Children young and old marveled at the light display in the parking lot of the Penn Hills municipal building Dec. 3 — from their cars.

The traditional Holiday Light Festival was redesigned this year to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Typically, about 100 families show up to usher in the Christmas season by lighting the tree, greeting Santa Claus and Rudolph and enjoying the community.

This year, community enjoyment was a little different as vehicles streamed into the parking lot to follow a short route of lighting displays. There were Santa and Nutcracker figurines, decorated heavy machines and holiday music playing. Santa and Rudolph wished participants “Merry Christmas” as they headed out.

Municipal officials huddled on the sidewalk near a heater. Some sat in lawn chairs, others milled about to greet faces they recognized as they drove past.

“Merry Christmas,” a jubilant Cathy Sapp, the municipality’s deputy mayor, said to a passerby. “Don’t forget to leave out cookies and milk for Santa. You want to make sure you’re not on the naughty list.”

“Hi, Mom,” Sapp’s daughter replied from the passenger seat, cueing laughter from her mother. Her father, who was driving, also laughed and waved.

Everything is different this year, Sapp said, but officials are “still in the spirit of Christmas.”

The leftover snow from the season’s first snowfall remained on the ground, adding to the overall feel. Outside, the temperature hung around a crisp 35 degrees. Volunteers from the Penn Hills Rotary and Penn Hills officials wore heavy jackets, scarves, hats and gloves — and masks.

Parks and Recreation Director John Scaglione said 70 people had signed up before the Nov. 25 cut-off date. But about 45 minutes into the event, he said he counted 80 to 90 vehicles pass through. By the end of the two-hour event, Scaglione estimated more than 100 vehicles participated.

He said about 125 toys were donated to benefit Toys for Tots.

All things considered, Scaglione said, the event was a success.

“Hopefully, we get back to some kind of normalcy in the next year or so,” he said.

The municipality also organized and sponsored a Breakfast with Santa event, which took place Dec. 5. The event sold out, Scaglione said.

“People still want to do something,” he said. “Beats sitting at home.”

Those who signed up before the event received a complimentary treat bag from the Penn Hills Rotary. People who donated toys for Toys for Tots were entered into a drawing to win one of three $100 Visa gift cards. The winners will be announced Dec. 7.

One couple brought their 4-month-old daughter — donned in a red bow and holiday-themed onesie — to look at the lights and say “hello” to Santa.

“Merry Christmas, little one,” he said.

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