Ongoing
Santa at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Hop aboard the Santa Trolley this holiday season, leaving from the tracks of the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. The dates are November 23–25 and December 1, 2, 8, and 9, each day from 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. Children talk to Santa on the trolley while parents and grandparents enjoy caroling and the scenic ride. The cost is $7.00 for adults, $4.00 for kids ages 3–15 (under 2, free), and $6.00 for seniors ages 62 and over. While at the museum, don’t forget to see the Lionel toy-train layout. The museum is located at 1 Museum Road in Washington. Visit the web site at www.pa-trolley.org or call 724-228-9256 for directions and information.

Ongoing
Bradford House
Experience a Pennsylvania Frontier Christmas December 7, 8, and 9 at Washington’s Bradford House, beautifully decorated for the holiday season. The Federal-architecture-style house was completed in 1788 for David Bradford, a leader in the Whiskey Rebellion. Plus on two weekends, December 1, 2, 8, and 9, enjoy an |18th-Century Christmas Candlelight Tour (Saturdays, 5:00–9:00 p.m., and Sundays, 2:00–6:00 p.m.). This is a memorable way to step back to the time when Bradford and his family lived in Washington (1788–1794).

Docents in period dress guide visitors through this lovely 18th-century home, especially beautiful with evergreens, candles, and other holiday decorations.

Call 724-222-3604 for directions and further information. The site is located at 175 South Main Street in Washington.

Ongoing
Trax’s Breakfast/Lunch with Santa
Trax Farms Market is a 400-acre working fruit and vegetable farm and greenhouse—featuring a deli, bakery, and grocery, plus wine, gift, patio, garden, and Christmas shops. Kids can enjoy breakfast or lunch with Santa on several weekends this season. The dates are: November 25 (lunch only) and December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16. Breakfast is at 9:00 a.m. and lunch at 1:00 p.m. The fee of $8.00 (photos available at additional cost) includes the meal, a visit with Santa, an activity, and a goodie bag. Trax Farms is located at 528 Trax Road in Finleyville (web site: www.traxfarms.com). Please call 412-835-3246 for reservations.

November 25
Antiques at the Fairgrounds
The Washington County Fairgrounds (2151 North Main Street, Washington; call 724-225-7718 for directions) is the scene for a terrific fall Antiques Fair on November 25. The selling takes place from 7:30 a.m. (for all those dealers and buyers who like to get up early for the best stuff) to 2:00 p.m. A huge selection of antiques, collectibles, and flea-market items; sponsored by Vintage Expos. Admission is $2.00 for adults.

December 1
Old-Fashioned Christmas in Canonsburg
A lunch with Santa and a Christmas parade are among the events sponsored by the Canonsburg Merchants and Professionals. Held this year on Saturday, December 1, this special children’s event takes place at various locations near the municipal building. Lunch with Santa is set for three sessions, the first starting at 11:30 a.m. (reservations are suggested; $5.00 per child; call to confirm times) at the Senior Center. Nearby are opportunities to enjoy ornament making and creating holiday crafts (at the library). There are also train rides and the famous Christmas parade (starting at 3:00 p.m.). For reservations and more information, call 724-745-9415.

December 15 and 16
Handel’s Messiah Goes to College
The exceptionally lovely campus of Washington & Jefferson College in Washington is the setting for that welcome annual musical event, a performance of the Messiah oratorio by George Frederic Handel. The concert will be performed by the Washington Community Arts Choir at the college’s Olin Fine Arts Center, on two dates only: Saturday, December 15, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 16, at 3:00 p.m. Call 724-250-WCAC for ticket and other information.

December 31
New Year’s Eve Family Night
Enjoy a safe, fun, and family-oriented way to say goodbye to 2007 with a January 31 Family Night at the Iceoplex at Southpointe. The event is from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., and more information is available by calling 724-745-1812 (or 724-745-6666). The Iceoplex is located at 114 Southpointe Boulevard in Canonsburg.

January 25
Symphony of Food Chefs Showcase Dinner
The Symphony of Food Chefs Showcase Dinner, sponsored by WOMEN of Southwestern PA, takes place on Friday, January 25, 2008, from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. The Parade of Chefs will be held at Bella Sera by Greco, 414 Morganza Road in Canonsburg. Six well-known local chefs will participate, with each preparing a portion of the sit-down dinner. Wine-blending will be available to the corporate-sponsored tables. A Parade of Flaming Desserts will be the finale to the dinner. Entertainment and a Chinese auction are also part of the evening. Tickets are $60.00, and reservations are required; call 724-941-5513. For additional information visit the web site: www.womenofswpa.org.