Experience the 2022 holiday season like a local in Armstrong County! From meals and meet and greets with Santa to festivals and open houses in our communities, there are many ways to celebrate this season with your friends and family in Apollo, Dayton, Ford City, Freeport, Kittanning, Rural Valley, and beyond. Find a list of family-friendly festivals and events, cultural events, arts and crafts classes, holiday parades, food and drink events, shopping events, and ongoing festivities throughout the county below. *

* This list is not comprehensive and is subject to change. If you know of any additional seasonal events happening in the county, please send an email to [email protected]

Family-Friendly Festivals & Events

Pictures with Santa
Saturday, November 19, 2:30-4 PM
Leechburg Area Community Development Corporation, Leechburg

The Leechburg Area Community Association presents Pictures with Santa! LACA is partnering with Kali Marie Photography to bring this opportunity to Leechburg on Saturday, November 19. The fee is $40 for a 10-minute session and digital downloads with a print release. Book your session online.

Festivities in the Streets
Saturday, November 19, 3-8 PM
Kittanning Borough

Kittanning Hometown Holiday Events is hosting Festivities in the Streets along Market Street, N. & S. Jefferson Street, and N. & S. McKean Street in downtown Kittanning! Visitors will find live entertainment, visits with Santa, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, axe throwing, bouncy houses, face painting, a live nativity, and more from 3-8 PM. Learn more on KHHE’s Facebook page.

Ford City Fantasy of Lights Celebration
Saturday, November 19, 3-8 PM
Ford City Borough

The Ford City Renaissance Community Partnership is hosting the Fantasy of Lights Celebration throughout Ford Street on Saturday, November 19! There will be a variety of arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, live entertainment, visits with Santa, free children’s activities, fireworks, and more. Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with family, friends, neighbors, and visitors alike. More information can be found on the FCRCP Facebook page

Rural Valley Community Family Light Up Night
Saturday, November 19, 4-8 PM
Rural Valley 

Visit Rural Valley on Saturday, November 19 for their Community Family Light Up Night! A portion of Main Street will be closed to traffic for the holiday festivities, including Santa’s arrival and the magical lighting of the Christmas tree around 5:30 PM. There will be hot chocolate at Shannock Valley Hardware Store, Christmas music with Jamm’n Jim DJ, vendors at Rural Valley Hose Co. #1, hot dogs, coffee and baked goods at R&P Coffee Co., and more.

Light Up Extravaganza
Sunday, November 20, 2:30-7:30 PM
Dayton 

Visit Dayton for the Light Up Extravaganza hosted by The Ministerial Association and the community of Dayton! The line up of events includes The Muppet’s Christmas Carol at 2:30 PM, pizza at 4 PM, and the light up event and Santa visit from 4:30-5 PM! A community church service will be held at Belknap Church at 6:30 PM. Movies and pizza will held at the Dayton VFD, and light up, Santa, caroling, and hot cocoa and cookies will take place in the center of downtown Dayton.

Luminate Leechburg
Saturday, November 26, 8 AM-7 PM
Leechburg 

Leechburg Area Community Association is hosting its annual Luminate Leechburg event on Saturday, November 26! Starting at 8 AM, there will be different activities throughout the day, including letters to Santa, pictures with Santa, ornament and salt dough ornament decorating, a scavenger hunt, a parade, and a tree lighting. Visit LACA’s Facebook page for more information.

ACHMGS’s Christmas Open House
Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27
Armstrong County Historical Museum and Genealogical Society, Kittanning

The Armstrong County Historical Museum and Genealogical Society is hosting a Christmas Open House on Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27! Stop by to enjoy the decorated McCain House and participate in free holiday festivities planned for the weekend. On Saturday from 3-7 PM, there will be museum tours, a children’s scavenger hunt, light refreshments, live music, and family photos at the log cabin. On Sunday from 1-4 PM, there will be museum tours, a children’s scavenger hunt, light refreshments, live music, and family photos at the log cabin. Members of the 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Living History Family will be present in Civil War-period attire.

Advent Candlelight Rorate Mass
Friday, December 2, 7 PM
Christ Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Ford City

All are welcome to prepare their hearts for the holy season of Christmas during this all-candlelight Advent mass featuring sacred music by The St. Gregory Institute of Sacred Music.

