While it may have been a frigid Saturday afternoon, the Uptown Winter Market & Holiday Celebration brought the heat last weekend with the return of the 911 Chili Showdown and a new business window decorating contest, as well as annual favorites including the cookie walk, elf scavenger hunt, carols, outdoor vendor market, model train display and tree lighting with the jolly man from the North Pole.

The fire department dominated with its winning chili, prepared by Firefighter Patrick Mcree. Police made a spicy batch with smoked beef shoulder and MRTSA had their own slightly sweet version featuring chorizo. Visitors sampled the chilis, voted for their favorite and even donated to the EMS department’s winter fundraisers.

Fire collected for Toys for Tots; police asked for coats for the Salvation Army and funds for their Presents with Police event at UPMC Children’s Hospital; and MRTSA sought donations for their unhoused kits, which are care packages they will keep in their ambulances to help those in need.

Further down Washington Road, visitors enjoyed holiday shopping, food and music from Mt. Lebanon students. More than a dozen businesses handed out free cookies, hot chocolate, mulled wine, churros and other treats. Plus, many more showed off their festive window displays, for the Mt. Lebanon Partnership’s window decorating contest, which continues through December 17. You can vote for your favorite display once a day until then.

The day wrapped up at 5 p.m. in Clearview Common with a Christmas tree lighting. New this year were the lighted menorah and kinara, which you can read more about in a previous Mt. Lebanon Magazine article.

Find more photos from Uptown Winter Market & Holiday Celebration, as well as Beverly Brite Nite, in our photo gallery!