Dec 23, 2003 By Frances Borsodi Zajac 2 min read

Ohiopyle State Park will offer its own kind of magic this Christmas Eve when the park staff turns lights on the falls. Debbie Evans of Ohiopyle State Park reported, “The falls will be lit from 6 to 10 p.m. and park staff will be on hand by the falls deck to pass out hot chocolate.’

Lighting the falls on Christmas Eve has become a modern tradition at Ohiopyle State Park. The event attracts a couple of hundred people throughout the night.

“You’d be surprised at the calls and e-mails from people asking if we’re going to light the falls,’ said Evans. “We get a couple of hundred people who come pretty steady throughout the night. It depends on the weather. This looks like a good year – weatherwise.’

Park staffers were placing colored lights on the observation deck Monday, Evans reported. The lights will shine on the falls, adding to the enjoyment of the holiday.

And seeing Ohiopyle falls lit up is a special event. The falls are only lit a few times a year, including during the Music in the Mountains festival over Labor Day weekend and Christmas Eve.

“It’s not something you can see all the time,’ said Evans.

Besides being unusual, the lighting of the falls draws people because it’s a beautiful, simple activity.

“When you’re done with shopping, you can slow down and enjoy something nice,’ said Evans.

And park staffers are looking forward to this being a good year to view the falls.

“It should be a nice night,’ said Evans. “Hopefully, the rain will hold off and we’ll have some snowflakes.’