CRANBERRY TWP — After St. Nick bypassed Cranberry Township last year, the Municipal Center again will host Santa's First Stop on Nov. 19.

The event, which will return after a yearlong COVID-related hiatus, will feature crafts, games, food trucks and reindeer from 6 to 8 p.m. at the township's municipal center, 2525 Rochester Road.

In addition to the festivities indoors, Cranberry will set up a holiday light display outside, where the live reindeer will be stationed and food trucks, including The Flame BBQ, Fun Fore All and Nothing Bundt Cakes, will offer food and drinks for purchase.

Beginning at 6 p.m., crafts and games will be available in the municipal building gym, with a Lego train display choo-chooing around Council Chamber.

The Cranberry Township Community Chest's gallery of Christmas trees will be displayed throughout the building.

Prior to Santa Claus' arrival, the Dutilh United Methodist Church Choir will perform from 6:15 to 6:50 p.m., setting the stage for St. Nick's arrival on a Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company antique fire engine at 7 p.m.

Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus will be around for about a half-hour, departing at 7:30 p.m. No photos will be available, however. In the back parking lot, Cranberry Township EMS again will host a stuff-an-ambulance drive, where attendees are asked to donate a new toy to Toys for Tots.

It's Santa's first stop, but it won't be the last, with St. Nick set for an appearance during the Dec. 4 and 5 Milk and Cookies events.