Pittsburgh Holiday Lights

Experience the sparkle this 2023 holiday season in Pittsburgh!

There’s something magical about the holiday season – especially with a Christmas light show in Pittsburgh. Magnificent holiday displays spectacular decorations and, of course, glimmering luminescence add to the sparkle of the already beautiful city.

Whether you’re in the comfort of your car or bundled up outside, check out this list of places to enjoy holiday lights in and around Pittsburgh.

Downtown Pittsburgh Holiday Displays

Downtown Pittsburgh has no shortage of holiday fun, including stunning decorations and light displays. Market Square features more than 150,000 LED lights and an incredible 35-foot tall, illuminated Sphere Tree, as well as the People Gas Holiday Market. The 65-foot-tall PPG Place Christmas Tree, located in the center of the ice rink, is a sensational site to see.

Stroll through the Cultural District and experience larger-than-life light projections on various Downtown buildings. Book a Walk the Burgh Holiday Lights Tour to fully enjoy Downtown’s festive ambiance while learning about the city’s history.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Nov. 17, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)

Walk through a glowing glasshouse this season at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens! Experience Phipps’ Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden with marvelous poinsettias and holiday trees illuminated with sparkling ornaments and tree toppers, a dazzling, icy display in the Victoria pond room, and more.

This year's show also features glimmering jewel colors on gift boxes, a sea of floral lights, and charming gnomes. Don't miss experiencing a caroling tree and cozy fireplace, taking in a breathtaking array of festive decorations and dazzling hues of color.

Check back for more information on tickets for Phipps members and for the general public.

GLOWLAND

Nov. 20, 2023 - Jan. 2, 2024

Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood will be aglow for a monthlong winter festival with art installations, live music and lights throughout. GLOWLAND will feature an interactive EXPosure exhibit and a GLOW Ball event with dancing and delectable food. The fun continues into Oakland's business districts with music, entertainment, vendors, games and more!

GLOWLAND begins on Nov. 20 with exciting events, vendor stalls, family-friendly activities and more! Be on the lookout for Spherical Saturday celebrations and more GLOWLAND events throughout the winter season.

Dazzling Nights

Nov. 24, 2023 - New Year's Day

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden promises to immerse you in the wonder of the holidays for their Dazzling Nights event, perfect for families, friends and date nights. Have fun stepping on interactive lights, explore a forest of light and fog and journey through a 65' tunnel of light on before taking a photo to remember at their towering tree.

If you get cold or hungry on your trek, don't worry. Toasty seasonal beverages are available along with holiday inspired nibbles. Remember to dress warm and wear good shoes, as Dazzling Lights takes place entirely outdoors.

Dazzling Nights at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Credit |
Quay Hu

Kennywood Holiday Lights

Fridays-Sundays starts Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Open Dec. 26, 2023 - Jan. 1, 2024

You’ve been to Kennywood for summer family fun and the spooky season Phantom Fall Fest, but have you enjoyed the park for the holidays yet?

Make your season sparkle with a visit to Kennywood during Holiday Lights! This festive event features more than one million twinkling lights, holiday-themed food and drinks and the tallest Christmas tree in the state. Visitors can stroll through the park and enjoy select rides, seasonal entertainment and a visit with Santa.

Purchase a 2023 Gold or Platinum Season Pass and receive unlimited Holiday Lights admission for the 2023 season.

Credit |
Jake Mysliwczyk via Kennywood

Zoo Lights Drive-Thru at Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Select Nights Nov. 24-Dec. 30, 2023 (Drive-Thru) and Dec. 15, 16, 22 and 23, 2023 (Walk-Thru)

Walk-thru and drive-thru experiences at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium grounds at night for a festive holiday excursion during Zoo Lights! Marvel as the zoo turns into a winter wonderland with more than 100 animal lights, classic characters and lots of carols along the way. Safely experience the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium from a warm car while following along with a themed audio tour.

Ticket sales for the public begin Nov. 6.

North Park Laser Show

Dec. 8-23, 2023

Enjoy a unique drive-in laser show at North Park! Hosted by Allegheny County, the 45-minute light show is synchronized with holiday music for a relaxing and joyful holiday experience. The light show takes place at the North Park Pool Parking Lot on South Ridge Drive, and visitors remain in their cars for the duration of the show.

Holiday Lights Outside of Pittsburgh

Olgebay Festival of Lights

Nov. 9, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024
A short drive from Pittsburgh in Wheeling, West Virginia, is Olgebay’s Winter Festival of Lights, an incredible drive-through attraction and holiday-light experience!

The Winter Festival of Lights is one of the nation’s largest holiday light shows featuring 300 acres of dazzling lights and 90 lighted displays. Drive along the six-mile route and tune in to a variety of audio experiences for an unforgettable holiday adventure.

Overly’s Country Christmas in Westmoreland

Nov.16 - Dec. 30, 2023

In the hectic rush of the holidays, it’s time to slow down, get out of your car, and stretch your legs! This Westmoreland County tradition has been operating since 1956. Enjoy this walk-through Christmas village for good, as Overly Country Christmas exists to raise money for charitable causes.

Though the Overly Country Christmas Village may not be as extravagant as some other displays on this list, it’s still worth a stroll through, especially if you’re looking to avoid the huge crowds some of the other events on this list can draw. Like any good country Christmas, Overly’s Country Christmas Village is simple and comforting. Tickets start at $5/person.

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Kylie M.

Author

Kylie M.

Blog Author

Kylie is a Pittsburgh native and Duquesne University alum who loves to travel and explore new things. Follow her on Twitter @KylieMcCracken_ for all things PGH, sports, food & drink.

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