Christmas is right around the corner, and communities and businesses throughout the Laurel Highlands are getting into the holiday spirit with special light-up events. Activities such as parades, visits with Santa, Christmas music, and holiday food and beverages will have you ready to celebrate the season!
Light-Up Ligonier!
Friday, Nov. 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Few places shine in the holiday spotlight like Ligonier, which was ranked as one of the top-five Hallmark Christmas towns in America by Reservations.com. Ligonier also has been recognized by Country Living Magazine as one of “The Most Charming Small Towns in America” and by The Washington Post as a “Small Town Charmer.” Join the countdown to light up the Diamond, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride, and visit with Santa Claus.
Spend the night: Grab a nightcap and bowl a few games at the Wicked Googly/Ligonier Lanes, then enjoy a relaxing night at Thistledown at Seger House or The Colonial House on Main.
Light Up Nemacolin
Friday, Nov. 24 beginning at 5 p.m.
Be the first to witness Nemacolin's spectacular holiday lights at this beloved, annual tradition, which is open to overnight guests and members. The lighting ceremony is only the beginning. New this year: special surprises and delights along with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of The Grand Lodge.
Spend the night: Explore Hardy's Holiday Village, a life-size village of whimsy and wonder, where elves will invite you to play and cozy shops invite you to indulge in festive treats and glamorous gifts. Slip away to Falling Rock, Nemacolin's sophisticated oasis inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Light-Up Somerset and Holiday Parade
Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Make a day of it with Somerset’s Small Business Saturday, a pop-up Christmas tree farm and mobile coffee shop, gingerbread house building and holiday biergarten featuring Trailhead Brewing Co. The Christkindlmarkt begins at 2 p.m., and the streets will close in the evening, meaning Santa’s on his way for the 6 p.m. parade, which starts on Rosina Avenue, heads to West Main Street, and finishes on North Center. Local businesses and vendors will be selling their wares, and live bands will be playing uptown all evening.
Spend the night: Pair a late-night snack with a pint at Tailgatez and take advantage of a full night's slumber at the Hampton Inn after a long day of fun.
Winter Lights Late Nights at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art
Thursdays from Nov. 30 through Jan. 4, 5 to 8 p.m.
Stroll through the winter lights display outside and sip on a free seasonal hot beverage, go on a fun wintry art scavenger hunt in the galleries, or browse the Museum Shop with special discounts! Admission to the museum is always free.
Spend the night: Be sure to try the Gochujang cauliflower and an El Diablo beer at El Diablo Brewing Co. and Wood Fire Kitchen, then enjoy a night in the historic mansion at The Grandeur Estate.
Light Up Night at Greenhouse Winery
Friday, Dec. 1, 6-9 p.m.
The skies and the dance floor are going to be lit, thanks to fireworks and DJ Steph, who will be rocking the banquet hall with holiday dance music. Lou Lou's Smokehouse will have a food truck on-site, and Santa Claus will be making an appearance.
Spend the night: Check out New Crescent Brewing Co., which pays homage to an Irwin brewery that closed at the onset of Prohibition. Get a great night's sleep at the Hampton Inn & Suites or Holiday Inn Express.
Meyersdale Light-Up Night
Saturday, Dec. 2, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The Maple City is ready for this prime time with this annual event. Santa Claus will be arriving for photos at 6:30 p.m. at Meyersdale Gazebo Park. A live nativity, caroling, smores, and crafts are available. The GI Dayroom will have cookie decorating and the Corner Cup will feature hot chocolate.
Spend the night: Make the drive to Tall Pines Distillery in Salisbury for a bottle of moonshine to keep you warm on a cold winter night, then fall into a comfy bed at Yoder's Guest House or the Levi Deal Mansion.
Braddock’s Inn Light-Up Night
Friday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus while enjoying carriage rides, hot cocoa and cookies, a bonfire, and a Christmas movie in Farmington. Abby Abbondanza will be playing live music in the lodge from 7-9 p.m.
Spend the night: Pop over to Ridge Runner Distillery for a bottle of locally made vodka, moonshine, or whiskey, then relax with a room at The Lodge at Chalk Hill.