Neither snow nor rain nor a pandemic can keep Santa Claus from making his first stop of the holiday season in Cranberry Township – though this year’s visit will look a little different.
With the annual Santa’s First Stop event canceled for 2020 due to gathering limitations, the Jolly Old Elf will instead make his way to the Township to flip the switch on holiday lights and visit residents on Santa’s Jingle Bell Tour.
Virtual Santa’s First Stop – 7 p.m. Friday, November 20
Cranberry is still Santa’s First Stop – with a twist.
The Township’s Facebook page will be the place to watch as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck to light up the Municipal Center, tour the Cranberry Tree Gallery and read a story to children and adults alike.
Visit facebook.com/cranberrytwp to kick off the holiday season.
Santa’s Jingle Bell Tour – noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, December 5
Santa will return to visit the Township not in a winter sleigh, but atop one of the Fire Company’s fire engines.
The tour will be led by Cranberry Township Fire, Police and EMS crews who will direct Santa through Community, North Boundary and Graham parks. Residents are invited to gather – at a safe social distance – in the park nearest their home to welcome Santa to the Township. Santa will not be stopping for individual photographs, but it’ll be a great opportunity for families to see Santa as the holiday season begins.
The tour will travel from the Route 19 Fire Station to Community Park, North Boundary Park, Graham Park, the Municipal Center and finishing at the First Station.
More info and map: CranberryTownship.org/JingleBellTour
Holiday Village Market – 5-9 p.m. Saturday, December 5
The celebration will continue that evening with a new community event at the Municipal Center.
The Holiday Village Market is a continuation of a partnership between the Township and the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber. The two organizations helped run the successful Farmers Market throughout the summer and fall.
This free community event hosted by the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber encourages the region to shop local and support small businesses. It will feature holiday vendors, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities and more. Social distancing will be in place with masks required to attend.