Hop Into the Holidays: Winter Activities in Greensburg

With the seasons changing (back and forth), many students are looking for wintertime activities to help get them in the mood for Christmas. Read on to find some wintery wonders that you can do in the area.

1. Overly’s Country Christmas

This Pennsylvania lightshow has been entertaining people since 1956. It began when Harry Overly, the creator of Overly’s, started decorating his home in Armbrust. Over time, the Overly family started using the light display as a way to raise money for charity. In 1994, they realized the display was becoming too large, so they found a permanent location at the fairgrounds. 

The average tour time is between 45 and 90 minutes long. Among the tour attractions, there are Christmas light displays, a “magical Christmas tree,” and a live nativity scene with donkeys, sheep, and carved figures to represent Jesus’s birth.

2. Jingle Bell Run (Pittsburgh)

Pittsburgh’s Arthritis Foundation hosts The Jingle Bell Run every December. The 2021 race will take place on December 4 in North Park. The foundation uses this race as a way to raise funds and spread awareness on arthritis, which is America’s top cause of disability.The events offered include a 5K run/walk and a one-mile holiday-themed race. 

In addition to the race, participants can enjoy other attractions like photos with Santa, a dog costume contest, the holiday village market, and a kids fun run. The race is timed and “certified dog-friendly,” according to the foundation.

3. “Elf” The Musical at Geyer Performing Arts Center

Follow Buddy the Elf’s amusing journey as he explores various quests in an attempt to find his true identity. This magical musical is based on the beloved holiday classic, 2003 “Elf.” This performance may even have you yelling “I’m in love, I’m in love, and I don’t care who knows it!”

Tickets will be on sale starting in December for $15 each. 

4. Winter Lights Illumination Night 2021

On Saturday, Nov. 27, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art is hosting the “Winter Lights Illumination Night 2021.” Some of the amenities provided include free hot chocolate, live music, and an elaborate christmas light display that will run nightly through January. All tickets registered in advance are free. This lovingly lit event will happen between 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 27.

5. Christmas Films on Streaming Services

In addition to the outdoor winter attractions, there are some indoor ones for folks more prone to staying home. It’s always nice to take a trip down memory lane and rewatch some beloved Christmas films from our childhood. 
HBO Max is well-stocked in these films for this time of year. Some of the classics you can enjoy on their streaming platform include “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “A Christmas Story,” “Elf” and “The Polar Express.” In addition to HBO Max, Amazon is also offering some holiday classics, like “Christmas With the Kranks,” “Jingle All the Way,” Dr. Seuss’s “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Polar Express,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Prancer,” and “Love Actually.”