'Tis The Season

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style... Pittsburgh decks the halls with spirit this holiday season. The sites and sounds of the season kick off on Light Up Night on November 21. Downtown Pittsburgh sparkles with the grandeur of thousands of twinkling lights and the smiles of children and adults alike as they share in this Pittsburgh tradition.

Celebrate the unique cultural diversity of our region at the Heinz History Center this holiday season. Heritage Holidays showcases the ethnic groups who have shaped our region through food, song, dance and activities, all with a holiday theme. Best of all, the event is free with regular History Center admission! Join in the fun on Saturday, November 15 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Senator John Heinz History Center.

There is no greater gift for the entire family than Pittsburgh's Favorite Holiday Tradition, The Nutcracker! Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's stunning interpretation of the timeless classic takes audiences on an unforgettable journey that is steeped in glorious Pittsburgh history, Dec. 12-28. Buy tickets for The Nutcracker today!

This lavish production follows Marie and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle the dreaded Rat King and glide through a glittering snowy forest where they encounter the handsome Snow King, his beautiful Queen and the Snowflakes. They arrive at the colorful Land of Enchantment, where a festival awaits featuring dancers from many exotic lands. Conceived and choreographed by Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker is one of the country's largest productions and utilizes the rich history of Pittsburgh to create a one of a kind experience.

Charles Dickens' classic story, A Christmas Carol, comes to life on the CLO stage in A Musical Christmas Carol. Join Tiny Tim, Scrooge and the rest of the holiday gang in what promises to be a remarkable performance. Watch as Scrooge relives his memories and learns of the future, all in just one night. A Musical Christmas Carol runs December 5-21 at the Byham Theater, in Downtown's Cultural District.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops help to welcome the holidays with a very special concert, Holiday Memories with the PSO. The beautiful Heinz Hall is the venue for this annual concert, showcasing the songs of the season. Join in the Yuletide festivities, December 17-21.

On December 6, 13 and 20, the Carnegie Science Center hosts the Breakfast Express. Bring the whole family for a heartwarming morning of trains, stories and holiday spirit. Breakfast Express includes a piping-hot breakfast, a morning of activities and crafts, The Polar Express: The IMAX® Experience, a celebrity guest, and lots of family fun. The day culminates with special reserved time at the Miniature Railroad.

Visit the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland and stop by the Neapolitan Presepio, a miniature nativity scene featuring the craftsmanship of Italian artists from 1700-1830. Critics have called this display one of the best of its kind, and it's sure to become a favorite holiday memory for you and your family.

See the splendor of the holidays come alive during PPG Place's splendid Spirit of Giving From Around the World exhibit, November 21 through January 7, 2009. This enchanting display of life-size Santas and original paintings depict holiday celebrations around the world.

From December 3-20, join the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre for Dublin Carol, an Irish version of the classic Christmas story. Dublin Carol casts an ingenious spell in telling the story of undertaker John Plunkett, who on Christmas Eve is sharing his funereal memories with his young assistant. On this night, however, an unexpected visit from his estranged, grown-up daughter forces him to face up to his disastrous past and make a truce with his future.

The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh is celebrating its 25th Birthday and you're invited! Help "Blow Out the Candles" the weekend of December 6 and 7 with FREE CUPCAKES at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. Visit their website for more!

This holiday season, join in a Pittsburgh tradition at Phipps Conservatory. Explore the Winter Flower Show, an exhibit full of holiday flowers and twinkling lights. Enjoy live entertainment and candlelit evenings, with special holiday hours November 28, 2008-January 4, 2009.

Celebrate the New Year in Downtown Pittsburgh with the annual First Night Festivities. Celebrate from 6 p.m.-Midnight with family fun for all ages.

A Countryside Christmas

Travel into the countryside for a nostalgic visit to the Westmoreland Museum of American Art's Holiday Toy Exhibit. The toys that were must-haves from Christmases gone by are sure to spark your memory and take you back. Join in the fun, November 23, 2008-January 13, 2009.

Stop by Indiana County for a dazzling ride through Blue Spruce Park for its annual Festival of Lights. Tour over two miles of holiday lights, right along the beautiful lake at Blue Spruce. Stop by the gift shop for tons of unique gifts and holiday souvenirs. The Festival of Lights opens November 27 and runs on weekends until December 18. The lights are open daily from December 18-January 1, 2009.

Start a new family tradition by visiting the "Christmas Tree Capital of the World" in Indiana County where you can cut your own Christmas tree or select from pre-cut trees. Take a horse-drawn wagon to fields of trees at Flemings Christmas Tree Farms. And Gamble Tree Farms Christmas Festival offers hayrides, homemade refreshments and handmade crafts. Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-14.

Experience a 19th-century Christmas in an historic home beautifully decorated for the holidays during the Candlelight Tours at the LeMoyne House and Bradford House in Washington County. On Dec. 6, enjoy an Old-Fashioned Christmas and entertainment at the uniquely decorated courtrooms in the Washington County Courthouse.

Visit Christmas Open House at the Greene County Historical Society in Waynesburg Dec. 5-7 to see the historical museum festively decorated. The museum shop offers unique gift ideas, including history and educational books and lovely Victorian items. All aboard the Santa Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, where visitors can actually ride Pennsylvania's historic electric rail vehicles dating back to the turn of the last century, Nov. 28-30, Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-14. Another must-see is the Trolleys and Toy Trains show through December.

Christmas at the Village, at Old Economy Village in Beaver County is always special. On Dec. 6, families will discover Christmas rituals adopted by German immigrants from different periods in American history. Walk along lantern-lit streets, tour the traditionally German decorations and sample delicious German fare. Historic craftsmen will ply their crafts and vendors will display and sell their wares.

Ring in the New Year in Butler County! Harmony hosts Sylvester Celebration, a German-inspired New Year's Party, on Dec. 31 that includes a countdown at 6pm—that's midnight in Germany. The family-focused celebration features a 5K race, music, shopping, museum tours, German cuisine and ends with a fireworks blast in the German tradition. Or, Ring in the Arts in downtown Butler with performances by talented regional artists.

So have yourself a merry little holiday in Pittsburgh and Its Countryside!