Santa Claus To Jump-Start Holiday Festivities In Cranberry

CRANBERRY, PA — It's not even Thanksgiving, but the township already is looking forward to the Christmas season - and two early appearances by Santa Claus.

Santa’s First Stop will occur Nov. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the township municipal center. Featuring crafts, games, food trucks, live reindeer, caroling and more, the event is sponsored by Karski-Spokane Orthodontics, Armstrong, Valley Pool & Spa, Butler County Chamber of
Commerce, and UPMC Passavant.

Beginning at 6 p.m., crafts and games will be set up in the municipal center gym. A LEGO train display from Steel City Lug will chug around council chambers. Throughout the building, more than 35 trees will be on display as part of the Cranberry Township Community Chest’s Christmas tree gallery.

A holiday light display will be set up outside the building, where live reindeer will also be on hand. Food trucks including The Flame BBQ, Revival Pasta, PGH Eatz, Fun Fore All, Dairy Queen, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Delina's Ethiocafe will offer food and drinks for purchase.

The township EMS will hold 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 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.

Though Santa will not be available for individual photos during First Stop festivities, he will return to the township to meet with children during the annual Milk and Cookies with Santa events on December 17 and 18.

Santa’s First Stop is a free event and registration is not needed. However, registration is required for Milk & Cookies with Santa and can be done by clicking on this link.