Cranberry To Hold Holiday Ice Festival

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA - Santa is on his way to Cranberry, and this year he's timing his arrival with a new holiday festival. Santa's First Stop at the township municipal building will coincide with the Eagle North Police Ice Festival, a joint venture of the township and the Cranberry and Butler Eagle newspapers.

The Nov. 22 event at the municipal center will involve sculptors from DiMartino Ice Company, who will use more than 75 blocks of ice to create 18 displays. Some will be carved live, giving attendees a chance to see creations such as an ice carriage and an elf sculpture with a face cutout for photo ops.

The main attraction is a 40-block ice slide behind the Sample School House. The sculptures are on display until 9 p.m. Proceeds from the celebration will be donated to the Cranberry Township Community Chest 2020 Project of the Year.

Food trucks will fire up their kitchens in the rear parking lot, including Mission Mahi, Pittsburgh Po Boy, Steve & Benny’s Chicken and Parrot Bay. Food will be on sale throughout the event, with Grange Hall serving as the dining area.

Throughout the event, Cranberry Township EMS will be holding a “Stuff Our Ambulance” drive to benefit Toys for Tots. Attendees are asked to bring a new toy to make a child’s Christmas a little brighter.

The township’s traditional annual events kick off at 6 p.m., with crafts, activities and games sponsored by Township businesses and entities in the municipal center gymnasium. Santa’s reindeer will be on-site, awaiting their boss’ arrival.

A Lego train display will chug around Council Chambers, hosted by Steel City Lug.

The Dutilh United Methodist Church Choir will perform from 6:15-6:50 p.m. inside, setting the stage for Santa Claus’ arrival at 7 p.m. on the Cranberry Volunteer Fire Company’s antique fire engine.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will depart to continue their holiday preparations at 7:30 p.m.

Santa will not be available for individual photos during First Stop festivities, but will return to the Township to meet with children during the Milk and Cookies events on December 7 and 8.

Here's the full schedule of events:

4 p.m. – Eagle North Pole Ice Festival opens; food trucks begin selling food.

5:30 p.m. – Santa’s reindeer arrive

6 p.m. – Santa’s First Stop activities begin, including games, activities and crafts

6:15-6:50 p.m. – Dutilh United Methodist Church Choir performs inside the Municipal Center

7 p.m. – Santa arrives

9 p.m. – Event concludes