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From outdoor shopping and toasty refreshments to indoor exhibits and bites for the whole family, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holidays in Pittsburgh.
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Experience the magic of the Holidays in Pittsburgh! Enjoy seasonal events and celebrations – all while following health and safety guidelines. Visit cool places, support small and local businesses and make plans to glide across the glistening ice rink.
Read on for more on how you can get in the Holiday spirit this season!
Downtown Holiday Happenings
Light Up Night
Nov. 19, 2022 This annual celebration is the official kickoff of Pittsburgh's Holiday celebration. Experience a full night of vibrant activities and events, including concerts from national and local artists, extraordinary firework displays, family activities, the seasonal opening of Pittsburgh's winter attractions, the spectacular illumination of the Golden Triangle and more!
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™
Nov. 18, 2022 through Dec. 22 (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 an illuminated Market Square, and don't forget to stop by for a visit with Santa himself!
The UPMC Rink at PPG Place
Nov. 18, 2022 through Jan. 8, 2023 Create smiles and memories when you skate at The UPMC Rink at PPG Place. Since 2001, this rink has been a staple attraction in Downtown Pittsburgh during the holidays.
Handmade Arcade Holiday Market
Dec. 2 (Happy Hour) and Dec. 3 (Main Event), 2022 Shop one-of-a-kind handmade products from 250+ talented makers and artists at the largest holiday market in the region at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center at Handmade Arcade! This free market goes from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Dec. 4, but Friday Night happy hour and Saturday early bird tickets are available if you want to shop early and avoid the crowds.
The Pittsburgh Crèche
Light Up Night (Nov. 19, 2022) through Epiphany Venture from Market Square across town to the U.S. Steel Tower and visit The Pittsburgh Crèche, the world's only approved replica of the Vatican's Nativity Scene.
Throughout The Season 2022 Details TBA. Enjoy a family pitstop at the Heinz Hall Courtyard as it transforms into a child’s television dreamland for the holidays. Explore colorful backdrops and life-sized standees of popular characters from Fred Rogers Productions’ beloved children’s shows and other PBS favorites, including Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat and Odd Squad.
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh
Dec. 31, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023 Pittsburgh's signature New Year's celebration, Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, takes place in the Cultural District with a variety of family-friendly activities and, of course, fireworks!
Nov. 18, 2022 through Jan. 1, 2023 (closed on Christmas) Make your season sparkle at Kennywood’s Holiday Lights. Bring your family and celebrate the return of this Pittsburgh classic. Take a stroll among more than two million twinkling lights and marvel at the tallest Christmas tree in the state. Savor the flavors of new festive foods and holiday drinks. Plus, there are rides for the kids and special entertainment for all. The holidays shine brighter than ever at the 10th anniversary of Kennywood’s Holiday Lights. Come make it part of your tradition select nights starting Nov. 18 for Season Passholders and Nov. 19 for everyone!
Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden
Nov. 18, 2022 through Jan. 8, 2023 Phipps' glowing gardens are back and bigger, brighter and more breathtaking than ever! Their 2022 show, Holiday Magic!, features a Winter Flower Show of holiday trees, 1,600+ poinsettias, orchids, amaryllis and topiary reindeer, while the Winter Light Garden wows guests including tens of thousands of lights, glowing tunnels and illuminated panes of glass. With a new theme of Arctic Adventure, be on the lookout for arctic whale, iceberg, narwhal and polar bear displays with twinkling lights, water features and incredible scenery.
GLOWLAND
Nov. 18-Dec. 17, 2022 Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood will be aglow for a monthlong winter festival with art installations, live music and lights throughout. GLOWLAND will be anchored by Impulse, an interactive and family friendly art installation of playable seesaws that create sound and light in ever-changing compositions.
