Holidays in Pittsburgh

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'Tis the season to shop till you drop, so check out the Peoples Gas Holiday Market, Downtown's first-ever European holiday market. Inspired by the original Christkindlmarkt created in 1545 in Nuremberg, Germany, the market features The Cultural Showcase Stage, themed Holiday Saturdays and vendors displaying unique collectibles and gift items in Alpine-style wooden chalets. The Market is open daily from Nov. 24-Dec. 23 and is sponsored by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.  

Celebrate the holidays at the WELCOME Pittsburgh Information Center & Gift Shop in Fifth Avenue Place in downtown Pittsburgh. On 12-12-12, the authors of the Food Lovers’ Guide to Pittsburgh, will be on hand signing their book that features the best restaurants, markets and local culinary offerings! Doors open at 10 a.m., book signing begins at Noon and the first 25 people in line receive a free autographed copy. Throughout the holiday season, spend $25 or more at WELCOME Pittsburgh and receive a free glass ornament created by a local artist, while supplies last.

Kennywood's open... again! That's right, Pittsburgh's favorite amusement park reopens to celebrate the season with a holiday light display that is fun for all ages. Select rides are open and the dazzling holiday light show is set to music. There will be carolers, Santa Claus and more!  Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday, Nov. 23-Dec. 30 PLUS the dates of Dec. 26 + 27.

Back for its 12th season, the Rink at PPG Place boasts an ice surface bigger than Rockefeller Center! Your day-stamped wrist band allows you to skate all day. Wrist bands are $7 for adults, $6 for kids and skate rentals are $3 a pair. So popular that nearly 70,000 skaters per year take to the rink for winter-time fun. Join them!

Pittsburgh welcomes The Nutcracker back to the beautiful Benedum Center, Dec. 7-30. Be a part of this classic masterpiece as you journey to the Land of Enchantment. 

Mark your calendars for a special Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performance of Tchaikovsky's Winter Dreams, playing at Heinz Hall, Dec. 14-16. Another musical must for the holiday season is the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's Highmark Holiday Pops, Dec. 20-23. Hear all of your favorite holiday classics, including "Sleigh Ride" and selections from The Nutcracker.

The holiday season wouldn't be the same without the Pittsburgh CLO's performance of A Musical Christmas Carol. Take your seat, Dec. 7-23, at the beautifully restored Byham Theater and watch as Ebeneezer Scrooge transforms from a greedy grouch into a warm and generous man after visits from the ghosts of the past, present and future!

Ring in the new year with Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, a family-friendly celebration, presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, that has something for everyone. Downtown Pittsburgh celebrates New Year's Eve with musical performances, balloon artists, dance lessons, jewelry making, a parade and fireworks! Stop in the WELCOME Pittsburgh Information Center and Gift Shop at Fifth Avenue Place or an area Giant Eagle to purchase your First Night button.