2022 Holly Berry Fair
Friday, December 2 & Saturday, December 3
St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Hall, Kittanning 

St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is hosting a two-day fair from 9 AM-6 PM on both days. This event will feature a theme basket raffle, Christmas greens and things, a bake sale, used Christmas items, a money raffle, surprise packages for children, and more. Lunch and bingo will be available both days from 12-2 PM, and breakfast with Santa will be held on Saturday from 9-11 AM. There will also be a dine-in or take-out Italian rigatoni dinner on Saturday from 3-6 PM. 

A Small Town Christmas
Saturday, December 3, 8 AM-7 PM
Freeport Borough

Celebrate Christmas in Freeport with family-friendly activities from local businesses and organizations all day long, including a Christmas shop and bake sale, breakfast with Santa, a Little Free Library ribbon cutting, pet photos with Santa, a gingerbread house contest and display, a Christmas parade, and a tree-lighting ceremony! Visit the Freeport Renaissance Association Facebook event for more details. 

Elderton Light Up Night
Saturday, December 3, 5 PM
Elderton

Elderton is hosting its community Light Up Night on Saturday, December 3! The events will begin at 5 PM with a tree lighting. The parade will end at Elderton Firehall, where attendees can visit with Santa and bring their own self-addressed letter. The Farmhouse Market & Bakery will be playing Christmas movies, giving away a hot dog and cookie to each child, and hosting a winter clothing drive. There will be a basket raffle with Elderton Parks & Rec, and the Elderton Elementary PTA will lead a children’s craft.

Worthington Sparkle Night
Saturday, December 3, 5:30 PM
Worthington Civic Center, Worthington

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 3 for Worthington Sparkle Night! Have your photo taken with Santa, browse the raffle baskets, and visit with friends during this festive event. 

Toy Run
Sunday, December 4, 9 AM-5 PM
Ben Franklin Range, Templeton 

Stiller Motorsports and Ben Franklin Range is hosting the 35th Annual Toy Run on Sunday, December 4. Join them for a great cause — participation is $25 a person or FREE with a new, unwrapped toy valued at $25. Hot lunch will be provided. Donations will be accepted. There will also be a bonfire. All off-road vehicles are welcome.  

Christmas Toy Drive
Sunday, December 4, 1-4 PM
The Meredith Inn, Kittanning

PSA Events is hosting a Christmas Toy Drive sponsored by The Meredith Inn on Sunday, December 4! Toys will be donated to child and youth services and local families in need during the holiday season. There will be hot chocolate available, and attendees can get their picture taken with Santa for $10. Free gift bags will be given to children who donate unwrapped and unused toys. 

A Visit with St. Nicholas
Tuesday, December 6, 4-8 PM
Ford City Park Gazebo & Divine Redeemer School, Ford City

Visit St. Nicholas for a wonderful evening of family fun in Ford City! The event will take place from 4-5 PM in the Ford City Park gazebo and 5-8 PM at the Divine Redeemer School. Activities include pictures with St. Nick, food for purchase, various children’s games and activities, a Scholastic Book Fair, and basket raffles.

Story Night
Thursday, December 8, 6-8 PM
Ford City Public Library, Ford City

Join the FCPL for a magical story night! Miss Kate will be reading Who Will Guide My Sleigh Tonight with Christmas crafts, hot chocolate, and cookies. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots in exchange for photos with Santa by Jacalyn of Elwood Photography Services. This event is free and open to all ages. 

Polar Express Reading
Saturday, December 10, 1 PM
Kittanning Public Library, Kittanning

All aboard the Polar Express! Mrs. Darla Patterson, along with the Kittanning Public Library board members, will be sharing The Polar Express. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served after the reading. A very special guest will also be making an appearance at this family event — bring your camera!

