We have a sleigh filled with Christmas movies at my house. It’s a sleigh fit for American Girl dolls, to give you an idea of scale.

Each year we fill the sleigh with movies that are only brought out after Black Friday. We’ve got the classics: “White Christmas,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and all of the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials. We also have a few unconventional picks, like “While You Were Sleeping,” “Eloise at Christmastime” and “Die Hard.”

In my youth, ABC Family would put on a 25 Days of Christmas watch party and show films every night until Christmas. The point was to show staples to get you in the spirit. Now, I’ve been part of Butler Little Theatre’s holiday show, so I’m basking in yuletide joy. But in case you are not, you can do one of two things.

First, you can view some of the movies I’ve suggested below. This way, you can know someone else (me) is watching them along with you.

Second, you can attend some of the events I’ve outlined below. They’re sure to make you merry and bright!

Alameda Park’s free holiday light display is back on every day from 6 to 9 p.m. until Dec. 25! Drive through the 0.3-mile loop at 184 Alameda Park Road in Butler Township and tune into 94.5 FM or 98.9 FM to listen to music. The speed limit is 5 mph through the loop. This display has no flashing lights. No registration is required, but donations are accepted at bcpr.recdesk.com.

The hilarious and heartfelt play “The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon” is the ode to Hallmark cheesiness you need to jump-start the merry season at Butler Little Theatre! Cozy up in the Evergreen Inn and watch each sweater-clad character learn to love again at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For tickets, visit butlerlittletheatre.com.

See “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr.” performed by students of Batavia Music Studios from Friday through Sunday at Butler County Community College’s Succop Theater in Butler Township. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday. Purchase tickets at batavia-studios.ticketleap.com.

Eat some tasty pancakes and get a picture with Santa Claus from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Callery Volunteer Fire Company, 179 Main St., Callery. This event is free. Bring an unopened toy to the drive and be entered into a raffle. Visit the event Facebook page for more information.

Take a Christmas Cookie Walk (as long as the cookies last) from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at St. Peter Hall, 127 Franklin St., Butler. See the event Facebook page for more information.

Harrisville’s Breakfast with Santa is from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at 313 E. Mercer St. Entry costs $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 12. Children age 3 and younger eat for free. For more information, see the event Facebook page.

Have a sensory-friendly visit with Santa at Cranberry Township’s municipal building, 2525 Rochester Road. Sign up for a time between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. This magical drive-through experience through the North Pole offers soft sounds and a slower pace for families with children. Fidget toys and snacks will be provided. Sign up at calendly.com/cranberrysunriserotary.

Shop and sip cocoa during the Sweet Stroll on Main in Zelienople from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. This cookie walk and vendor crawl helps you check off those last-minute gifts on your list. See the event Facebook page for more information.

Butler Downtown’s Holiday Market will overtake the city’s Diamond Park on Main Street from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Shop unique gifts and vendors to check off last-minute items.

Watch the 2018 film “The Grinch” for free at Victory Family Church, 21150 Route 19, Cranberry Township, at 1 p.m. Saturday. Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks as well when you register at myvfc.info.

Enjoy “Christmas Around The World,” a bell concert at Lutheran SeniorLife Passavant Community, 105 Burgess Drive in Zelienople, at 3 p.m. Saturday. Favorites from England to Scandinavia will be featured. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

You have two chances to enjoy a Christmas Cantata at Saxonburg Presbyterian Church, 100 W. Main St. This concert is free and child care is available as you listen to the stylings of the worship band and choir. Performances are at 7 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. Visit saxonburg.org/christmas for more information.

Enjoy a free Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Saturday in Mount Chestnut Presbyterian Church, 727 West Old Route 422 in Franklin Township. Everyone is welcome to sing along to some classics. See registration information by visiting the event Facebook page.

See the Vince Tavolario Trio play Christmas hits at the Penn Theater, 149 N. Main St., Butler, at 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets start at $25. For more information, visit thepenntheater.org.

Help local children have a good Christmas by participating in the Run Santa Run race at 9 a.m. Sunday in Graham Park, Cranberry Township. By running the 5K for $40 or the mile for $35, you support Amachi Pittsburgh, which collects unwrapped toys for families in need. For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/CranberryTownship/RunSantaRunCranberryTownship.

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.

This article was updated Dec. 11, 2025 to correct the time of the Christmas Cantata at Saxonburg Presbyterian Church on Sunday.