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Oh what fun—Keystone Oaks

Where the season sparkles—your ultimate guide to holiday happenings.


A young child wearing a red winter coat and fur-lined hood, smiling while holding a glittering lantern, set against a background of bright, golden Christmas light bokeh.

Welcoming the Season

Bethel Park Tree Lighting & Holiday Market

When: December 6

Where: Recreation Community Center, 5151 Park Avenue, Bethel Park

For more info: bethelparkpa.gov

This annual tree lighting celebration will feature a visit from Santa, a whimsical gingerbread neighborhood, holiday activities, and a seasonal indoor market.


Deck the Barns

When: December 19–21

Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 2151 North Main Street, Washington

For more info: washingtonfair.org

This is a drive-through holiday light display like no other—tractors, trucks and other machinery all covered in colorful lights and competing for holiday spirit awards. The festivities will continue at the end of the tour with lots of family-friendly activities. Tickets will include a picture with Santa, entry into the petting zoo, carnival rides and much more.


Joy-Thru Fairview

When: December 5

Where: Fairview Park, 288 Recreation Road, Bridgeville

For more info: southfayettepa.com

Drive through Fairview Park to see holiday light displays, festive characters, entertainers, music, business booths, Santa Claus and more!


McDonald Holiday Light-Up Night Celebration

When: November 26

Where: McDonald Trail Station and History Center, 161 South McDonald Street, McDonald

McDonald’s holiday season kickoff celebration will include Santa, treats, music, food and drinks.


Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights

When: November 6 through January 4

Where: Oglebay Resort, 465 Lodge Drive, Wheeling, WV

For more info: oglebay.com

This is one of the largest holiday light shows in the region and attracts more than a million visitors each year. The 2,000-acre historic Oglebay Park is one of the most famous landmarks in West Virginia and will be illuminated with millions of twinkling lights. Enjoy a 6-mile drive through the spectacular display, covering 300 acres and including 90 lit-up attractions.


Peters Township Holiday Kickoff

When: December 5

Where: PT Community Recreation Center, 700 Meredith Drive, Venetia

For more info: peterstownship.com

Kick off the holiday season with an evening of free activities including crafts, games, refreshments, letters to Santa, and a visit from Santa himself!


Holiday Festivals and Fun

Breakfast with Santa

When: December 6, 13, and 14

Where: The Spring House, 1531 Route 136, Washington

For more info: springhousemarket.com

Make your reservation soon for Breakfast with Santa at The Spring House!


Brentwood Library’s Christmas Bingo

When: December 18

Where: Brentwood Library’s Program Room, 3501 Brownsville Road, Brentwood

Enjoy festive bingo, a catered lunch, drinks, and dessert at this event. Reservations are required by Dec. 9. Check the website for the cost and other information.


Candy Cane Hunt at Mingo Creek

When: December 9

Where: Mingo Creek Park (Shelter 1), 558 Mingo Creek Road, Finleyville

For more info: washingtoncopa.gov

Join Washington County Parks and Recreation to search for hidden candy canes along the Old Spring Trail in Mingo Creek Park. Bring a flashlight. Cookies and hot cocoa will be served after the hunt. Pre-registration is required (but no more than 30 days in advance). Fee: $2.



Canonsburg’s Old-Fashioned Christmas

When: December 5 & 6

Where: 68 East Pike Street, Canonsburg

Canonsburg’s Old-Fashioned Christmas attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually. The town turns into a veritable Hallmark movie, with a Christmas market, tree lighting, Santa, activities and holiday food galore.


Christmas Cookie Decorating

When: December 13

Where: South Fayette Township Library, 515 Millers Run Road, Morgan

Decorate sugar cookies with Ms. Nicole! This activity is for children ages 8-12, and registration is required.


Civil War: Christmas Ornaments

When: December 6

Where: Peters Township Public Library, 616 East McMurray Road, McMurray

For more info: ptlibrary.org

This event offers a brief historical talk about Christmastime traditions and activities during the Civil War. Participants will get an opportunity to make ornaments inspired by the history. Registration is required.