Santa Visit at Drake Log Cabin
Saturday, December 10, 5:30-8 PM
Drake Log Cabin, Apollo

The Apollo Area Historical Society is hosting Santa and Mrs. Claus inside the Drake Log Cabin for Christmas! On Saturday, December 10, stop by the cozy cabin, kept warm by the lit fireplace, and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will be elves helping the families enter the cabin through the front door and exit through the back. Everyone is welcome to take pictures of their little ones with Santa. There will be Christmas music playing, luminaries and candles lighting the paths, and all children will all get treat bags loaded with goodies. Hot chocolate, warm cider, and cookies will also be available. There will be a few fires going outside for the all to get warm and roast marshmallows.

Pictures with Santa
Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11, 9 AM-1 PM
Cadet Restaurant, Kittanning

Santa Claus is coming to the Cadet Restaurant! Stop by for a magical experience including a meet and greet and photos with Santa, letters to Santa, and a gift! There is no entry fee, and reservations are not required.

Cookies & Pictures with Santa
Sunday, December 11, 1-3 PM
Silver Canoe Campground, Rural Valley

Campers at Silver Canoe Campground are invited to join Santa for cookies and pictures! Start a new tradition with your family by renting a cabin this holiday season and bring the kiddos to meet Santa. 

Drive Thru Live Nativity
Sunday, December 11, 5-8 PM
Blanket Hill Speedway, Kittanning

The Triple Blessings Charge of the United Methodist Church presents its third annual Drive Thru Live Nativity at Blanket Hill Speedway on Sunday, December 11! This event will feature live animals, music, and an interactive story. Monetary donations given will support local food banks.

Sk8 With Santa
Saturday, December 17, 11 AM-2 PM
VaLarena Sk8Land, North Apollo

Santa Claus is coming to skate! VALarena Sk8Land is hosting a roller skating event with Santa for children 10 and under. The fee is $8 per skater and includes the skate rental. Non-skaters are $4, and children under 4 are free. They may also bring push-along riding toys with clean wheels. Snacks and drinks will be provided.  

Hometown Christmas
Friday, December 23, 5-8 PM
Soldier’s and Sailors Hall, Apollo 

Santa & Mrs. Claus are coming back to Apollo! Join the Apollo Events Committee on Friday, December 23rd at Soldier’s and Sailors Hall for a last-minute visit with Santa before he has to get back to the North Pole. There will be free hot chocolate, cookies, and a craft area for the kids. A special needs hour will be from 5-6 PM, and the event will be open to the general public from 6-8 PM.

Cultural Events

The Nativity – A Christmas Delight Performance
Friday, December 16-Sunday, December 18, 7-8:30 PM
Freeport Theatre Festival, Leechburg

How are you preparing for the coming of the little Christ Child? Freeport Theatre Festival is delighted to present for one and all The Nativity – a Christmas Delight, written by Father Edward Volz and Rennick Steele, for one weekend only. A cookie and hot cider social will be held after the performance for the community near and far. Pay what you can at the door — reservations are required. Please call 724-295-1934 to make your reservation. Come enjoy the newly heated theatre and feed your spirit this Christmas season.

Arts & Crafts Classes

Wreath Decorating Workshop
Thursday, November 15, 5:30-8 PM
The Meredith Inn, Kittanning

Join The Meredith Inn for their first Christmas event of the season! Build your own wreath on a live Evergreen wreath! Choose from oodles of decor and experience a bow-making tutorial! $65 includes tax and gratuity, appetizers, a live Evergreen wreath, decor, and a bow-making tutorial. Register in advance.

Rudolph Ornament Decorating
Tuesday, November 22, 5:30-8 PM
The Meredith Inn, Kittanning

The Meredith Inn is hosting Rhonda from Purple Pinkie Pottery for a fun and festive Rudolph Ornament Decorating class! Each participant will be able to paint four different ornaments — Yukon Cornelius, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Hermey the Misfit Elf, and the Abominable Snowmonster — and enjoy delicious appetizers for $35. Register in advance.

Christmas Ornament Cupcake Class
Tuesday, November 29, 6-8 PM
Cake Shotts, Dayton 

This is a fun-filled, hands-on class with Cake Shotts where students of all levels of cake decorating skills will decorate six cupcake ornaments. Each will go home with a box of beautifully decorated cupcake ornaments. All supplies are included. This class is $45 per student — bring a friend for an additional $35. You must pre-register/pre-pay to ensure a spot in class. Payment can be mailed or dropped off at Cake Shotts, 1574 State Route 1042, Dayton, PA 16222. Contact Cake Shotts on Facebook to register.

