Stay in the car to see Santa during holiday happenings

Pandemic precautions mean kids may not get to sit on Santa’s lap this year.

But there are several area options for families to have a drive-thru encounter with the jolly old elf, in a socially distanced take on the holiday tradition.

Unity

Instead of its usual Deck the Tree holiday gathering, Unity will host a drive-thru event at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Visitors will remain in their cars as they wave to Santa next to the township municipal building at 154 Beatty County Road.

“We want to get everybody in the holiday spirit,” while following health guidelines, said Supervisor John Mylant.

Kids can drop off letters to Santa that will be placed in a “Santa Express” mailbox. The first 200 kids, age 12 or younger, will receive holiday treats.

Details: 724-539-2546.

Overly’s Country Christmas

Children will be able to wave to Santa at this annual holiday lights display at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds, which is limited to a drive-thru experience this season.

Visitors also may pause to purchase gifts and treats including kettle corn and fudge.

The attraction is open 5:30 to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays and Dec. 21-23 in Mt. Pleasant Township, weather permitting. There is a fee of $20 per carload, with payment only by cash.

Details: 724-423-1400.

Rizzo’s Malabar Inn

This Italian restaurant off Route 119 in Crabtree is serving up a Santa Drive-Thru meal Sunday. Families will remain in their vehicles as they wave to Santa, Rudolph, Frosty and other characters and pick up meals from noon to 4 p.m.

The cost is $7 for a child’s spaghetti meal and $12 for an adult’s chicken parmigiana meal. Kids also will get a holiday treat. Payment is cash only, with no pre-orders.

Details: 724-836-4323.

STAT Inc. Ligonier Therapeutic Center

Santa and his elves will wave to those driving through an inaugural Winterfest event 6-9 p.m. Dec. 18 and 19 at this nonprofit in Cook that offers equine-assisted therapies and adaptive riding.

The event at 24 Stom Road, off Route 711, also will feature cookies, cocoa and horses sporting festive adornments.

There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted.

Details: Visit statinc.org, call 724-593-4742 or text 607-223-4176.

ELFburgh Christmas

The design team behind Bethel Park’s Hundred Acres Manor haunted attraction has created an adjacent drive-thru yule experience that will be open evenings Thursday through Sunday and Dec. 17-23.

Visitors will stay in their vehicles as they enjoy holiday lights and decorated trees and listen to caroling elves. They’ll end up in Santa’s castle, workshop and garage, where kids will be greeted by Mr. Claus and may give him their wish lists.

Limited tickets will be sold for one-hour time slots, beginning at 5:15 p.m., but organizers note visitors still should expect to wait amid traffic. Tickets cost $20 in advance, $28 at the site at 1 Hundred Acres Drive. A treat bag costs an additional $5.

Details: Visit pittsburghchristmas.com for tickets and information.