It’s the most wonderful time of the year for festivals in the Laurel Highlands! These magical events will bring Christmas joy to your entire family and create lifelong memories. Take a sleigh ride, sip some hot cocoa and get ready for Santa to come to town!

Overly's Country Christmas

Daily until Dec. 30

Overly's Country Christmas

Create lifelong memories at Overly's Country Christmas, a Christmas village that is a magical winter wonderland of fun. A drive through a light display before you park builds anticipation for what is to come! Kids can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, enjoy tasty treats, admire the train model display and sip hot chocolate by the bonfire. There is also a chance to meet and take a photo with the man of the hour, Santa Claus! Gates open at 5:30 p.m., so get there early for the full experience.

Holiday in the Highlands at Seven Springs Mountain Resort

Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 6-7

Holiday in the Highlands

Seven Springs Mountain Resort pulls out all the stops for Holidays in the Highlands, adorning the grounds in more than one million lights for almost four miles. Kiddos will take a ride on the Santa Express, visit the Holiday Village, decorate cookies, create holiday crafts and take a picture with the jolly big man himself during this month-long festival! Adults will be busy enjoying live entertainment and Christmas carolers while crossing things off of their Christmas shopping list by browsing goods by dozens of artisans and vendors.

Light Up Nemacolin

Light Up Nemacolin

Fridays Nov. 29 - Dec. 27

Admire the lights at Nemacolin, all two million of them! Festivities include live entertainment, an ice carving demonstration, a food truck, holiday characters, train rides, holiday workshops and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Festivities begin at 6 p.m., but parking is available at 5 p.m., so get there early to enjoy holiday shopping and exploring the beautiful resort! 

Nutcracker Ballet

The Nutcracker

Dec. 14-15

Catch a showing of the Nutcracker Ballet at The Palace Theatre to feel the magic of the holiday season. The show is put on in conjunction with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra and Laurel Ballet Performing Company, making it the only Nutcracker Ballet in western PA with a live orchestra! Snag tickets for you and your family to start a new tradition!

Holiday Candlelight Tours at Compass Inn Museum

Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 30 - Dec. 15

Holiday Candelight Tours Compass Inn Museum

Experience Christmas of yesteryear at the historic Compass Inn Museum. Take a special tour of the historic museum that is beautifully decorated in traditional decorations of days gone by and lit by candles and flickering fires. After your tour, relax by the fire with a mug of mulled cider and a delectable treat. Tours begin at 3:00 p.m. with the last tour leaving at 6:30 p.m.

Holiday Homestead Open House and Market at West Overton Village and Museum

Dec. 7

West Overton Holiday Homestead Open House and Market

In the midst of shopping, planning and cleaning, take the time to unwind at West Overton Village's holiday event. Take a tour of the beautifully-decorated 1838 Overholt homestead while hearing the sounds of a live harp player and enjoying a cup of warm cider and cookies. In the distillery museum not only can youngsters enjoy crafts and fun activities, they can also visit with Santa Claus and tell them what they want for Christmas. While you're there, be sure to browse the gift shop for the perfect holiday gifts.

Holiday Family Day at Historic Hanna's Town

Dec. 28

Holiday Family Day Historic Hanna's Town

Historic Hanna's Town invites you and your family to Holiday Family Day! Visitors can stroll through the historic buildings on property. which will have holiday displays showing how people celebrated the holidays in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Between exploring, kids can listen to a Nutcracker-themed storytime session and get creative with hands-on activities and crafts.

Don't forget to use #LaurelHighlands when you post your photos on social media!