Christmas Kid Icing Fun Class
Saturday, December 10, 9-10 AM
Cake Shotts, Dayton 

Kids will learn simple decorating techniques and use those skills to decorate their own six-pack of cupcakes. The fee is $20 per kid, and pre-registration is required. All supplies are included. Payment can be mailed or dropped off at Cake Shotts, 1574 State Route 1042, Dayton, PA 16222. Contact Cake Shotts on Facebook to register.

Santa Claus Cupcake Kid’s Class
Saturday, December 10, 10:30-11:30 AM
Cake Shotts, Dayton 

In this cupcake decorating class, kids will make a Santa Claus face out of multiple cupcakes! The recommended age is 5+. This class is $25 per kid. All supplies are included. Payment can be mailed or dropped off at Cake Shotts, 1574 State Route 1042, Dayton, PA 16222. Contact Cake Shotts on Facebook to register.

Mommy and Me Christmas Rudolph Cake Class
Saturday, December 10, 12:30-2 PM
Cake Shotts, Dayton

In this class, mom (or another adult) and child will decorate a Rudolph the Reindeer cake. There is no minimum or maximum age, just consider smaller children will not be able to help as much. This class is $45 per mommy/child pair. Additional children require an additional spot. All supplies are included. Payment can be mailed or dropped off at Cake Shotts, 1574 State Route 1042, Dayton, PA 16222. Contact Cake Shotts on Facebook to register.

Christmas Gnome Paint Party
Sunday, December 11, 1-4 PM
Edgewood Winery & Event Center, Spring Church

Join Edgewood Winery to paint a Christmas Gnome painting with instructor Cathy Paterson, a retired high school art teacher. Cathy has been doing paint parties for over 10 years and makes it fun and easy. The gnome is outlined with easy step-by-step instructions. All supplies are provided. The cost is $35 per person. Call to reserve your spot: 724-478-4373

Snowman Wooden Paint Class
Sunday, December 18, 1-4 PM
Edgewood Winery & Event Center, Spring Church

Join Edgewood Winery for a fun-filled day painting a wooden snowman! You will be supplied with all the wood and paint. The body is 12″ wide by 36″ tall, and the total snowman is right around 39-40″ tall. The base is 18″ wide. The cost is $50. To sign up, please call the winery or stop in during business hours: 724-478-4373

Holiday Parades

A Small Town Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 3, 5 PM
Freeport Borough 

Visit the Freeport borough to enjoy a Christmas parade organized by the Freeport Renaissance Association and the Freeport Volunteer Fire Department! Staging starts at 3:30 PM, and the parade kicks off from the boat ramp on 1st Street at 5 PM. The route goes down 1st Street to Riverside Drive, up Riverside Drive to 5th Street, up 5th Street to Buffalo Street, up Buffalo to 2nd Street, and down 2nd Street to James E. Swartz Jr. Memorial Field, where the Christmas tree will be lit post-parade. 

Festival Through The Borough
Friday, December 9, 6: 30 PM
Kittanning Borough 

Kittanning Hometown Holiday Events is bringing the parade — named Festival Through The Borough — through the streets of downtown Kittanning and through the residential area to share holiday cheer with all. The parade will feature local entrepreneurs, non-profits, and Santa. Learn more on KHHE’s Facebook page.

Food & Drink Events: Family-Friendly 

Small Business Saturday Cookie Crawl
Saturday, November 26, 9:30 AM
Ford City

Join the Ford City Area Business and Professional Association in downtown Ford City for its third annual sweet celebration of Small Business Saturday! The starting point for cookies, shopping, and prizes will be the Latin American Beneficial Society. Check out the Facebook event for more information.

Breakfast & Brunch with Santa
Sunday, December 4, 10 AM & 1 PM
Lingrow Farm, Leechburg

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Santa and friends at Lingrow Farm! Each ticket includes a traditional holiday breakfast/brunch of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, and fruit medley followed by a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This is a sit-down plated event starting promptly at the listed times. so please arrive 15 minutes prior to the event start. Please email [email protected] with any allergen concerns. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Gilpin Township Police. Purchase tickets online.