Nov. 18-20, 26-27, 2022 Take a tour of a beautiful Shadyside mansion decorated with breathtaking Victoriana art and antiques as well as a priceless collection of heirloom glass ornaments. Tickets are available for daytime and candlelight tours, and proceeds benefit the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Since 1961, the annual installation and decoration of the Carnegie Trees has kicked off the holiday season at the museum. The Hall of Architecture will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring towering Fraser fir trees lit to perfection and trimmed with glistening snow, gingerbread, baubles and more.
See an elaborate panorama of live in 18th-century Naples and view the nativity scene recreated with miniature figures. The museum has carried on this centuries-old tradition since 1957.
Nov. 25-Dec. 30, 2022 (Select Dates) The Pittsburgh Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland for the Zoo Lights Drive-Thru. You never have to leave your car as you and your family enjoys more than 100 animal lights with new displays, festive music and holiday treats. Tickets are timed entry so be sure to reserve your spot Nov. 1 when tickets go on sale.
Nov. 26-Dec. 30, 2022 (Select Dates) Spend your holidays at the National Aviary! Enjoy family-fun activities during Season’s Greetings Saturdays, festively-decorated Holiday Brunches in The Garden Room and late nights with the birds during Holiday Lights and Late Nights sponsored by Baird! Don’t forget to stop in the Gift Shop or visit the online store for that perfect present.
Nov. 27, 2022-New Year's Day Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens 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.
Dec. 4, 2022, noon-4 p.m. The Nationality and Heritage Rooms in the Cathedral of Learning will be decorated for the holiday season again in 2022! Guests can explore the traditions of each culture, make traditional crafts, watch cultural demonstrations and even see St. Nicholas! This event is free, but gifts and foods will be available for purchase.
Dec. 10 & 11, 2022, noon-5 p.m. Holiday shopping has never been so fun (and so filling). This free event, now in its 24th year, allows shoppers to sample fresh, homemade cookies as they find incredible gifts for everyone on their list. Make sure to hop on the event trolley as it makes stops throughout Lawrenceville and Penn Avenue.
Dec. 9-10, 16-17, 2022 Pittsburgh’s Scariest Haunted House is now filled with scary toys & evil elves to torment all you naughty boys and girls! A Creepy Christmas is a twisted tale of holiday horror. For those on the naughty list, on Dec. 3 you can even take a photos with Krampus.
Chanukah Bash - Dec. 17 from 8-11 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Opera, hosted by the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh.
"Can-orah" lighting - Dec. 18 corner of Beacon and Murray. All food collected will be donated to the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry.
Community Celebration - Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. at Yeshiva School at 403 Greenfield Ave. Giant Gelt Drop, Dancing Dreidels, Chanukah music, donuts, latkes, Mayor Ed Gainey appearance and lighting of 7-foot LEGO menorah.
Light Up the Night - Dec. 19 at Monroeville Community Park Amphitheater. Menorah lighting, carnival games, donuts, treats, Gateway choir performances and fire truck chocolate gelt drop.
Glow in the Dark Chanukah - Dec. 19 at Dormont pool. Hosted by Chabad of South Hills featuring heated tent, glow-in-the-dark face paint, DJ, donuts, raffle and gelt drop.
Choco-Lit Covered Chanukah - Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Chabad of Greenfield. Teen activity with menorah lighting, donut decorating and hot chocolate bar.
Chanukah Festival - Dec. 20 at Schenley Plaza beginning at 4:45 p.m. Chanukah Menorah Parade, special performance by Jewish recording artist Tali Yess, children's choir, latkes, donuts.
Family Chanukah Party - Dec. 21 at 4:30 p.m. at Chabad of Greenfield. Hot dog and latke dinner, holiday crafts, donut decorating and olive press workshop.
Holiday Performances - Ballet, Symphonies, Live Music & More
Poinsettias and Pointe Shoes
Nov. 21, 2022 (SOLD OUT) This performance by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season as they bring the magic of The Nutcracker to the historic glasshouse at Phipps Conservatory. Tickets include admission to their Winter Flower Show and Light Garden.
