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Neighborhoods With The Best Holiday Lights In The Pittsburgh Area

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There are plenty of options for larger drive-through light displays throughout the region, but if the idea of sitting in a long line of cars doesn't fill you with Christmas cheer, you may need to look a little closer to home to find some hidden gems right in your neighborhood. Smaller housing plans and residential streets across the city typically transform their town with some of the best holiday light displays, but few people may actually know about them as larger light displays receive more attention. This season, take the family for a walk or ride through these five neighborhoods that boast the best holiday light displays much closer to home.

Christmas Light Up Celebration
600 Clinton Park Drive
Clinton, PA 15206
www.christmaslightup.com

Each holiday season, the Clinton neighborhood welcomes its neighbors and friends from throughout the Pittsburgh area to its Christmas Light Up Celebration. Volunteers start decorating with millions of sparkling lights in September so that the displays and decorations are ready by opening day in late November. Experience the beauty of a one-mile drive through Clinton's wooded winter wonderland as well as hayrides and Christmas carolers. Clinton's Christmas Light Up Celebration is located off of Route 30, roughly two miles from the Pittsburgh International Airport and 15 minutes from the Robinson shopping area. Admission is a $10 donation per vehicle.

Woodland Ridge Neighborhood
Cross streets of Thorn Run Road and Tiffany Ridge Drive
Coraopolis, PA 15108

For more than 20 years, the Moon Township neighborhood of Woodland Ridge has lit up its nearly 200 homes located throughout this expansive housing plan. Walk or drive by and save a few minutes to stop at some of the homes that residents open up to the community for indoors tours as well. There is no charge to see these lovely lighted streets. Make the turn on to Tiffany Ridge Road via Thorn Run Road to begin your Christmas light drive.

Village of Sewickley
Cross streets of Ohio River Boulevard and Broad Street
Sewickley, PA 15143
www.exploresewickley.com

Yuletide in Sewickley is sure to put you in the holiday spirit with its annual light up night. The festivities kick off on in late November and continue through December 21 with loads of lights and other family-friendly activities. Delight in dancing, music, local food, shopping, vendor carts and the traditional Lighting of the Village. Every Saturday, Santa arrives at Wolcott Park, where you can share with him your wish list and hop aboard a free carriage ride. Admission is free as is parking after 1:30 p.m. on weekdays in December and all day on weekends.

Related: Guide To Area Holiday Light Displays

Cranberry Heights' Baker Family Christmas House
Cross streets of Winterbrook Drive and Hedge Row Court
Cranberry Township, PA 16066

Cranberry Heights certainly has no shortage of wintery light displays, but there is one home that truly stands out: the Baker Family Christmas home located off of Hedge Row Court. For years, the Baker family has transformed its home into an extravaganza of lights and music with donations benefiting Pace, an organization that helps children with autism and special needs. New additions to this year's display include a nearly 21-foot lighted tree, snowflake lights, projection displays and Santa. The Cranberry Heights neighborhood is located just minutes off of I-79's Mars/Cranberry exit.

Steel City Christmas
1736 Beryl Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15227
www.steelcitychristmas.com

Baldwin Township is a bright spot on Pittsburgh's list of holiday lights thanks to Robert Cox, who shines a spotlight on his Beryl Drive home each season. Imagine more than 210,000 lights, 13 holiday songs playing on repeat, almost 30 inflatables and 5.5 miles of extension cords to power it all! In true "Steel City Christmas" style, Cox does all of the computer work, lighting design and actual decorating with help from his wife Raquel in an effort to preserve his grandfather's tradition of putting up tons of lights when Robert was a child.

Related: Best Places For Unique Christmas Ornaments In Pittsburgh

Jessica Wasik is a graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies. She is also a contributing writer for AXS.com and Examiner.com. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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