Brass: Deck the Halls With River City Brass
When: December 11 & 12
Where: Carson Middle School, 300 Hillvue Lane, McCandless
For more info: rivercitybrass.org
The River City Brass band will bring timeless classics to life in this magical holiday celebration.
‘Holiday Traditions’ Presented by the Butler County Symphony Orchestra
When: December 5
Where: Butler Intermediate High School, 551 Fairground Hill Road, Butler
For more info: butlersymphony.org
Celebrate the season with this annual performance featuring lots of festive favorites.
It’s a USO Christmas
When: December 19 & 20
Where: The Strand Theater, 119 North Main Street, Zelienople
For more info: thestrandtheater.org
This is a salute to those nostalgic USO shows of old that were produced for our troops overseas back in the 1940s and 1950s. A fictional cast of characters will tell a story that weaves between on-stage performances and peeks “behind the curtain.”
January Ice Jam
When: January 15 & 16
Where: Ramada by Wyndham Beaver Falls, 7195 Eastwood Road, Beaver Falls
For more info: bluegrassrelieffund.org
Bands will be playing traditional, contemporary and gospel bluegrass music. Proceeds from the event are donated to efforts to keep this kind of music accessible.
Pittsburgh Concert Chorale: Sounds of the Season
When: December 6
Where: Ingomar United Methodist Church, 1501 W. Ingomar Road, Ingomar
For more info: pccsing.org
The chorale will sing holiday favorites including traditional classics, familiar carols, and popular songs—a great way to start off the season with family and friends.
Handcrafted for the Holidays
Avonworth Band Craft Show
When: December 5
Where: Avonworth High School, 304 Josephs Lane, Ohio Township
For more info: avonworthbands.org
Lots of crafters and vendors will be selling their wares. There will be something for everyone including holiday decorations, baked goods, blankets, jewelry, spices, pet toys, local honey, paintings and more.
Butler Downtown Holiday Market
When: December 12
Where: Diamond Park, 277 South Main Street, Butler
For more info: experiencebutler.com
Celebrate the season at this holiday market featuring a selection of homemade crafts, unique gifts and festive finds.
Christmas on the Farm
When: November 28 & 29
Where: Freedom Farms, 434 Overbrook Road, Valencia
For more info: freedomfarmspa.com
Vendors, Santa, beer from Grist House and food from Freedom Farms to Fork will all be part of this weekend. Support local businesses while checking some items off your Christmas list.
Farkleberry Holiday Craft Show
When: November 7
Where: Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township
For more info: cranberrywomensclub.org
This show will feature more than 80 vendors selling pottery, jewelry, handcrafted wreaths, baby items and more!
Glenshaw Century Club Holiday House Tour & Craft Fair
When: November 14
Where: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1719 Mount Royal Boulevard, Glenshaw
For more info: glenshawcenturyclub.org
Begin your holiday shopping with more than 60 local crafters and vendors along with a gourmet bake sale, raffles and delicious hot foods. Then enjoy a tour of several beautiful Glenshaw homes decorated for the season. Admission to the craft fair is free. Tickets for the house tour can be purchased in advance online and at the Shaler North Hills Library.
I Made It! for the Holidays North Hills
When: November 7
Where: The Block Northway, 8013 McKnight Road, Ross Township
For more info: imadeitmarket.com
I Made It! for the Holidays will feature more than 100 local artisans, small-batch food sellers and more.
Plains Church Holiday Craft Fair
When: November 14
Where: Fellowship Hall of Plains Presbyterian Church, 326 Plains Church Road, Cranberry Township
For more info: experiencebutler.com/events
Crafters, vendors, food, refreshments and basket raffles will all be part of this year’s fair.
Winter Wellness & Whimsy
Harmony Silvester 5K and Fun Run
When: December 31
Where: Harmony Museum Grounds, 218 Mercer Street, Harmony
For more info: experiencebutler.com
Celebrate the new year with a refreshing run or stroll through Harmony!
Reindeer Race 2026
When: December 19
Where: 330 East Beaver Street, Zelienople
For more info: getfitfamilies.com/reindeer-race
This unique event is a festive blend of fitness and community spirit. The Reindeer Race starts at the Masonic Hall on East Beaver Street and includes 5K, 1-mile, and half-mile distances.
Run Santa Run 5K
When: December 12
Where: North Park, 10301 Pearce Mill Road, Allison Park
For more info: runsanta5k.com
Join hundreds of runners and walkers in a sea of Santas and elves! Register early to secure your spot. Don’t forget your Santa suits, elf ears and holiday cheer.