A Very Electric Christmas
Nov. 25, 2022 You've seen them on America's Got Talent, now Lightwire Theater is bringing their dazzling displays to Pittsburgh for a magical Christmas tale. Puppetry, theater and dance combine to tell the story of Max, a young bird who gets blown off course to the North Pole.
Mark Milovats in Concert: Christmas Wonderland
Nov. 27, 2022 From a nationwide television Christmas special to the Byham Theater, Mark Milovats and his Santa Belle Dancers bring holiday favorites and pop standards together with special celebrity guests, live penguins and more. This is the way
A Christmas Story: The Play
Nov. 30-Dec. 18, 2022 (select dates) Experience the play version of Ralphie Parker's misadventures through all the trials and tribulations of a family holiday in A Christmas Story. Just don't try licking any lampposts before or after the show.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Nov. 30, 2022 “The Hip Hop Nutcracker turns Tchaikovsky on his head, in the coolest possible way," says CBS. See the updated version of this timeless classic complete with a contemporary dance spectacle, DJ, all-star dancers and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop's founding fathers.
'Tis the Season with the Beach Boys featuring The Holiday Vibrations Orchestra
Dec. 2, 2022 Holiday favorites and timeless hits from The Beach Boys and the Holiday Vibrations Orchestra, led by Mike Love and longtime member Bruce Johnston.
Dec. 3, 2022 Experience the majesty of Handel’s Messiah with Music Director Manfred Honeck, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and your Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
The Nutcracker with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Dec. 9-28, 2022, select dates Snow settles on the Steel 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. Five fanciful scenes, more than 150 unique costumes and Tchaikovsky’s enduring score make The Nutcracker a can’t-miss holiday tradition.
Dec. 9-23, 2022 Celebrate the season with the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirits who guide him toward redemption set to yuletide melodies and dazzling special effects.
Highmark Holiday Pops
Dec. 9-18, 2022, select dates Share Pittsburgh’s favorite holiday musical tradition with family, and thrill to the spectacle of the season with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's Highmark Holiday Pops. It’s a sparkling celebration of carols, classics, sing-alongs and more! And yes, Virginia, there will be a Santa Claus!
Holiday Brass Spectacular
Dec. 13, 2022 Join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for this annual one-night-only tradition! Usher in the holiday season with music from Baroque favorites to new arrangements of beloved holiday classics.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Dec. 13, 2022 Chip Davis has brought back the ultimate holiday tradition as the group celebrates 35 years since the first Mannheim Steamroller Christmas album, and including showstopping multimedia effects in the gorgeous Benedum Center.
A Lyrical Christmas Carol
Dec. 13-18, 2022 Pittsburgh Musical Theater's rendition of Scrooge's journey from humbug to changed person, adapted by Ken & Jane Gargaro and performed at the Gargaro Theater.
Dec. 14, 2022 From delicate traditional Irish carols to magnificent uplifting anthems, Celtic Woman has a wealth of seasonal music to gladden your heart. Celtic Woman Christmas is performed at Heinz Hall.
Dec. 16 and 27, 2022 Sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater with a relaxed atmosphere and accommodations such as lower sound levels and raised house lighting to create a safe and welcoming theater experience.
Sensory-Friendly Concert: Holiday Pops
Dec. 17, 2022 Family-friendly, welcoming performance of Holiday Pops especially designed for those with sensory sensitivities and those on the autism spectrum.
A Marie Osmond Symphonic Christmas
Dec. 20, 2022 Entertainment icon Marie Osmond joins the Pittsburgh Symphony to spread the holiday spirit with songs off her "Unexpected" album, which covers a multitude of styles from opera to Broadway to timeless classics.
Holiday Dreams
Dec. 29-30, 2022 Holiday Dreams: A Spectacular Holiday Cirque! is a ground-breaking holiday show that incorporates acrobats, aerialists, comedians, daredevils and award-winning specialty acts performing incredible feats using the latest in visual and technological "magic" that's enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
Stay tuned for a variety of other holiday events and activities throughout the season!
