GREENSBURG, Pa. — Greensburg is kicking off its holiday season with the Westmoreland Museum of American Art’s Winter Wonderland event, launching the city’s busiest time of the year. The downtown celebration typically draws more than 1,000 visitors to the museum.
The season features festive activities across downtown, including Winter Nights hosted at the museum every Friday through January. This year’s programming includes an immersive experience that puts visitors in the heart of winter.
Claire Ertl, director of marketing and PR for the Westmoreland Museum, described the interactive exhibit.
“You actually step into the art that’s larger than life on the walls with music and sound effects,” Ertl said.
Greensburg Mayor Robb Bell highlighted the seasonal economic boost for downtown shops, cafes and restaurants.
“It brings a lot of people into the city. And it’s great for the economy. People are patronizing our retail shops and our coffee shops and our restaurants, our bars … so it’s a great time of the year for the city of Greensburg. It really does boost our economy,” Bell said.
The city is also preparing for street closures tied to downtown events. Public Works Director Thomas Bell advised drivers about traffic impacts specifically for the Holiday Parade on Saturday, Nov. 21.
“That day, Nov. 21, Saturday, between the hours of three and probably 6 PM or so, Main Street will be closed down from Copper to Euclid Avenue, and please avoid those areas,” Bell said.
Downtown festivities will also feature the annual Turkey Trot at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, which saw 2,200 runners participate last year. On Dec. 3, Greensburg will hold Holiday Luminary Night. Mayor Bell called Luminary Night one of his favorite traditions.
“It’s fantastic. I mean, I grew up here, and I’m watching these kids go through the same thing that I did growing up in the City of Greensburg. So, it’s nice to watch,” Bell said.
Greensburg Holiday Events:
Winter Wonderland at the Westmoreland – November 13th from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. @ the Westmoreland Museum of American Art.
Holiday Night Market – November 18th from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – 4 Blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue for the monthly Night Market
Greensburg Holiday Parade – November 21st starting at 5:00 p.m. from the Westmoreland Museum of American Art to City Hall on Main Street
Greensburg Thanksgiving Turkey Trot – November 26th starting at 9:00 a.m.
Small Business Saturday – November 28th starting at 10:00 a.m. - Scavenger Hunt throughout the businesses in downtown Greensburg
Luminary Night—December 3rd starting at 5:00 p.m.-- Downtown Greensburg
Channel 11 will keep you posted on event updates as the season continues.
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