Holidays in Pittsburgh

1 Day, 1 Night Suggested

Start your holiday excursion at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This Schenley Park jewel has delighted plant and flower enthusiasts for over 100 years. Housed in what is considered to be one of the largest and finest Victorian glasshouses in the country, the glass display rooms at the Phipps feature tropical, desert, regional, flowering, and fruit displays. Stop by the Garden Railroad, all dressed up for the season. Then marvel at the Winter Flower Show, featuring stunning arrangements of poinsettias, chrysanthemums, azaleas and more.

The Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh not only highlight the different cultures in the area, they dress up for the holidays as well! Each room is decorated Old World style for the season, reflecting the holiday traditions and heritage of all the cultures that make Pittsburgh what it is today.

PPG Place in downtown Pittsburgh annually hosts a special treat for holiday lovers, the Spirits of Giving From Around the World exhibit. Featuring life sized Santa Clauses and original paintings from around the world, this exhibit tells the tale of holiday traditions in other countries. And, there is no cost of admission, only a donation is asked.

From there, venture on to the U. S. Steel Building and the breath taking Vatican Crèche display. The crèche features life size renderings of the holy family and all who were at the manger that night, and is the only authentic copy in the world of the crèche featured in Vatican Square in Rome.

Tonight, celebrate the season at the "Celebration of Lights" at Hartwood Acres. Drive through historic Hartwood and see a winter wonderland of animated light displays synchronized to holiday music. The magic of the holidays truly comes alive at the "Celebration of Lights" at Hartwood.