Dinner & Dessert with The Grinch
Sunday, December 4, 3-7 PM
Inn at Lenape Heights, Ford City

Join The Inn at Lenape Heights: Event Center & Golf Resort for an evening of dining with Whoville’s naughtiest… the Grinch! Adults are $22 and children 12 & under are $14. Limited seating is available. Their Whoville-inspired feast includes Roast Beast (Roast Beef & Gravy), Max’s Favorite (Chicken Strip Tenders), Who Hash (Home Fries), Grinch Greens (Green Beans with Bacon), and more. Register online or by calling 724-763-2201.

Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 10, 9-11 AM
Armstrong Jr./Sr. High School, Kittanning 

Join Armstrong High School’s Junior Class Cabinet for Breakfast with Santa! The event will include photos with Santa, holiday games, coloring, breakfast, and more. Please bring your own device to take your child’s picture with Santa. Pre-register online.

Cookies with Santa
Saturday, December 10, 11 AM-4 PM
Mystic Beauty Spiritual Wellness Studio, Ford City

Enjoy cookies and milk with Santa, listen to a story read by Mrs. Claus, and take a small gift home from Mystic Beauty Spiritual Wellness Studio! Sessions are available from 11 AM-12 PM, 1-2 PM, or 3-4 PM. The cost is $10 — register online.

Breakfast with Santa
Sunday, December 11 & Sunday, December 18
Inn at Lenape Heights, Ford City

Join Mr. & Mrs. Claus for Breakfast at The Inn at Lenape Heights: Event Center & Golf Resort! They have two dates available: December 11th & December 18th. Adults are $22 and children 12 & under are $14. The time slots available on both days are 9 AM and 11 AM. Limited seating is available. Register online or by calling 724-763-2201.

Christmas Brunch
Saturday, December 17, 10 AM-2 PM
The Meredith Inn, Kittanning

The Meredith Inn is hosting its annual Christmas brunch on Saturday, December 17! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be spending the afternoon with attendees — photo ops are complimentary and included with the brunch purchase. This event is by reservation only. Please call 724-793-7364 to reserve your table. Adults are $28, children 5-10 are $14, and children 4 and younger are free. View the full menu on the Facebook event page.

Cookies with Santa
Saturday, December 17, 3-5:30 PM
Richard G. Snyder YMCA, Kittanning

Join the Richard G. Snyder YMCA for Cookies with Santa! Decorate some Christmas cookies and snap your own pictures with Santa. Children will also be able to write a letter to Santa to take back to the North Pole. This event is $15 per family (max 6 people). All proceeds help put children in the community in our programs. The times for the event are 3-4 PM or 4:30-5:30 PM. Register in person at the YMCA.

Food & Drink Events: Adults Only 

Ugly Sweater Party
Saturday, December 10, 4 PM-Close
Twin Pines, Kittanning

Twin Pines Tavern is hosting an Ugly Sweater Party! Sweater judging will be held at 9 PM, and prizes will be given for the ugliest sweater.

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party
Saturday, December 17, 1 PM-Close
Lock 5 Tavern, Freeport 

Wear your ugliest sweater and come on down to Lock 5 Tavern! There will be delicious Christmas drink specials on the menu, and “the luck before Christmas” will take place at 8 PM. Happy hour will be 8-10 PM. The jukebox will also be free from 8-10 PM. 

Shopping Events

Christmas Open House
November 4-6 & 11-13
The Rustique Log Cabin & Black Dog Wine Company, Kittanning

The Rustique Log Cabin & Black Dog Wine Company is hosting its Christmas Open House for two weekends! Stop by on Friday, November 4-Sunday, November 6 or Friday, November 11-Sunday, November 13 from 10 AM-5 PM to find a little bit of old and a little bit of new just in time for the holiday season!

