The holiday season is right around the corner, and communities and businesses throughout the Laurel Highlands are getting into the 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 Norwin
Thursday, Nov. 21 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Find out why Norwin has been described as “pure magic” for the holiday season as you celebrate on one of the 10 best Main Streets in the U.S. Floats, trucks, music and Santa Clause highlight the parade, which is a fun event for the whole family.
Spend the night: Enjoy a tasty beverage from Crooked Creek Distillery in Irwin and settle in for a long winter’s nap at the Hampton Inn & Suites North Huntingdon–Irwin.
Light-Up Ligonier!
Friday, Nov. 29 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 The Colonial House on Main. 
Light Up Nemacolin
Friday, Nov. 29 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. Snap a photo with Santa, sip hot cocoa and enjoy more surprises and delights!
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 The Chateau, Nemacolin’s iconic hotel, which has been reimagined, elevating its level of luxury, finishes, and service to dizzying heights.
Light-Up Somerset and Holiday Parade
Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Make a day of it with Somerset’s Small Business Saturday as 25 businesses will be ready to present their unique wares and great deals. Early shoppers will have the chance to score free swag bags. The Christkindlmarkt begins at 2 p.m., and the streets will close at 5 p.m., meaning Santa’s on his way for the parade to the Christmas tree in front of the Somerset County Courthouse. Don’t miss dancers on the diamond, live holiday music, hot cocoa, wagon rides and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Spend the night: Pair a late-night snack with a pint at Tailgatez and take advantage of a full night's slumber at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Somerset after a long day of fun.
Winter Lights Late Nights at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art
Thursdays from Nov. 21 through Dec. 26, 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! There will be a different theme each Thursday with unique art activities, entertainment, and specialty drink at the cash bar.
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 relax and recharge at the Courtyard by Marriott Greensburg.
Luminary Night in Downtown Greensburg
Thursday, Dec. 5, 5 to 8 p.m.
Stroll the luminary-lined streets of Downtown Greensburg on Thursday, December 5, between 5 and 8 p.m. Immerse yourself in the holiday magic as you browse through the delightful shops of Greensburg, enjoying community organizations coming together to ignite your holiday spirit! Enjoy special deals, horse-and-carriage rides, entertainments, treats and more.
Spend the night: Sip on a specialty cocktail and dine on upscale bar food at 3 Stone Merchant Gastropub before relaxing in elegance at The Grandeur Estate.
Braddock’s Inn Light-Up Night
Friday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Santa Claus is coming to Farmington!
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.
Ligonier Valley Historical Society’s Festival of Lights
Dec. 7-10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Experience the sparkle and magic of the season through unique holiday scenes and decorated trees at 201 E. Main St. in Ligonier in this event presented by Compass Inn Museum.
Spend the night: Enjoy great food and refreshing spirits with balcony views of picturesque Ligonier at Carol & Dave's Roadhouse, then retired to the charming Thistledown at Seger House.