Family Sing-Along at Mt. Lebanon Public Library

When: November 28

Where: Mt. Lebanon Public Library (Meeting Room A), 16 Castle Shannon Boulevard, Mt. Lebanon

For more info: mtlebanonlibrary.org

Join music teacher extraordinaire Margaret Hooton and her brother Bob Barnett for their fun and interactive after-Thanksgiving sing-along. It’s musical fun for the whole family.


Frontier Holiday Traditions

When: December 7

Where: Oliver Miller Homestead, 1 Stone Manse Drive, South Park

Scots-Irish pioneers brought with them Old-World traditions that included dancing, music, pomp, and ceremony. Dance a set, have a time, and fly your tartans for auld lang syne. Ring in the new year in old-fashioned style with live music, dancing, and a traditional tea set at the Oliver Miller Homestead.


Holiday Nature Ornaments

When: December 3

Where: Mingo Creek Park Office, 558 Mingo Creek Road, Finleyville

For more info: washingtoncopa.gov

Bring a little nature indoors this holiday season! Create holiday ornaments for your tree using things scavenged from Mingo Creek Park. Hot chocolate and a treat will be served. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $2.


Jingle & Mingle: A Very Merry Karaoke Night

When: December 4

Where: 181 Bateman Road, Oakdale

Get ready to “sleigh” the stage at this special karaoke night where holiday hits, guilty pleasures, and off-key carols are all welcome! The event is for adults only and registration is required; space is limited.


Pennsylvania Trolley Museum’s Santa Trolley

When: November 28–30 and December 6 & 7, 13 & 14, and 20 & 21

Where: 1 Museum Road, Washington

For more info: pa-trolley.org

Celebrate the season on a trolley with Santa, see the toy train display, enjoy caroling and hot cocoa, and make a keepsake to remember the day.


Skate with Santa

When: December 20

Where: Printscape Arena, 114 Southpointe Boulevard, Canonsburg

For more info: printscapearena.com

What could be better than getting a photo with Santa during the holidays? Getting a chance to skate with the big guy, of course!


Western Allegheny Community Library’s Gingerbread House Workshop

When: December 6

Where: 181 Bateman Road, Oakdale

For the annual gingerbread house workshop, one of WACL’s longest-standing traditions, an iced tea container base will be provided while participants must bring a can of frosting and a cookie/baking sheet to build on. They’ll also be asked to drop off a candy decoration to share prior to the program. This event is for families of all ages. Register online; space is limited.


Winter Market and Holiday Celebration

When: December 6

Where: Uptown Business District (Washington Road), Mt. Lebanon

For more info: mtlebopartnership.org

This winter market will feature regional vendors, seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts, and family-friendly activities.


Seasonal Shows

Bethel Park High School Holiday Concert

When: December 17

Where: Bethel Park High School, 301 Church Road, Bethel Park

For more info: bphs.bpsd.org

This concert will get you in a holiday state of mind!



Dean Streator Holiday Concert

When: December 7

Where: Bethel Park High School, 301 Church Road, Bethel Park

For more info: bethelparkpa.gov

This holiday concert will feature Community Band South, Bethel Park High School Top 21, and Handbell Ringers of Southminster Presbyterian.


HO HO HO with the WSO (Washington Symphony Orchestra)

When: December 20 & 21

Where: Washington & Jefferson’s Olin Fine Arts Center, 285 East Wheeling Street, Washington

For more info: washsym.org

This year’s holiday concert will have a tropical twist. Beloved classics will be blended with sunny sounds from the islands.


Holiday Sounds Christmas Cookie Cabaret Presented by East Winds Symphonic Band

When: December 14

Where: St. John’s Cathedral Center, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall

For more info: ewsb.org

Enjoy Christmas and holiday favorites performed by the EWSB! A Christmas cookie spread will add even more cheer to the event. Admission is free.


