Sugar plum fairies, Ebenezer Scrooge, Handel's Messiah...what is your family's favorite holiday tradition? The sights, the sounds, and the magic of downtown Pittsburgh and the surrounding region come alive during the festive six-week holiday season, beginning with Light Up Night and continuing through First Night Pittsburgh. Check out our Pittsburgh Holiday Spotlight below and start planning your celebrations and activities for the upcoming holiday season.
Holiday Lights
November 5, 2008 - January 4, 2009
Holiday light displays are a big Pittsburgh holiday tradition, from the beautiful Celebration of Lights display at Hartwood Acres to the renowned Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights. Other outstanding Pittsburgh area light displays include Overly's Country Christmas in Greensburg and the interactive light shows at Station Square. Unfortunately, there will be no Polar Lights at the Pittsburgh Zoo this year.
Pittsburgh Area Holiday Light Displays
Pittsburgh Light Up Night
November 21, 2008
Pittsburgh's downtown holiday season kicks off on Friday, November 21, 2008 with the annual downtown Pittsburgh Light Up Night celebration. Marked with more than 30 events including such favorites as the tree lighting at PPG Place, the Santa Spectacular at Point State Park, the dedication of the Pittsburgh Creche at US Steel Plaza, the opening of The Rink at PPG Place, the holiday window unveilings at Macy's, and the awesome Zambelli fireworks finale at Point State Park, Light Up Night is an annual Pittsburgh tradition for the Friday before Thanksgiving.
Pittsburgh Light Up Night 2008
28th Annual Celebrate the Season Parade
November 29, 2008
Bring your family to Pittsburgh's 28th annual holiday parade, featuring fabulous floats, music from some of the finest high school bands, equestrian units, drill teams, and some of your favorite radio and TV personalitites. Plus, the much-anticipated arrival of Santa!
Celebrate the Season Parade
Saturdays in the City
Saturdays, November 22 - December 20, 2008
Get in the spirit of the holiday season with special downtown events, promotions, strolling carolers, street performers, and free horse-drawn carriage rides. Held each of the six Saturdays leading up to Christmas. The Dollar Bank Holly Trolley will get you from place to place in style - also for free!
Saturdays in the City
Kids Holiday Crawl
December 6, 2008
Bring the kids for a fun day of free, family-friendly holiday activities in the Cultural District. Decorate cookies, make ornaments and holiday cards, visit Santa, participate in Hanukkah and Kwanzaa activities, see musical and dance performances and more.
Highmark Holiday Pops
CLO's A Musical Christmas Carol
December 4-21, 2008
Featuring well-loved characters and a wealth of yuletide melodies, this traditional holiday tale is a must see! Half-price tickets for kids 3-14 make it a great holiday event for the entire family.
A Musical Christmas Carol
Handel's Messiah
December 12 & 13, 2008
The lovely arias and powerful message of this holiday favorite is a holiday must for many Pittsburghers. How can you not be in the Christmas spirit after listening to the jubilant sounds of Handel's famous Hallelujah Chorus.
Handel's Messiah
The Nutcracker - Pittsburgh Ballet
December 12-28, 2008
The famous Nutcracker story is set in old-time Pittsburgh, a whimsical, enchanting touch for an old holiday favorite.
The Nutcracker
Holiday Pops
December 17-21, 2008
Carol with the PSO and hear your favorite holiday songs. This annual tradition in the beautifully decorated Heinz Hall is the perfect chance to relive your favorite holiday memories and make new ones!
Highmark Holiday Pops
First Night Pittsburgh 2009
December 31, 2008
The Pittsburgh holiday season concludes with the popular First Night Pittsburgh, which rings in the New Year with a community- and family-oriented, alcohol-free celebration of the arts.
First Night Pittsburgh 2008
In addition to these special holiday favorites, hundreds of other holiday events and parties are happening across the Pittsburgh region. From dazzling light displays to the vists with Santa, and Christmas sing-a-longs to holiday craft making, you'll find plenty to get you in the holiday spirit!
