Greensburg Luminary Night returns with crafts, carols, Mr. and Mrs. Claus

Greensburg’s 53rd annual Luminary Night holiday celebration is set for 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, with most activities taking place along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Rows of luminaria will add a festive glow to downtown streets as visitors enjoy seasonal music, activities for kids and shopping at local stores.

A Christmas tree will be decorated at the South Pennsylvania Avenue parklet, where a mail box will be available for children to send their letters to Santa. Kids can spend time there, from 5 to 8, creating crafts sponsored by 4TheCity Church.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet kids at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library, where Winter Wonderland activities will be offered from 5 to 7 p.m . More crafts, a storytime and holiday sing-along are planned. Cookies, cocoa and coffee will be served.

Free horse-drawn carriage rides through town will begin at the library. Sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank, the carriage will seat 10 people at a time, according to Luminary Night organizer Mary Wilmes. Wilmes is owner of Penelope’s gift shop on Pennsylvania Avenue.

“There’s more space this year,” she said.

Wilmes noted members of two community theatrical troupes will entertain visitors. She said a group from Westmoreland Performing Arts will perform in front of Penelope’s while Stage Right will be present at Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Members of the Greensburg Salem High School band will play Christmas carols.

Luminary Night is promoted by the Greensburg Business and Professional Association. The group is selling holiday raffle tickets for a selection of merchandise donated by participating businesses and displayed in a “Dream Window” at the former Troutman’s building on Main Street.

Visit shopgreensburgpa.com for more information or to purchase tickets.