Jubilee Ringers

When: December 2

Where: Peters Township Public Library, 616 East McMurray Road, McMurray

For more info: events.ptlibrary.org

This one-hour performance by the Jubilee Ringers of Trinity United Methodist Church is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. No registration is necessary.


‘Mr. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge’ Presented by Little Lake Theatre

When: Various dates, December 4–21

Where: 500 Lakeside Drive South, Canonsburg

For more info: littlelake.org

This hilariously irreverent twist on the classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ will fill you with holiday cheer.


The Old Schoolhouse Players Present ‘Nuncrackers’

When: December 5–14

Where: Bud Allison Memorial Auditorium at Mt. Pleasant Community Center, 20 Wabash Avenue, Hickory

For more info: osptheater.com

The “Nunsense” Christmas musical, “Nuncrackers,” is presented as the first TV special taped in the Cable Access Studio built by Reverend Mother in the convent basement. It stars the nuns you love, plus Father Virgil and four of Mount Saint Helen’s most talented students.


River City Brass Christmas Brasstacular

When: December 9

Where: Bethel Park High School, 309 Church Road, Bethel Park

For more info: rivercitybrass.org

You are invited to share in a River City Brass holiday tradition! This year the show will feature new arrangements of music from “Home Alone,” “A Christmas Carol,” and Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker Suite.”


South Hills Chorale Winter Concert

When: December 13 & 14

Where: Christ United Methodist Church, 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park

For more info: southhillschorale.org

You won’t want to miss the South Hills Chorale’s festive concert this season!


South Park Children’s Theatre Presents ‘Jingle Bell Jukebox, the Musical’

When: November 14–23

Where: South Park Theatre, corner of Brownsville Road and Corrigan Drive, South Park

For more info: southparktheatre.com

Check out the best diner in town and meet Ruby, the diner owner, her wonderful staff, and lots of customers as they all prepare for the Christmas season. Peppy tunes from the Jingle Bell Jukebox get everyone into the spirit.


Handcrafted for the Holidays

Castle Shannon VFD Holiday Craft Show

When: November 22 & 23

Where: Memorial Hall & Firemen’s Hall, 3600 Library Road, Castle Shannon

For more info: csvfd.org

Enjoy a bake sale, auction, shopping for unique holiday gifts, and much more.


Christmas Affair Craft Show

When: November 8

Where: John McMillan Presbyterian, 875 Clifton Road, Bethel Park

Around 50 crafters will be participating in this annual show. There will also be a café, bake shop and Chinese auction. All proceeds benefit local missions. Admission is free.


The Gifting Market

When: December 5-7

Where: Silent Brook Barn, 2161 Hundred Acres Drive, South Park

For more info: thegiftingmarket.com

This market offers a unique and stress-free shopping experience as well as exceptional, hand-selected creations from local artisans and makers from across the country. Shoppers can purchase gifts or treat themselves! They can also support Foster Love Project and Cali Cats Rescue, two nonprofit organizations serving our communities.


Guardian Angel Academy’s Christmas Craft Show

When: December 6

Where: Guardian Angel Academy, 915 Alice Street, Green Tree

More than 80 vendors will be selling their handmade items at this annual craft show. There will also be concessions, a bake sale, and a basket auction.


Joy of Christmas Craft Show

When: November 22

Where: St. Louise de Marillac School and Parish Center, 320 McMurray Road, Upper St. Clair

For more info: sclpgh.org

The Labouré Ladies Guild’s annual show will offer lots of shopping plus a bake sale, Chinese auction, a 50/50 raffle, and snacks for purchase.


South Arts Pittsburgh Artists Market

When: November 8 & 9

Where: Schoolhouse Arts & History Center, 2600 South Park Road, Bethel Park

Local artists will be displaying and selling their artwork and framed photos, plus jewelry, cards and matted prints. There will also be a basket raffle with chances to win artwork. Proceeds benefit the Bethel Park Historical Society.


