The twinkling array of this year’s Ligonier Valley Historical Society Festival of Lights display is bound to include a few cherry-colored snouts.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his Friends” is the theme for the 40th edition of the event, set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 5 in the Community Room of Ligonier Town Hall.

The fundraising event is meant to get visitors into a holiday mood with a display of trees, wreaths and garlands trimmed by local residents, along with handmade decorations that will deck the hall.

The event kicks off with a “Toast to the Trees” gala preview and auction at 6:30 p.m. Friday, also in the Community Room. Thursday is the deadline to reserve a spot for the gala by contacting the historical society at 724-238-6818 or tgrohall@compassinn.org.

“The Festival of Lights is an opportunity to get your holiday spirit on while admiring the stunning hand-crafted decorative displays as well as taking a respite from the hustle and bustle of your holiday shopping,” said Theresa Gay Rohall, executive director of the historical society.

The Festival of Lights is a tradition that has been held annually save for 2020, when the event was skipped during the covid pandemic. Rohall noted it returned several years ago to where it originally was held, after occupying an alternate space at the Ligonier Valley Library.

“It’s one of our fundraisers to support the work we do to preserve the heritage and history of the Ligonier Valley for present and future generations,” she said.

Admission to the Festival of Lights is $5 for adults and $1 for ages 5-12. There is no fee for younger children. Cider and cookies will be served.

Proceeds will benefit the society’s programming, archaeological studies and preservation efforts at its Compass Inn Museum, an historic Laughlintown inn that has been restored to reflect its heyday of serving travelers in the 1830s.

The gala will feature hors d’ouevres prepared by Carol & Dave’s Roadhouse and a holiday libation served by guest bartenders Colleen and Ron McDowell, of The Road Toad.

In addition to bidding for eventual purchase of the trees and other decorations, gala attendees will be able to participate in a silent auction of other items.

One of the items expected to attract many bids is a Barbie Dreamhouse.

“It’s a fully put-together and functional poolside Barbie Dreamhouse,” said Rohall. “It’s the hottest one that is out there.”

The cost to attend the gala is $70 for historical society members and $75 for others.

Candlelight tours offered

Down the road at the Compass Inn Museum, yuletide season candlelight tours are underway.

Tour participants will learn about the lives of past inn owners Robert and Rachel Armor and how they would have celebrated Christmas.

The tour ends with refreshments and a retelling of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” around the fireplace in the museum’s 1862 period room.

Tours are offered from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9, 10 and 16.

Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for age 62 or older, $10 for ages 6-16. Admission is free for younger children, active military members or historical society members. Call 724-238-4983 to reserve tickets.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)