Things to Do in Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving

Discover captivating light displays, exciting attractions, delectable meals and more

Traverse across Pittsburgh with an action-packed itinerary for Thanksgiving. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving weekend or seeking holiday-inspired activities with family, you’ll find a wide range of fun events for this turkey-centered day.

Exterior of Phipps Conservatory illuminated in colorful holiday lights

1. Stroll Through the Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden

Held at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, you’ll marvel at a green winter wonderland with stunning displays of lights and lush nature. Be immersed in an indoor winter-themed flower show and an outdoor dazzling garden. Wander through trees that sparkle with vibrant lights and floral arrangements that gleam with vivid colors. This event’s features include LED-based fireworks over a field of poinsettias, a “singing tree” that reacts to visitor’s tunes, and holiday-decorated gnomes.

Date: Nov. 14, 2025- Jan. 4, 2026
Location: 1 Schenley Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

2. Skate Your Way Through UPMC Rink at PPG Place

Seeking outdoor date ideas? Glide around a sparkling Christmas tree and take in a lively ambience. The UPMC Rink offers an ice-centered experience with glowing lights and picturesque scenes of downtown Pittsburgh. Enjoy amenities such as skate sharpening services and coin-operated lockers for your belongings. Expand your skating activities with an array of other rinks in Pittsburgh, including outdoor and indoor spots.

Date: Nov. 14, 2025-March 1, 2026
Time: Available hours depend on the day
Location: 2 PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

3. Celebrate the Holiday Season with Highmark Light Up Night

Create unforgettable memories with family and friends, enjoying a breathtaking showing of fireworks, live music, and mouth watering eats. The 62nd annual Highmark Light Up Night features a holiday extravaganza with exciting activities for all ages. Experience thrilling fun with tree lightings, food truck adventures, upbeat concerts and a block party in downtown Pittsburgh.

Date: November 22, 2025
Time: 4-10 p.m.
Location: 120 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

4. Shop ‘Til You Drop at the Peoples Gas Holiday Market

Plan for a shopping-filled Thanksgiving weekend and attend this annual Pittsburgh tradition with an assortment of local businesses and vendors. Whether you’re finding gifts for Christmas or seeking holiday decorations for your home, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market is a shopping hub for all visitors. Walk through German Christmas market-inspired stalls that are bursting with handcrafted keepsakes and goods and savor the wafting aromas of comforting pastries and roasted nuts.

Date: Nov. 21-Dec. 24, 2025
Time: Monday to Thursday - 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Friday & Saturday - 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. | Sunday - 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: The Cultural District

5. Watch a Pittsburgh Penguins Game

Hockey fans will enjoy watching the Pittsburgh Penguins play two games at PPG Paints Arena Thanksgiving week: Wednesday, Nov. 26 against the Minnesota Wild and Saturday, Nov. 29 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Take a seat and enjoy the new scoreboard and upgraded sound system, and cheer along with the roar of the crowd. Before heading to the game, make a stop at nearby dining spots such as the Commoner and the Bigelow Grille. Browse through our guide to the PPG Paints Arena, finding parking spots, the best bites at the concession stands and more.

Date: Nov. 26 & 29, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: 1001 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

6. Participate in the YMCA Pittsburgh Turkey Trot

Run through Pittsburgh on Thanksgiving day while supporting YMCA food pantry programs and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The 35th annual YMCA Pittsburgh Turkey Trot aims to bring community members together in battling food insecurity. This event offers a variety of races for beginner and advanced runners, ranging from a one-mile run to a five-mile race. Enjoy a stroll-friendly race during the one-mile run, or sprint to the finish line during the 5k run. Don’t miss looking for more heart-pumping marathons in Pittsburgh after this event.

Date: Nov. 27, 2025
Time: 7:30 a.m.

7. Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner with a Variety of Culinary Options

Indulge in sumptuous meals with classic fall ingredients and flavors. For an enthralling day on the water, make your way to Gateway Clipper Fleet’s Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise and Tour, enjoying a tranquil afternoon or evening with buffet dining, live entertainment and scenic skyline views. This boating adventure will be held Nov. 27, 2025 with available hours varying from different timed sessions of the day. For a comforting dinner at home, explore a catering service like Bistro To Go which delivers autumnal dishes such as apple cider-glazed meats and a pecan-topped sweet potato casserole. With a burgeoning culinary and bar scene, Pittsburgh offers various ways to savor your food and drinks for Thanksgiving.

Trees covered in colorful holiday lights, a dazzling Christmas tree, and other holiday decorations at Kennywood Holiday Lights

Credit |

Jake Mysliwczyk via Kennywood

8. Bring Your Little Ones to Holiday Attractions at Kennywood Park

Looking for family-friendly activities during Thanksgiving weekend? Swing by the Kennywood Holiday Lights event, where millions of glimmering lights and classic rides await, including Kennywood Park’s Merry-Go-Round, Jack Rabbit, Kangaroo and the Kiddieland Rides. Must-try snacks and drinks at this event include decadent fudge from Kandy Kaleidoscope and a seasonal brew from the Beer Garden.

Date: TBA
Time: TBA
Location: 4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin, PA 15122

9. Witness Wild Illuminations at The Pittsburgh Zoo

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium makes spirits bright again this winter holiday season with Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience, presented by UPMC Health Plan, select nights November 22 through January 11, 2026. All new silk-and-steel lanterns will spark your imagination, including amazing animals, beloved holiday characters, traditional Asian icons, and ever so many enchantments. The lanterns will be paired with more than a million twinkling lights for an unforgettably shiny holiday experience.

Date: Nov. 22, 2025-Jan. 11, 2026
Time: 5:30-10 p.m.
Location: One Wild PlacePittsburgh, PA 15206