12 Days Of Cheer In Cranberry: Making This A December To Remember

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the magic in and around Cranberry. To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up a dozen festive ideas you can enjoy throughout the month — each one a fun, joyful way to celebrate the season close to home.

From twinkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy treats, local shopping spots, winter activities and seasonal shows, these 12 picks highlight what makes Cranberry feel especially merry this time of year. Whether you check off one or all twelve, it’s all about slowing down, supporting local businesses and making memories.

1. Take an evening walk through the Enchanted Lights Holiday Stroll.

Just outside of Cranberry, the Krischke family’s 70-acre property transforms into a glowing landscape for the Enchanted Lights Holiday Stroll, open Nov. 28 through Dec. 30. Lighted gravel paths lead you past synchronized displays and music, with campfires, hot beverages and s’mores for extra coziness on a chilly evening. Tickets are required, with timed entry beginning at 5:30 p.m.; sturdy footwear and warm clothing are recommended. (A note for dog lovers: on Sunday evenings, you can bring Fido! Admission includes a pup cup; leashes are required.)

2. See the Cranberry Men’s Chorus on their 2025 Christmas Tour.

The Cranberry Men’s Chorus will bring their Christmas Memories tour to several area churches on select dates through Dec. 18, including a Dec. 8 performance at Dutilh Church in Cranberry. Their blend of classic carols and new arrangements creates an easy, nostalgic hour of live holiday music. Concerts are free, with a freewill offering benefiting each host church.

3. Grab a house-made drink at Café Conmigo.

For a break from the holiday rush, stop by Café Conmigo, a coffee house-slash-plant shop with a cozy and welcoming vibe. Alongside their thoughtfully made beverages with house-made syrups and delightful pastries, the café doubles as a mini greenhouse, with shelves of plants you can purchase. Their events calendar stays busy during the holidays and year-round, with workshops, creative classes and even live music. Local makers also have a presence here, from artwork on the walls to small-batch gifts and goods you can take home.

4. Browse the Peoples Gas Holiday Market in downtown Pittsburgh.

Just 30 minutes from Cranberry, Pittsburgh’s Market Square becomes a festive village for the Peoples Gas Holiday Market, open daily through Dec. 24. Wooden chalets line the square with artisan gifts, crafts and seasonal treats, giving you plenty of unique options for shopping. For a special reminder of the season, pick up one of the limited-edition ornaments supporting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (available while supplies last). For a full list of events and vendors, keep an eye on the Downtown Pittsburgh Holidays’ website.

5. Skate beneath the tree at the UPMC Rink.

Looking for another stop while you’re in Pittsburgh? UPMC Rink at PPG Place offers one of the city’s most recognizable winter scenes, with a 60-foot Christmas tree at its center. The outdoor rink—which is larger than the one at Rockefeller Center—stays open through early March, making it a great spot for active winter fun well beyond the holiday season. Check the rink’s website for ticketing, skate rentals and daily schedule details.

6. See Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker.’

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” returns to the Benedum Center on select dates Dec. 5–28, bringing the classic story to a turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh setting. Local landmarks and subtle hometown nods appear throughout the choreography and set design, making this version especially fun for locals. The run includes a mix of matinees and evening performances, plus select sensory-friendly and accessibility options. Check the schedule and grab your tickets in advance — many December weekend shows tend to fill quickly.

7. Surround yourself with ‘Holiday Magic’ at Phipps Conservatory.

A local tradition at the conservatory Phipps Holiday Magic pairs lush indoor displays with an outdoor Winter Light Garden, all built around this year’s “Wild Winter” theme. New installations include topiary wildlife, glowing orbs and fresh floral scenes that change from room to room. Outdoors, the pathways light up at 5 p.m., creating an easy after-dark outing for families and kids of all ages. For ticketing details, visit the conservatory’s events page; members get early access!

8. Find thoughtful seasonal gifts at NIQUEA.D.

If you need to finish up your holiday shopping, NIQUEA.D’s Cranberry boutique features stationery, ornaments and curated gifts displayed in a calm, gallery-like setting. Their holiday selection tends to include specialty cards, small keepsakes and décor pieces you might not find in big-box stores. It’s also a great stop for host/hostess gifts or last-minute stocking stuffers that still feel personal. For those who prefer to browse at home first, the online holiday shop online offers a preview of what you’ll find in-store.

9. Stop by Recon Brewing at Meeder for a relaxed evening.

Whether you’re meeting up with your friends or hosting people from out of town, Recon Brewing at Meeder makes for a great casual hang. Their tap list rotates regularly, ranging from familiar favorites to limited releases you won’t always find packaged. There are also plenty of events throughout the season and beyond, including DJ trivia, live music, karaoke and other small community events. Dogs are welcome on the patio, which still sees traffic on milder winter days.

10. Explore Wild Illuminations at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

On select nights through Jan. 11, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium transforms after dark with Wild Illuminations, a lantern-filled walk through some of the zoo’s most familiar pathways. Silk-and-steel lanterns shaped like animals, holiday motifs and cultural icons line the route, creating colorful themed sections that feel completely different from a daytime visit. Seasonal treats, warm drinks, performances and rides on the train and carousel round out the experience. Advance ticket prices range from $23–29 for adults and $19–24 for children, with flex tickets, value nights and group discounts available.

11. Create something festive at Artsy Doodle Craft Studio.

For some creative indoor fun, Artsy Doodle Craft Studio in nearby Beaver offers paint-your-own pottery, canvas designs, wood signs and seasonal projects for both kids and adults. You can choose from drop-in Doodle time that fits your schedule, or sign up for a class for a bit more structure. Turnaround times vary depending on the project, so check the schedule beforehand if you need an item by a specific date.

12. Walk through a winter wonderland at Dazzling Nights.

Dazzling Nights returns to the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Nov. 28–Jan. 3, turning the garden’s pathways into a series of glowing, immersive scenes. Visitors can move at their own pace through highlights like the star tunnel, the shimmering walls of light along the Luminary Trail and a lakeside installation built around the lotus pond’s reflection. Live entertainment, warm drinks and festive areas for photos make it an easy evening outing for families, couples or groups. Ticket prices vary by date, with group discounts and plan-ahead savings available on the garden’s ticketing page.

Stay warm, shop local and enjoy every twinkling moment — happy holidays, Cranberry!

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