South Park Township Library Holiday Market

When: November 29

Where: South Park Community Center, 2575 Brownsville Road, South Park

For more info: southparklibrary.org

This event will include vendors, crafters, food and much more!


Winter Wellness & Whimsy

The Deerslayer Trail Run

When: December 7

Where: South Park Fairgrounds (South Park Cottage), Brownsville Road, South Park

For more info: gprrc.com

Lace up for a 4- or 8-mile race in South Park!


The Gratitude Run

When: November 27

Where: Montour Trail, 750 Bebout Road, Venetia

This 5K run/walk is a great way to support a local family in need. The event raises money that will directly benefit a predesignated local family experiencing tough times.


Owl Prowl

When: November 14

Where: Mingo Creek Park Shelter 11, 558 Mingo Creek Road, Finleyville

For more info: washingtoncopa.gov

Take a night hike in Mingo Creek Park to listen for vocalizations of resident owls. Screech and barred owls may be heard. This is a fun-filled family outing. Dress for the weather and moderate hiking. Pre-registration is required.


Run Santa Run

When: December 14

Where: South Park Fairgrounds, 1988 Brownsville Road, South Park

For more info: gcxcrunningseries.com

Join hundreds of runners and walkers from all over Western Pennsylvania to fill the park with Santas and elves at the Run Santa Run. Register early.


Turkey Trot

When: November 27

Where: Montour Trail, 515 Clifton Road, Bethel Park

For more info: runsignup.com

Start your Thanksgiving with a 5K run and walk on the Montour Trail! Early registration is recommended. The event is capped at 400 participants.



Holidays in the Burgh

‘A Musical Christmas Carol’

When: December 13–23

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 in this lively version of the classic story.


Highmark Holiday Pops

When: December 12–21 (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 guest vocalist Blaine Alden Krauss in this annual offering of seasonal music.


Highmark Light Up Night

When: November 23

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 16

Where: Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh

For more info: pittsburghsymphony.org

The Holiday Brass Spectacular is a festive symphony tradition featuring timeless masterpieces, thrilling premieres, and renowned guest artists.


Jingle Bell Run – Pittsburgh

When: December 6

Where: Federal and Isabella Streets, Pittsburgh’s North Shore

Be part of this festive race for charity and 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 research for arthritis treatments and a cure.


Kennywood Holiday Lights

When: November 14 through January 4 (Check the website for select dates.)

Where: Kennywood Park, 4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin

For more info: kennywood.com

Take a stroll with the family among more than 3 million twinkling lights and marvel at “the tallest Christmas tree in the state”! Savor the flavors of festive foods and holiday drinks, and enjoy rides for the kids and special entertainment for all.


Phipps Holiday Magic

When: November 14 through January 4

Where: Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood

The holiday season isn’t complete without a visit to Phipps for festive displays and glowing gardens. This year’s playful theme, “Wild Winter,” invites guests into a wonderland of whimsical topiary wildlife and enchanting scenes. Prepare to be dazzled!


The UPMC Rink at PPG Place

When: Check the website for this year’s dates.

Where: PPG Place, between Third and Fourth Avenues, Downtown Pittsburgh

For more info: ppgplace.com

PPG Place comes alive every holiday season, where thousands enjoy ice skating in the open air around a huge Christmas tree on a spectacular one-of-a-kind rink.


Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience

When: November 22 through January 11

Where: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, 7370 Baker Street, Highland Park

For more info: pittsburghzoo.org

Wild Illuminations is a holiday lantern experience, presented by UPMC Health Plan, that features new silk-and-steel lanterns that will spark the imagination, highlighting amazing animals, beloved holiday characters, and traditional Asian icons.


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.


We kindly ask that before attending an event, please check the website provided. We do our utmost to make certain the information we provide in this section is accurate; however, events are subject to change.

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