Pittsburgh Holiday Events

Light Up Night

November 21, 2026

This annual celebration officially kicks off Pittsburgh's holiday season. Enjoy a full night of festive activities and events, including concerts by national and local artists, spectacular fireworks, family activities, the seasonal opening of Pittsburgh's winter attractions, the Golden Triangle's spectacular illumination, and more!

The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™

November 20 - December 24, 2026 (closed Thanksgiving)

Downtown Pittsburgh is festive and fun at the annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ where you can browse outdoor wooden chalets brimming with unique gifts and holiday experiences filled with international flair and local charm. Enjoy live music as you stroll through the illuminated Cultural District, and don't forget to stop by for a visit with Santa himself!

The UPMC Rink at PPG Place

November 13, 2026 - February 28, 2027

Create picture-perfect memories while skating at The UPMC Rink at PPG Place. Since 2001, this rink has been a staple holiday attraction in Downtown Pittsburgh, offering festive outdoor ice skating for all ages, with skate rentals, special promotions, and convenient online booking.

Handmade Arcade Holiday Market

Friday, December 4, 2026
5-8 p.m. Preview Party

Saturday, December 5, 2026
9-11 a.m. Early Bird Shopping
11 a.m.-6 p.m. General Shopping

Sunday, December 6, 2026
10-11 a.m. Sensory Friendly Shopping
11 a.m.-6 p.m. General Shopping

Shop one-of-a-kind handmade products from 275+ talented makers and artists at the region's largest holiday market, Handmade Arcade, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center this December!

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh

December 31, 2026 - January 1, 2027

Pittsburgh's signature New Year's celebration, Highmark First Night Pittsburgh! This arts-focused festival takes you across Pittsburgh's Cultural District and features live music, dance, theater, visual arts, and comedy. The festivities culminate in a parade and the iconic Future of Pittsburgh Ball, raising funds to welcome the New Year.

Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden

November 20, 2026 - January 10, 2027

Phipps’ 2026 Holiday Magic! dazzles with illuminated garlands, gilded décor, themed trees, and towering poinsettia and anthurium displays. Outside, ice-skating animal topiaries, a color-changing snowflake tree, glowing orbs, and countless lights create a festive wonderland. The new Garden Railroad: Fairies and Gnomes display features magical villages, hovering dragonflies, and trains winding through lush greenery.

South Side First Annual Winter Fest

Saturday, December 5, 2026

Pittsburgh’s South Side welcomes the holiday season with South Side Winter Fest, a free, family-friendly celebration featuring winter activities and Santa’s arrival to light the Holiday Tree. Neighborhood artists, vendors, restaurants, food trucks, and community partners will showcase the best of the South Side.

Kennywood's Holiday Lights

Friday - Sunday, November 13 - December 13, 2026, and daily December 18 - January 3, 2027 (closed on Christmas)

Make your season sparkle at Kennywood’s Holiday Lights. Bring your family and celebrate this Pittsburgh classic's return. Stroll among more than two million twinkling lights and marvel at the tallest Christmas tree in the state. Savor new festive foods and holiday drinks. Plus, kids can enjoy rides, and everyone can enjoy special entertainment.

Winter Wonderlights

November 27, 2026 - January 2, 2027

Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens invites you to experience the wonder of the holidays with Winter Wonderlights, perfect for families, friends, and date nights. Step on interactive lights, explore a forest of light and fog, and journey through a 70' tunnel of light before snapping a photo at their towering tree.

Zoo Lights Drive-Thru

November 27, 2026 - January 3, 2027

Experience the Pittsburgh Zoo transformed into a dazzling drive-through holiday display featuring thousands of eco-friendly lights, illuminated animals, festive scenes, Pittsburgh icons, and a special tribute to the newest zoo babies.

Holiday Happenings at the National Aviary

November 29 - December 19, 2026

Spend your holidays at the National Aviary! Enjoy family-fun activities during Season’s Greetings Saturdays, festive holiday brunches in The Garden Room, and late nights with the birds during Holiday Lights and Late Nights! Don’t forget to stop in the Gift Shop or visit the online store for that perfect present.

Nationality Rooms Holiday Open House

December 6, 2026

The Nationality and Heritage Rooms in the Cathedral of Learning will be decorated for the holiday season again in 2026! Guests can explore each culture's traditions, make traditional crafts, watch cultural demonstrations, and even see St. Nicholas! This event is free, but gifts and food will be available for purchase.

The Lawrenceville Cookie Tour

December 12, 2026

Experience the annual Lawrenceville Cookie Tour, a beloved holiday tradition! This tour of Lawrenceville offers shopping at local businesses that also offer free cookies to visitors, making it a delicious way to support local shops and celebrate the season. As you explore Lawrenceville, enjoy a sweet treat, get your gifts wrapped at free gift-wrapping stations, buy your favorite cookies at community bake sales, meet and take photos with costumed characters, and use the free shuttle service to get around with all your packages!

Poinsettias and Pointe Shoes

November 23-24, 2026

This Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre performance is the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season, bringing the magic of The Nutcracker to the historic glasshouse at Phipps Conservatory. Tickets include admission to their Winter Flower Show and Light Garden.

The Nutcracker

December 4-27, 2026 (select dates)

Snow settles across the city as a wonderful adventure begins in PBT’s The Nutcracker. Join Marie, her Nutcracker prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy on a journey into the Land of Enchantment. With five fanciful scenes, more than 150 unique costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s enduring score, The Nutcracker is a can’t-miss holiday tradition.