Abundant Lights Shines Brighter Than Ever as Passavant Community Celebrates Its 23rd Christmas Festival

Subjectively, people say the Christmas season begins with a single moment. A bell. A song.

At Passavant Community, this year’s Christmas season began with the sound of an air horn. That horn marked the official start of the 23rd Annual Abundant Lights Christmas Festival. That horn, sounded by Camryn Sacco, a Bioengineering major at the University of Pittsburgh and Miss Moraine State 2026, was the start of the ASPIRE® Wellness 5K Run and 1-mile Walk, which is the opening event to a long day of festive celebrating.

Just after sunrise, 98 people took to the starting line. Participants as young as 9 and as experienced as 78 took part in the races. With their race registration, they all ran or walked with purpose across the Passavant and Glade Run campuses to help fuel the Benevolent Care Fund, which assist residents when financial hardships arise by providing critical assistance for monthly fees. Passavant Community Residents also joined the action, with some using the event to highlight the benefits of Nordic walking. With lightweight poles in hand, they demonstrated how “urban poling” delivers stability, confidence, and a full-body workout.

“Events like this show that an active lifestyle has no age limit. Watching children, adults, and older adults compete side-by-side is exactly what ASPIRE® Wellness is all about,” said Brian Damaska, ASPIRE® Wellness Director. “I’m incredibly proud of every participant who showed up running or walking and cheering each other on. This community continues to raise the bar, and we’re already looking forward to an even bigger, stronger event next year.”

A Campus Transformed

By the afternoon, the campus had turned into a world fit for a Christmas movie. Children’s activities, music, festive displays, and a lively Christmas Market set the stage for a celebration that feels like the best parts of the season wrapped into one unforgettable day.

Children followed Santa and Mrs. Claus, being on their best behavior in hopes of landing that present they have wanted all year for Christmas morning. Parents snapped photos, and grandparents could do nothing but smile and let the joy soak in.

A Feast for the Senses

The aroma of food was a personal highlight for many. Amish donuts disappeared quickly, and food vendors from across the region created a culinary tour in the middle of campus with offerings from Roger’s Cuisine, Ellinger’s Meats and Catering, Nedal Gyro, Pastrami Jack’s, McLaughlin Distillery, and others who arrived ready to feed many appetites.

Even more impressive was that the dietary team worked for days to prepare 262 dozen Christmas cookies for many to enjoy.

Marketplace Magic and Baskets of Joy

Visitors enjoyed vendors looking for that perfect gift, while many bought tickets in hopes of being a lucky winner of one of the 109 themed gift baskets. There was a little something for everyone. A thousand dollars’ worth of scratch off tickets, gift cards for morning coffee, gift cards for dinner out, and a Lego lover’s dream. And every last basket supported the Benevolent Care Fund.

Displays That Bring the Season to Life

A stunning train display, designed to depict charming miniature winter scenes, captivated attendees with its detailed portrayal of seasonal nostalgia. The model train display is run and operated entirely by Passavant residents and dedicated volunteers.

Christmas wagon rides offered guests a close-up view of the community’s stunning holiday lights and decorations. As the wagons journeyed through Passavant Community, guest were surrounded by the vibrant glow of the beautifully decorated surroundings.

“What moves me every year is the way this place fills with kindness,” exclaimed Laura Roy, Executive Director of Passavant Community. “People show up for one another in ways big and small, and that spirit is the heart of Passavant. Seeing residents, families, neighbors, sponsors and volunteers lift this festival together is something I never take for granted. Their generosity fuels the Benevolent Care Fund and ensures we can continue providing care and dignity for every person who calls Lutheran SeniorLife home.

The Abundant Lights Christmas Festival is a promise that the values of compassion, generosity, and community will always guide Lutheran SeniorLife forward. This year’s celebration once again proved that when people come together with purpose, they create something brighter than lights and deeper than tradition. They create belonging, and that, is the true gift of the season.