Here's where to see drive-thru Christmas lights in Western Pennsylvania
Driving around town to see the neighbors’ decorations has long been a holiday tradition. But if you want something on a grander scale — say, lasers or 1 million twinkling LED lights — try one of these holiday displays, sure to impress even the most skeptical Scrooge.
Holiday Laser Show
Allegheny County is celebrating the holidays with drive-in laser show at the North Park pool parking lot.
Catch the 45-minute light show synchronized with holiday music from the warmth and safety of your vehicle. The shows will be evenings, Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 10-20.
Space is limited and tickets are a must. Get them here.
Resident rate Thursdays and Sundays is $15/vehicle; Fridays and Saturdays is $20/vehicle. Non-resident rate Thursdays and Sundays is $19/vehicle; Fridays and Saturdays is $25/vehicle.
Christmas in the Park
Celebrating its 13th year is Grove City’s Christmas in the Park.
The brainchild of Beth Black, the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce’s executive director, this free drive-thru event in Memorial Park features a variety of lights displays created by families, organizations and businesses.
“They are very sweet and lovingly made,” Black said. “It’s a gift for kids of all ages from the heart of the community.”
Christmas in the Park is sponsored by Turner Insurance Inc., Cunningham Funeral Home and Grove City Realty.
“It leaves you with a good, positive Christmas feeling,” Black said.
The free display is lit nightly from 5-11 p.m. Nov. 27-Jan. 2.
Zoo Lights Drive-Thru
The Pittsburgh Zoo will be bright with themed holiday light displays, “frosted” characters, carols and — of course — animals.
Visitors will drive through the Zoo while guided by a themed audio tour as thousands of LED lights transform the park into an winter wonderland on select nights Nov. 27-Jan. 3.
Tickets are $60 per vehicle, while zoo members pay $40 per vehicle.
All tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Overly’s Country Christmas
A holiday tradition since 1956, Overly’s Country Christmas at Westmoreland Fairgrounds is an all drive-through event this year.
There’ll be new light displays in an expanded driving route. Kids will be able to wave to Santa, listen to Henny Hemlock’s silly jokes and Christmas carols over the car radio. Kids can keep an eye peeled and catch a glimpse of the Grinch sneaking around.
The cost is $20 per family carload and it’s cash only.
Winter Festival of Lights
The Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay features 300 acres of twinkling lights over a 6-mile drive. The dazzling display includes 90 lighted attractions boasting more than 1 million LED lights. New displays this year include a Magical Mansion and one dedicated to everyone’s favorite green monster who happens to hate Christmas.
Check it out Nov. 5-Jan 10.
Oglebay suggests a donation of $25 per vehicle. For the donation, visitors receive a 2020 Festival of Lights Vehicle Pass valid throughout the holiday season and an Oglebay Rewards Book.
Christmas Light Up Celebration
Billed as “the best kept holiday secret in Pittsburgh,” the 1-mile drive-through experience in Clinton Community Park, Findlay Township, features a series of light displays in a wooded setting. Lights are on 5-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 3.
The Light Up Committee uses proceeds to support various charities, scholarships and individuals and families in need.
A $10 donation per car is collected at the gate. Find information here.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
Motor through 2 miles of custom-built light displays at the Big Butler Fairgrounds, all synchronized with the festive music playing on your car radio. The journey includes a 300-foot drive-through tunnel and 50-foot light tree. The show also features giant LED displays putting a comical spin on the traditional “The 12 Days of Christmas” song.
Hours are 6-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 3, sometimes open later on Saturdays and Sundays. Fee for a car or van up to eight passengers is $25/Sundays-Thursdays, $30/Fridays-Saturdays. Fee is $30 every day, Dec. 11-27.
Long lines should be expected Fridays-Sundays. Buy tickets here.
Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley at 724-836-5750, smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter @shirley_trib. Jonna Miller is a Tribune-Review features editor. You can contact Jonna at 724-850-1270, jonnamiller@triblive.com or via Twitter @JLMiller_Trib.
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