By Brianna Campagna
The holiday spirit swells the streets of Western Pennsylvania. Many local activities help to spread the winter cheer.
Overly’s Country Christmas is hosted at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds and provides a family-friendly experience with a drive-through light display and a walk-through Christmas Village. Activities such as shopping, tractor wagon rides, a winter playground and Santa’s Workshop are all presented in the village. From now until December 30th, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Overly’s is in operation. Ticket prices begin at $5 per person.
Something unique about Overly’s is that it is entirely run by volunteers. GS’ Interact Club has been volunteering in the Christmas Village for the past six years.
“Overly’s provides a fun Christmas light show that is in a family-friendly location,” senior Logan O’Brien, who volunteers yearly, said. “You can enjoy Christmas music, fun lights for the kids and they can talk to Santa about what they want for Christmas.”
Winter Lights are displayed at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art. Every night until January 29th, from dusk to 10 p.m., it is free to walk the outside perimeter of the museum. Their light display is sponsored by Luxe Creative, FirstEnergy Foundation and Penn State New Kensington.
Kennywood Holiday Lights tickets start at $19.99. Smaller rides and attractions, such as the Kangaroo, will be in operation. Shows, train displays, a petting zoo, and a Santa meet-and-greet are all included with the ticket price. A dinner with Santa add-on is available for up to $25.99.
The UPMC Rink at PPG Place is located in Pittsburgh. Ordering tickets online guarantees a day and timeslot to skate. Skate rentals can be purchased alongside the ticket but are not necessary. An adult ticket starts at $12.
Sophomore Anna Spigarelli skates for the Greensburg Figure Skating Team. She returns annually to the UPMC Rink to relive the experience.
“It’s a really fun experience,” Spigarelli said. “You can go with friends and there are shops nearby. It’s outside and there’s a huge tree.”
Carnegie Trees are displayed in the Hall of Architecture at the Carnegie Museum of Art. The Women’s Committee organizes this event yearly and decorates the trees with handmade ornaments. Each tree has their own theme, and they are on display from now until January 8th.
Dazzling Nights takes place at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Interactive lights, a 65-foot-long tunnel and a 30-foot-tall tree are at the Dazzling Lights. Until January 1st, tickets are available for purchase on their website. Ticket prices range from $12-$25 per person.
Many opportunities are available to enjoy the holidays within the community and surrounding communities.
“[The community] has increased the events amazingly over the past couple of years,” Physics teacher Mrs. Cheryl Harper said.
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