Christmas 2022 Craft Show
November 4-13, 10 AM-5 PM
My Dad’s Farm, Ford City 

Join My Dad’s Farm for its Christmas 2022 Craft Show. They are open DAILY November 4th through 13th from 10 AM-5 PM, rain or shine. Parking and admission are free. Cash and check are accepted on all purchases, and credit or debit cards will be accepted for purchases over $30.

West Kittanning Winter Craft and Vendor Show
November 12, 10 AM-2 PM
West Kittanning Fire Department Station 240, West Kittanning

The West Kittanning Fire Department is hosting a winter vendor and craft show featuring over 40 vendors. There will also be a Chinese auction benefiting the VFD. Admission and parking are free.

Christmas Open House
November 17-19
The Crow’s Cupboard, Parker

The Crow’s Cupboard in Parker is hosting a Christmas Open House from Thursday, November 17-Saturday, November 19! Shop while you sip complimentary apple cider. The hours are Thursday 7 AM-2 PM, Friday 7 AM-6 PM, and Saturday 7 AM-2 PM. 

West Hills PTO Fall Festival
November 19, 11 AM-3 PM
West Hills Intermediate School, Kittanning

The West Hills PTO is hosting its Fall Festival in the West Hills Intermediate School gymnasium on November 19! There will be a variety of vendors, basket raffles, and food options. 

WSHS Craft/Vendor Show
November 19, 10 AM-4 PM
West Shamokin High School, Rural Valley

The West Shamokin Marching Band is hosting a vendor show with 40+ vendors, a Chinese auction, lunch items, and children’s games! All proceeds benefit members of the marching band. Admission is free.

Holiday Open House
Saturday, November 26, 10 AM-6 PM
Gardners Candies, Kittanning 

Shop local at Gardners Candies for Small Business Saturday! Gardners is hosting a holiday open house featuring 10% off all holiday decor. Santa will also be on-site from 1-2 PM — bring your list and get your photo taken with Santa. 

Shop Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 26, 11 AM-5 PM
Earthbound Apothecary, Kittanning 

Earthbound Apothecary will have a few vendors set up at the shop for Small Business Saturday. There will also be raffles, discounts, and refreshments available! 

Winter Craft and Vendor Show
Sunday, November 27, 12-4 PM
Edgewood Winery & Event Center, Spring Church

Edgewood Winery is hosting its annual Winter Craft and Vendor Show on Sunday, November 27! This event will be held inside. Shop for the holidays and enjoy an adult beverage while perusing the vendor tables.

Christmas Book Sale
Thursday, December 1-Saturday, December 3
Kittanning Public Library, Kittanning 

Kittanning Public Library is hosting its Christmas Book Sale on December 1 from 10 AM-5 PM, December 2 from 10 AM-5 PM, and December 3 from 9 AM-4 PM at its location on North Jefferson Street.

Christmas Party
Saturday, December 3, 9 AM-6 PM
G&T Sports Cards Plus, Freeport 

G&T Sports Cards Plus in Freeport is hosting a Christmas party during A Small Town Christmas! Stop in for free cookies, drinks, popcorn, and candy canes along with sales, specials, and more. 

Holiday Bazaar
Monday, December 5, 7 AM-5 PM
ACMH Continuing Education Room, Kittanning 

The ACMH Auxiliary presents the Holiday Bazaar. Vendors include Alyssa Creation, Dusty Overalls, Elm Grove Alpacas, It’s a Sign, K&K Krafts, Kelly’s Crafts, Let’s Sew, Sandy’s Succulents, Soaps by Bonnie, Specialty DistriBeautifying, and Tupperware. Cash, checks, or payroll deduction are accepted forms of payment.  

Armstrong High School Holiday Craft & Home Party Show
Saturday, December 10, 10 AM-3 PM
Armstrong Jr./Sr. High School, Kittanning 

Armstrong High School’s EASE Club (Educational Activities for Special Education) is hosting the annual Holiday Craft & Home Party Show at Armstrong Jr./Sr. High School! Over 120 vendors will be set up for this popular craft show. View the vendor list on the Facebook event page. There will also be a concession stand open for lunch.

Santa & Gift Wrapping at One Idea Books & Gifts
Saturday, December 10, 10 AM-4 PM
One Idea Books & Gifts, Leechburg

Meet Santa and enjoy complimentary gift wrapping by his elves at One Idea Books & Gifts in Leechburg! Gift wrapping is available from 10 AM-4 PM, and Santa will be on-site from 2:30-3:30 PM. 

