5 things to do in Westmoreland County this weekend: Dec. 23-25

Most people probably have plans to gather with family and friends this weekend, but here are a few things to do if you want to get out and about.

Final requests

Before he heads back to the North Pole, Santa will take last-minute gift requests from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday in Westmoreland Mall, on Route 30 east of Greensburg.

While visiting Santa, kids also can take a ride on the Holiday Express train, which runs through Dec. 31. Rides are $3.50, or four for $10, payable in cash only.

Reservations are not needed to see Santa,but they are encouraged. Reservations and information on purchasing photos with Santa are available at westmorelandmall.com.

Lamp Theatre happenings

These activities are planned Friday at The Lamp Theatre, 222 Main St., Irwin:

• Unveiling of the Community Wall, 5 p.m. The wall on the building exterior contains shadowboxes interpreting Irwin history and landmarks, such as coal mines, the local Pennsylvania Railroad station and the Lincoln Highway, along with posters of old movies shown in the theater. A brief ceremony will precede the reveal at 4:30 p.m.

• Free screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” 7:30 p.m. The 1946 classic stars Jimmy Stewart as a man in despair on Christmas eve, who is shown the significance of his life by an angel seeking to earn his wings. Tickets are available in advance at the theater box office and nearby at John Gdula State Farm Insurance, Candy’s Corner Cafe, Feathers Artist Market, McFeely’s Gourmet Chocolate, Junque Genius, Gift Basket World, Interiors by Woleslagle and Norwin Chamber of Commerce.

For information, call 724-367-4000 or visit lamptheatre.org.

Ugly sweaters and eggnog

Diners can join in the Ugly Sweater Party planned all day Friday at Marino’s American Eatery, 106 West Point Drive, Hempfield. Restaurant hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The festivities will feature house-made eggnog, Christmas cocktails, seasonal beers and caroling in the pop-up Christmas bar.

For information, call 724-216-5735 or visit marinoseatery.com.

Holiday lights

The Holiday Light Extravaganza will be available for viewing from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at Living Treasures Animal Park, 288 Route 711, Jones Mills.

The display includes light, sound and fountain shows featuring more than 900,000 bulbs. Some of the park’s animals will be available for petting and feeding.

The holiday lights will continue Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 and Jan. 6-7, subject to change. For schedule and more information, call 724-693-8300 or visit ltanimalpark.com.

Late-night dance party

DJ Hypnotyza will spin dance tunes for late-night revelers, beginning at 10 p.m. Friday on the Sports & Social stage at Live! Casino Pittsburgh at Westmoreland Mall.

The Pittsburgh-based DJ calls himself an “Equal Opportunity Beatslinger and Dance-Enabler” with “two decades plus in the game,” playing a range of EDM, indie, Nu-disco and other music styles.

For information, visit livecasinohotel.com.