Best Winter Festivals In Pittsburgh
In Pittsburgh, there are winter festivals just waiting to be explored, and glamorous light shows, illuminations and enough holiday activities to shop, dine and experience the traditions of the winter season. When the snow flurries begin, it's time to get in the holiday spirit and head out and look for a festival to celebrate the winter season with the neighborhoods and communities of Pittsburgh.
Overly's Country Christmas
Westmoreland Fairgrounds
116 Blue Ribbon Lane
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 423-1400
www.overlys.com
Date: Til Jan. 1, 2016
The Overly's Country Christmas has been in operation since 1956, and each year it provides a holiday tradition for visitors of all ages. Walk to the Christmas Village and view the dazzling array of lights, trees, houses and buildings that are on display giving an impression of an old time Christmas. The pricing of the festival and schedule includes the light show and the Christmas Village, but there is an admission price for wagon, sleigh and train rides.
Related: 5 Historical Facts You Didn't Know About Pittsburgh
Beaver Light Up Festival
600 Third St.
Beaver , PA 15009
(724) 770-2062
beaverareachamber.com/events/light-up-festival
Date: Nov. 27, 2015; 5–9 p.m.
The Beaver County Recreation & Tourism and Chamber of Commerce provides a wonderful light display at the Beaver Light Up Festival in downtown Beaver. The celebration doesn't end there, continuing with a parade, live entertainment and horse-drawn carriage rides. Kids can get a photo with Santa, then join the family for hot chocolate and donuts. Visit the shop keepers for free hot cocoa and other refreshments. The community spirit really comes alive with a fireworks display, and the best deal is that the admission to the festival is free.
Winterfest At Moraine State Park
225 Pleasant Valley Road
Portersville, PA 16051
(724) 368-8811
www.morainepreservationfund.org
Date: January 16, 2016
Visitors wanting a diverse amount of activities need to trek on over to the North Shore at McDanel's Launch at Moraine Sate Park. There are enough opportunities for the entire family to enjoy. The park has free admission, and the only cost is a food and beverage purchase. The activities are scheduled for both indoor and outdoor venues. No matter where you explore, look for ice sculpting, dog sleds, winter hikes, cross country skiing, crafts, music, workshops, displays and demonstrations. Also, there may be some woodsy characters for the kids to hang out with, and a complete schedule of a chili cook-off, bonfire and ice skating is in the works.
Ligonier Ice Fest
The Diamond, Pennsylvania 711
Ligonier, PA 15658
(724) 328-4200
www.ligonier.com
Date: Jan. 23, 2016; 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Jan. 24, 2016; noon–4 p.m.
Visiting Ligonier is like walking along the streets with a patch of history within every step. The Ice Fest is held at the Diamond, which is in the center of the town with a historic bandstand and park. There are ice sculptures throughout the town and an ice artist to buzz away and carve the ice into different shapes with adept perfection. This ice event is scheduled for Sunday, January 24, 2016. The action in the town seems like a winter carnival with horse-drawn sleigh rides, musical entertainment and children's activities at the toy stores. Be sure to visit the local shops and purchase drinks, treats or shop.
Peoples Gas Holiday Market
23 Market Square
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(724) 566-4190
www.downtownpittsburgh.com
Date: Til Dec. 23, 2015; Mon–Thur,11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Fri & Sat, 11:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sun, 11a.m.–6:00 p.m.
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market affords a free opportunity for families to delve into activities that have an international twist and engage in an educational experience. The buildings are set up similar to a chalet with a German influence. Within each edifice is the chance to purchase unique gifts inherent to the German market. There are plenty of items to purchase for a family keepsake. Market Square comes alive with musical entertainment, and walking past each chalet gives a wintry feeling of celebration. The impressive and dynamic lights dance along with holiday songs. Kids can take a photo with Santa with a donation. While the parents are shopping for jewelry, clothes, art and ornaments, the kids can lead them over to a place for treats, pastries and a warm refreshment.
Related: Best Free Winter Activities For Families In Pittsburgh
Gerry Cernicky is a retired health and physical education teacher with 36 years of experience. He is a former teacher of the year and a sports writer for the Vandergrift News. He delivers podcasts, and maintains a website and blog. He currently resides in Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