Saxonburg Truthahntrab 5K
When: November 28
Where: 147 N. Rebecca Street, Saxonburg
For more info: saxonburgpa.com
The Truthahntrab (Turkey Trot in German) will capture the essence of Saxonburg’s Germanic roots, dating back to 1832 when the town was settled by German immigrants. There will be unique turkey-themed awards, raffles and post-race snacks.
Sewickley Turkey Trot
When: November 26
Where: War Memorial Park, 811 Blackburn Road, Sewickley
For more info: sewickleyymca.org/5k
Open to everyone, the course takes runners and walkers on a 5K path through the quaint town of Sewickley. This is a joint project of the Heritage Valley Health System Foundation and the Sewickley Valley YMCA. Proceeds benefit the Faith in Action program at the YMCA.
Turkey Trot – Butler
When: November 7
Where: Butler YMCA (start and finish), 339 N. Washington Street, Butler
For more info: bcfymca.org/events/turkey-trot-1
This annual 1-mile and 5K race through downtown Butler is a family-fun event hosted by the Butler YMCA.
Holidays in the Burgh
‘A Musical Christmas Carol’
When: December 11–23
Where: Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street, Downtown Pittsburgh
For more info: pittsburghclo.org
This show is the spirit of the season, wrapped up with your favorite yuletide melodies and some holiday magic. See Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and a host of other colorful characters from the classic Dickens story.
Handmade Arcade’s Holiday Market
When: December 4–6
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Downtown Pittsburgh
For more info: handmadearcade.org/holiday-market
This massive market boasts 275 independent makers selling lots of unique handmade gifts.
Highmark Holiday Pops
When: December 11–20 (Check the website for specific performance dates.)
Where: Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh
For more info: pittsburghsymphony.org
Celebrate the holiday season with the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Mendelssohn Choir, and special guests in this annual offering of seasonal music.
Highmark Light Up Night
When: November 21
Where: Downtown Pittsburgh (various locations)
For more info: visitpittsburgh.com
This official kickoff to the Pittsburgh holiday season combines long-standing traditions and new holiday experiences with a supersized fireworks display as the big finale.
Holiday Brass Spectacular
When: December 17
Where: Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh
For more info: pittsburghsymphony.org
A festive holiday tradition featuring timeless masterpieces as well as new arrangements of holiday favorites by Pittsburgh Symphony musicians.
Jingle Bell Run
When: December 5
Where: North Shore Drive and Mazeroski Way, Pittsburgh (North Shore)
For more info: events.arthritis.org/jbrpittsburgh
Be part of this signature Arthritis Foundation event! Wear your favorite holiday attire and gather a team of family, friends and co-workers to run, walk or stroll to help raise funds to support arthritis research and treatment.
Kennywood Holiday Lights
When: November 13 through January 3 (Check the website for specific dates.)
Where: Kennywood Park, 4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin
For more info: kennywood.com
Take a stroll among more than 3 million twinkling lights and marvel at the giant Christmas tree! Savor the flavors of festive foods and holiday drinks while enjoying rides for the kids and special entertainment for all.
Phipps Holiday Magic
When: Opening November 20
Where: Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh (Oakland)
For more info: phipps.conservatory.org
The holiday season isn’t complete without a visit to Phipps for festive displays and glowing gardens! This year’s theme, “Botanical Brilliance,” celebrates the beauty of plants through sparkling metallics, rich jewel tones and imaginative topiary displays.
Pittsburgh Concert Chorale: Sounds of the Season
When: December 4
Where: Trinity Cathedral, 328 Sixth Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh
For more info: pccsing.org
This large all-volunteer choir will sing holiday favorites including traditional classics, beloved carols and popular sing-alongs.
The UPMC Rink at PPG Place
When: Check the website for dates.
Where: PPG Place, between Third and Fourth Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh
For more info: ppgplace.com
An ice rink comes alive at PPG Place every holiday season! Thousands enjoy skating in the open air around a huge Christmas tree on a spectacular one-of-a-kind rink.
Zoo Lights Drive-Thru
When: November 27 through January 3 (Check the website for select nights.)
Where: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, 7370 Baker Street, Highland Park
For more info: pittsburghzoo.org
The Pittsburgh Zoo will glow with holiday magic during this drive-through event, a truly special holiday experience.
We love to inform our readers about fun events happening in our local communities. Send an email message to d.mountain@icmags.com if you have details about a future event in the area.
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