Mary’s Unique Gifts Black Saturday Event
Saturday, December 10, 11 AM-5 PM
Mary’s Unique Gifts & Conference Center, Kittanning 

Mary’s Unique Gifts & Conference Center along US-422 is hosting a sale on Saturday, December 10! All items in-store will be 15% off. Author and screenwriter Aaron Dunbar will also be selling copies of his books and DVDs. 

Holiday Mini-Market at the Welcome Center
Saturday, December 17, 10 AM-6 PM
Experience Armstrong, Inc., Kittanning 

Experience Armstrong, Inc. is hosting a Holiday Mini-Market at the Welcome Center in Kittanning for last-minute holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. Shop locally-made wares and Armstrong County-related gift items, purchase cookies from Whisk & Wildflour, meet with local author Mary Kathryn Koma, and enjoy free hot cocoa and popcorn. Learn more here

Christmas Shopping Extravaganza
Saturday, December 17, 11 AM-4 PM
Earthbound Apothecary, Kittanning 

Join Earthbound Apothecary for some shopping, free cookies, hot chocolate, and an ugly sweater contest during their Christmas Shopping Extravaganza. The winner of the contest will win a $25 Sheetz card and a $25 Earthbound Apothecary gift certificate.  

Ongoing Festivities

Ford City Memorial Park Fantasy of Trees
Tuesday, November 8 – Sunday, January 15
Ford City Memorial Park

Businesses, organizations, individuals, and families throughout the area have decorated dedicated trees throughout Ford City Memorial Park for others to enjoy all season long. Decorating begins November 8, and the trees will remain on display until January 15. This is the Ford City Renaissance Community Partnership’s first year sponsoring this event. 

Riverfront Park Festival of the Trees
Sunday, November 12 – Sunday, January 15
Kittanning Riverfront Park 

Kittanning Hometown Holiday Events is sponsoring the Festival of Trees in Kittanning Riverfront Park! There will be 130 trees decorated by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations in the area starting on November 12. The trees will remain on display until January 15. 

Lights on Hilltop Drive
Starts mid-November 2022
120 Hilltop Drive, Kittanning 

You don’t have to leave your car to get in the holiday spirit at Lights on Hilltop Drive! This magical light show in East Franklin Township was created with the community in mind. When visiting, please be courteous to the residents and other attendees. Visit the Facebook page for more information, including dates, times, and instructions on how to fully participate in the show. 

The Pajama Project
November 23-December 14
Leechburg 

The Rotary Club of Leechburg and Leechburg High School’s Interact Club are sponsoring “The Pajama Project” from November 23 to December 14 in the Leechburg area. They are asking for donations of new pajamas of all sizes and new children’s books. Donations may be placed in collection boxes located in several Leechburg businesses and churches. Monetary donations may also be sent to The Rotary Club of Leechburg at PO Box 163, Leechburg, PA 15656. Pajamas will be distributed to HAVIN, Children, Youth, and Family Services of Armstrong County, and the Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center.

1st Annual Secret Santa
Thursday, December 1-Friday, December 16
Goat Donut Co., Leechburg 

Goat Donut Co. is hosting its first annual Secret Santa event in December! Stop by after December 1 to shop for a child in need by picking an ornament off of the tree. All presents should be returned wrapped and tagged by December 16, and distribution will be on December 17. If you know of a child in need, please email the child’s first and last name, clothing size, age, and a parent/guardian contact number by December 1 to [email protected]. Names will remain confidential. 

Leechburg Lights
Starts December 2022
147 Main Street, Leechburg 

For 15 years, Armstrong County resident Clyde Lindsey has been producing a holiday light display at his home on Main Street in Leechburg! This tradition is a way to spread holiday cheer throughout the Alle Kiski Valley for locals and visitors alike. The display will go live starting in December, and the hours will be Sunday-Thursday 5:30-9:30 PM and Friday-Saturday 5:30-10:30 PM. Visit the website to learn how to enjoy the display.