Lower Burrell to unveil Christmas in the Woods to promote unity, community

A family-friendly, free Christmas event is coming to Lower Burrell for the first time in decades.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Commission is hosting Christmas in the Woods Saturday at K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Park in Lower Burrell.

“We wanted to create an enchanting, immersive experience in the woods that hearkens back to a time when the focus was on the joy of the season, gathering with community and giving back,” said Debbie Kurtik, event coordinator and secretary of the parks and recreation commission. “It’s also about strengthening the bonds within our local community and connecting with people beyond our boundaries.”

Kurtik said the city is hoping to bring back the magic from a similar Christmas festival in Lower Burrell in the 1990s.

The event includes Christmas carolers, a “candy cane” hayride, live Nativity animals, Santa, food trucks, a Christmas Marketplace, historical storytelling, a s’mores campfire, craft activities, Christmas photos and a skillet toss competition.

“We’re hoping to get a large turnout and maybe see neighbors and friends that they haven’t seen in a while,” Kurtik said.

People will be able to park on-site at Kotecki Park.

Several Lower Burrell churches will be participating in, or contributing to, the event. Officials are asking attendees to donate one nonperishable food item, which will be given to a local church food pantry.

“Food insecurity is a very real thing in our community,” Kurtik said. “And the design of this event aligns with caring for and supporting those in our midst who are in need.”

The Rev. Brian Kilbert of Puckety Presbyterian Church said there has been lots of enthusiasm from his congregation about participating. Puckety Presbyterian will host a children’s craft booth, sing carols and donate goods for the bake sale.

“We’re excited about the opportunity where the city and churches can work together,” he said. “We need intentional reminders to be communal, in the moment, be human together.”

Parade at night

Lower Burrell’s Christmas parade will follow at 7 p.m. along Leechburg Road, starting near Community Market and ending at Stewart Elementary School for the lighting of a Christmas tree, caroling and an art show.

“We have such a strong, family-oriented and supportive community, and these events are one way to reach out and invite other communities to be a part of something special,” said Carley Logan, parks and recreation commission president. “It’s also a way to celebrate and give back.”