Stroll through the quaint main street, decorated by twinkling lights. Keep your eyes peeled out for Santa as you enjoy the vibrantly decorated windows of the charming town just over an hour from downtown Pittsburgh. Celebrate Christmas near Pittsburgh in this darling small Western Pennsylvania town, which transforms into a winter wonderland each year, for a magical experience this holiday season.

Start your journey in this enchanting town at the Diamond where you just might run into Santa reading the paper as he waits for more wide-eyed children to share their Christmas wishes with him.
Facebook/Visit Ligonier
Grab the imaginary reigns of the decorative sleigh, as cut-out carolers watch on, for the perfect holiday photographs.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Tour the Festival of Lights, hosted by the Ligonier Valley Historical Society, a spectacular display of illuminated Christmas trees, garland, wreaths, and mantle sprays. The Festival of Lights is generally held at the Ligonier Town Hall Community Room in early December.
Ligonier Town Hall, 120 E Main St, Ligonier, PA 15658, USA
Facebook/Festival of Lights “Setting the Stage”
Flex your creative muscles by designing your own gingerbread house for the Gingerbread House Contest, which is held in early December. Get all of the details on the latest event on the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce website.
Facebook/Visit Ligonier
Experience an old-fashioned Christmas celebration in Ligonier on December 4, 2022 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. during the Town Wide Open House. Visit Santa. Go Christmas shopping. Or, dine at one of Ligonier's cozy restaurants.
Facebook/Visit Ligonier

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Journey back to the 18th and 19th centuries when you embark on a candlelight tour of the Compass Inn Museum on select Saturdays and Sundays in December. Visit the Compass Inn Museum for dates and more information.
Facebook/Ligonier Country Inn
The Compass Inn is located at 386 Lincoln Highway, Laughlintown, PA 15655.
Feel the Christmas magic as the sun sets downtown and lights illuminate the fairy tale setting. However, Christmas doesn't mean the end of the winter wonderland; more winter fun is around the corner in January.
Facebook/Visit Ligonier
Enjoy a cozy horse-drawn sleigh ride around downtown Ligonier during the annual Ligonier Ice Festival.
Facebook/Visit Ligonier
The highlight of the weekend, however, will undoubtedly be the dozens of ice sculptures that dot the downtown landscape. Watch the artists create their masterpieces and...
Facebook/Visit Ligonier
Nibble on traditional kettle corn as you sip hot chocolate, hot coffee, or another hot drink to shield you from January's brisk temperatures.
Facebook/Visit Ligonier

Where’s your favorite place to celebrate Christmas near Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! Ligonier transforms into a spectacular winter wonderland every year, only one of many enchanting Christmas towns near Pittsburgh.

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More to Explore

Winter In Pittsburgh

Beth Price-Williams | November 28, 2022

What are some other Christmas towns near Pittsburgh?

Christmas in Pittsburgh is simply magical, and there is a full menu of family-friendly activities in the city. Spend an afternoon or evening ice skating at PPG Place. Visit Point State Park to snap photos of the shimmering Christmas tree. Go shopping in the eclectic shops downtown before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the city’s many restaurants.

However, if you’re yearning for an old-fashioned Christmas, visit one of these small towns near Pittsburgh:

  • Oakmont
  • Indiana
  • Canonsburg
  • Smicksburg
  • Bedford

Check out these seven small towns near Pittsburgh that are simply magical during Christmastime.

What are some family-friendly activities during winter in Pittsburgh?

Skip the long lines all winter long by checking out some of the many family-friendly activities in Pittsburgh, including:


What is the best way to spend a snowy winter day in Pittsburgh?

While Christmas in Pittsburgh goes by at breakneck speed, life slows down after the holidays, giving us plenty of time to embrace the winter days ahead. One of the best ways to spend a snowy day is to go sled riding in Pittsburgh. Its many hills make the city an ideal sledding destination. Here are a few of the best sledding hills in Pittsburgh.

  • Flagstaff Hill at Schenley Park. The park is also home to an outdoor ice skating rink.
  • Mellon Park has a popular sledding hill in Pittsburgh. Watch out for trees on the hill.
  • Sunny Slopes at South Park boasts several hills, including one that’s 1,000 feet.

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Ligonier, PA 15658, USA