Places Open on New Year’s Day in Pittsburgh

New Year’s Day in Pittsburgh hits different. The ball drops, the confetti settles, and suddenly it’s January 1st and you’re wondering what to do to start the new year off on the right foot. Good news - Pittsburgh does not sleep on the first day of the year!

Quick note before we dive in. Holiday hours can shift, so reach out ahead of time to confirm what’s open.

Here’s your guide to kicking off the year with something fun, something tasty, or at the very least something that gets you out of your sweatpants for an hour.

Credit |
@bethelbakery

Treat Yourself to the Legendary Pittsburgh New Year’s Pretzel

If you’re not from around here, this one might surprise you. In Pittsburgh, we don’t just eat black eyed peas or bacon for good luck on New Year’s Day. We go big. Like "giant iced pretzel meant to be shared at midnight" big. So go ahead and pre-order yourself a "Neujahrsbrezel" to share on January 1st.

The New Year’s pretzel tradition comes from southwestern Germany, but Pittsburgh took it and ran with it. Think soft, sweet dough topped with icing and sometimes fruit or nut fillings. Swing by Bethel Bakery or Oakmont Bakery to grab one before they sell out. (Note orders available for pick up until New Years Eve, bakeries are closed New Years Day). Your year will officially be off to a delicious start.

Explore Museums and Attractions That Are Open on New Year’s Day

If your resolution is to explore more and become a bit more “cultured”, good news… Pittsburgh has several spots open on New Year’s Day that are fun, engaging, and just quirky enough to fit the vibe.

Kamin Science Center

Formerly the Carnegie Science Center, this is Pittsburgh’s most visited museum and a guaranteed win for all ages. Five floors of interactive exhibits, robots, space science, sports science, and enough hands-on fun to distract you from the fact that it’s somehow already January again.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Open until 10 pm and serving full fairy-tale energy with their Holiday Magic display. Glowing gardens, whimsical “Wild Winter” scenes, and thousands of festive blooms. It’s cozy, colourful, and perfect if you want to ring in the new year with something soothing and beautiful.

The National Aviary

Walk through immersive habitats filled with hundreds of free-flying birds from around the world. Penguins, owls, tropical birds, even sloths. It’s warm, bright, and honestly one of the best feel-good outings in the city.

Bicycle Heaven

The world’s largest bicycle museum and easily one of the most delightfully unexpected attractions anywhere. Retro bikes, movie props, neon displays, rare models, and more. Open 10 am to 5 pm, and yes, you will find yourself saying “wait, this is actually really cool.”

Museum of Illusions Pittsburgh

Enter a world where your eyes lie to you and your camera roll becomes filled with gold. Tilted rooms, optical illusions, mind-bending exhibits, and plenty of spots to question your reality. Open on New Year’s Day and great for families, date days, or anyone who wants to kick off the year in awe.

Credit |
@museumofillusions_pittsburgh
Credit |
@museumofillusions_pittsburgh

Can’t Miss Events on New Years Day

Glide Into the New Year at the PPG Place Ice Rink

The rink at PPG Place is open on New Year’s Day, which means you can twirl, glide, shuffle, or cling to the wall in style under the city lights. All skill levels welcome.

Catch the Penguins Game

If you want full energy, full volume, full Pittsburgh, spend your New Year's Day with the hockey fans at PPG Paints Arena. The Detroit Red Wings take on the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the vibe is always electric.

See Purple Madness at City Winery

If you want something indoors at night, Purple Madness brings Prince’s music to life at City Winery on New Year’s Day at 7 pm. Small venue, big sound, plenty of sparkle.

Get Outside for Fresh Air and Scenic Views

Point State Park

If you’re trying to start the year calm, centered, and moderately less chaotic, this is a solid move. Take a slow walk and enjoy the rivers meeting at the Point.

Duquesne Incline

Ride the historic incline up Mount Washington and take in one of the best skyline views in the country. The photos practically take themselves.

Mount Washington Overlook

Even without the incline, it’s worth heading up for that classic panorama.

Restaurants Open on New Years Day

Tons of spots across the city take New Year’s Day seriously, which means you have options. Lots of them. Whether you want brunch, sushi, steak, noodles, or something fancy, Pittsburgh delivers.

Here are restaurants showing reservations or holiday hours as open:

Upscale or Date-Night Worthy

Casual Favorites

For Drinks and Good Vibes

Note: since holiday hours can shift, reach out or check online before you go.

Pittsburgh has plenty of places open for New Year’s Day so you can ease into the year or jump straight into the fun. Either way, you’ll be doing it right in the ‘Burgh!

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