There is so much going on during the holiday season in Fayette County, PA. I decided to make a list of events and activities I usually have on my radar to help others make some plans. Most of these events are in Fayette County, but some occur in nearby areas outside of the county.
I’m not sure if everything is current and I’m sure there are things I’ve missed. Please feel free to email me at adventureswkelly@gmail.com if there is something I should add.
Sidenote, while we are talking about Christmas time in Fayette County, I wanted to share the Facebook page for Toys for Tots Fayette County, PA where you can find information regarding donating or receiving toys.
My Traditions
First, I’ll share some of the traditions I’ve tried to start in my own family.
We always like to check out a local light-up night. As Uniontown residents, we tend to support our local event in Uniontown called Christmas in the Square by the Uniontown Downtown Business District Authority. It’s a beautiful night in the city with a parade, lighting up the tree, and more fun activities.
It has also become a tradition to grab a cup of hot chocolate, put some Christmas carols on in the car, and drive around and look at homes decorated for Christmas. The tradition has even evolved into us giving out an award for our favorite decorated home.
From this tradition, I’ve noticed many homeowners go all out, so I created a list A Guide to Christmas Lights in Fayette County, PA for anyone else who wants to drive around and look at lights.
Additionally, even though it can be cold and dark during the holiday season, I still try to get my family outside. Sometimes it’s a little easier when we let the kids run around in free light displays. Check out a separate post with ideas of places to take a walk in the evenings – Free Holiday Light Displays in Fayette County, PA (watch video here).
One of our favorite free light displays is at Hutchinson Park in Uniontown. There is about a half-mile lighted walking loop with lots of decorations near the covered bridge on the Sheepskin Trail.
I also like to plan for a Breakfast with Santa event. My sister incorporated our family into her family tradition of Breakfast with Santa at The Historic Stone House.
Lastly, I usually plan a family holiday day trip somewhere. So far, we have attended and enjoyed:
- Holiday Lights at Kennywood
- The Polar Express on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad – I’ve created a separate post with more info about that – A Closer Look at the Polar Express Train Ride – Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
- Santa Trolley – Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
- Mini golf in Christmas Lights at Holiday Lights Fun Fore All Family Fun Park
- Overly’s Country Christmas – Greensburg, PA (watch video here)
Other day trip Christmas activities on my bucket list:
- Holiday Light events at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium and Living Treasures Animal Park
- Light Up Night Downtown Pittsburgh
- Lights at Phipps Conservatory and Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
- North Star Restaurant Christmas Popup – Imperial, PA
- Santa Fun Christmas Cruise – Gateway Clipper
- It’s A Wonderful Life Holiday Parade and Festival – Indiana, PA
- Festival of Lights – Oglebay
- Outdoor Ice Rinks – The Rink at PPG Place and JTF Ice Rink
- Clinton Christmas Light Up
- Holiday Tours with Santa – Molly’s Trolley Pittsburgh
- Deck the Barns – Washington Fairgrounds
Ok let’s get into more ideas outside of my traditions.
Municipal Events and Light Up Nights
- Christmas in the Park at Yough Park and Christmas Parade – Greater Connellsville Chamber of Commerce
- Christmas in the Square – Uniontown Downtown Business District Authority
- Santa in the Park – Point Marion Park
- Hopwood Light Up Night by The Real Hopwood Villagers
- Scenery Hill Christmas Art Market and Light Up Night by Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania
- Mountain Area Light Up Night in Wharton Township
- Christmas Tree Light Up Night – Fairchance, PA
- Winter Light Celebration – Scottdale Area Chamber of Commerce
Other Community Events
- Turkey Trot 5K – The Uniontown Salvation Army – Thanksgiving morning
- Christmas Movie at the Indoor Sports Complex by South Union Township
- Holiday Open Play Date – Venue 67
- Santa Visit at Quarter Pine Tree Farm
- Holiday Home Tour by Crime Victims of Fayette County
- Live Nativity – Mt Macrina Manor
- Yough Lanes – Bowling with the Grinch
- Braddock’s Restaurant and Tavern – Light Up Night
- Marcon’s Building Supply – Very Merry Christmas and Mountain Light Up Contest
- Art classes (e.g. wreath making, nutcracker painting, etc.) – Uniontown Art Club, Appalachian Creativity Center, Watson Estate Bnb and Deer Creek Winery, Hardin Hollow, and The Wow! Factory
- Don’t forget Small Business Saturday – Some of my favorite places to check out in downtown Uniontown include Neubauer’s Flowers & Market House, Pepperberries, and Yesterday’s Today Antiques and Crafts Mall
Live Entertainment
- The State Theatre Center for the Arts – The Nutcracker Ballet, Holiday Concert by VFW Post 8543 Band, and possibly some holiday movies. One year, we loved watching White Christmas on the big screen at the State Theatre.
- Check out other local theatres to see if there is a holiday event:
Historical Events
- Check out the Fayette County Historical Society/Abel Colley Tavern & Museum for events such as Santa at the Toll House
- Visit the Fayette County, PA Court House to see it decorated for Christmas
- Christmas Open House at the Gibson House by Connellsville Historical Society
- Christmas events at Nemacolin Castle by the Brownsville Historical Society
- Candlelight: Celebrating Yuletide at Compass Inn Museum
Breakfast with Santa
Be on the lookout for Breakfast with Santa events at the following:
- The Historic Stone House Inn
- DiMarco’s
- Connellsville Canteen
- Mom Maruca’s – Pizza with Santa
- Uniontown Country Club
- Joseph A. Hardy Connellsville Airport – Brunch with Santa
- Rich Farms Nursery – Pancakes with Santa
- Mountain Fellowship Center – Breakfast & Bingo with Santa
- Mylan Park – Holiday Brunch with Santa
Vendor Shows
Vendor shows are a great opportunity to shop locally for the holidays and find unique items. Here are a few places I’d check to see if there is a vendor show:
- Uniontown Art Club
- Tissue Farm – Holiday Artisan Fair
- Uniontown Mall
- Coffee At Crawford
- Cinder Shack – Mistletoe Market
- Grayson House
- Yinzer Valley Farms
- Seven Springs – Holiday Market
- Ohiopyle Winter Market – Wildnerness Voyageurs
- Christmas Art Market – Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania
- G.C. Marshall Elementary – Oh What Fun Extravaganza – 2-day vendor show, food truck, Santa, reindeer, and more
I hope this list helps cook up some holiday plans for you. If you found this helpful, I want to hear about your holiday adventures. Tag me on Instagram (@adventureswkelly). Happy Holidays!