Unwrap Local Holiday Traditions
- Shari Berg
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
As the holiday season fast approaches, communities across the Pittsburgh region are preparing to welcome visitors with beloved traditions that blend shopping, sweets and seasonal cheer. From cookie-filled streets in Lawrenceville to historic villages transformed into winter wonderlands, local events offer families countless ways to celebrate.
The Lawrenceville Cookie Tour stands as one of Pittsburgh’s most anticipated holiday traditions. This year marks nearly three decades since local shop owner Jay Bernard launched the event in 1996. Bernard, who owned Jay Design, envisioned a way to draw attention to the neighborhood’s small shops and makers during a time when Lawrenceville had yet to become the dining and shopping destination it is today.
“It just kept getting bigger and bigger. Last year, we had 73 businesses participate and thousands and thousands of cookies picked up by shoppers and people in the neighborhood,” said Ross Greenberg of the Lawrenceville Corporation, which organizes the event. The cookie tour now attracts massive crowds over two days, Dec. 13 and 14, from noon to 5 p.m., with all cookies offered free to visitors.
Shop owners take the tradition seriously, with most baking cookies themselves or partnering with local bakeries. Participating locations fall into two categories: cookie stops and “take a break” stops where cookies are available. At some of the “take a break” stops, like cafes and restaurants, visitors can buy food and drinks.
Free shuttles will run continuously along Butler and Penn avenues, covering 34th through 57th streets, with a smaller wheelchair-accessible shuttle available, Greenberg said. This year brings new additions, including costumed characters like Santa, snowmen and possibly the Grinch, who will pose for photos and assist visitors. The event will also feature a free gift-wrapping service for purchases from participating merchants.
Greenberg offered some advice for first-time visitors to make the event more enjoyable. “Check the weather forecast, as the tour involves considerable walking,” he said. Greenberg also encouraged attendees to embrace the festive spirit with holiday attire and to follow the event’s Instagram account at @lvpgh_cookietour for digital maps and updates.
“We have something for everyone, and shoppers will have the opportunity to get items purchased that day wrapped for free,” Greenberg said, recommending visitors bring their gift lists and check the website and social media frequently for additional information.
North of the city, Old Economy Village in Ambridge transforms into a Christmas showcase on Dec. 6 and 7, running from 2 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturday. The event, which has been held for more than 20 years, decorates 17 historic buildings and features a festival of trees with contributions from community organizations.
Last year, more than 25 artificial trees adorned different areas of the site, and organizers hope to exceed that number this year. The trees will remain on display through Dec. 21, when the site closes for the holiday season.
“Last year we had over 25 trees from different organizations, so we’re hoping to beat that number this year,” said Heather Hicks, site administrator.
The historic spaces receive themed decorations, with last year’s woodworking shop becoming Santa’s workshop, the carriage house displaying Santa’s sleigh, and the community cookhouse serving as Mrs. Claus’ kitchen. A German Christmas market showcases goods from local makers, while caroling groups perform and demonstrators show how they create holiday ornaments sold in the gift shop.
New this year, religious organizations will share their holiday traditions, and visitors can participate in “Deck the Paws,” adopting one of the village’s taxidermy animals to dress in festive holiday accessories. “Nothing is more adorable than an alligator with some mittens stitched onto its hands,” Hicks said. Commemorative Christmas mulled wine mugs, sponsored by the Spanos Group, are also new this year. Inspired by traditional German Glühwein mugs, each one features festive artwork celebrating the village’s holiday spirit and heritage, Hicks said.
The event typically attracts about 3,000 people annually. Admission costs $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $6 for children ages 3-11. German food vendors and hot cider roasted over an open fire add to the atmosphere. Visitors seeking smaller crowds can tour the decorated site during regular hours through Dec. 21.
In Gibsonia, the Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum hosts its 37th annual holiday show on weekends from Nov. 8 through Jan. 11. The museum, located at the intersection of Route 910 and Lakeside Drive, features a lower level designed for children to interact with displays and an upper level showcasing the main model train exhibit.
A 40-by-50-foot addition to the museum is still under construction, said museum president Ray Mueser. However, it won’t interfere with this year’s holiday event. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, with extended hours during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The lower level of the museum is decorated for the holidays and set up for children of all ages to enjoy. The main model train display is located on the second floor.
Another popular event in the region is the Oakmont Christmas House Tour from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. The tour is hosted by the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce. The self-guided tour consists of large and small homes in the community decked out for the holidays. Following the tour, visitors can shop at the Christmas Market, featuring more than 20 local vendors, and enjoy a reception at Amande Lee Glassware. Tickets cost $25 in advance and can be purchased online or in person at the chamber offices during regular operating hours.
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