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 9, 2012 - January 6, 2013
Holiday light displays are a big Pittsburgh holiday tradition, from the renowned Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights, to Holiday Lights at Kennywood. Other outstanding Pittsburgh area light displays include Overly's Country Christmas in Greensburg and the Christmas Light Up Celebration in Clinton (near the airport). Sadly, the popular Hartwood Celebration of Lights has been cancelled for 2012.
Pittsburgh Area Holiday Light Displays
Pittsburgh Light Up Night
November 16–17, 2012
Pittsburgh's downtown holiday season kicks off on Friday, November 20, 2009 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 on the Pittsburgh rivers, Light Up Night is an annual Pittsburgh tradition for the Friday before Thanksgiving.
Pittsburgh Light Up Night 2011
32nd Annual My Macy's Holiday Parade
November 24, 2012
Bring your family to Pittsburgh's 31st 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!
My Macy's Holiday Parade
Holiday Saturdays in Downtown Pittsburgh
Saturdays, November 17 - December 23, 2012
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 Fifth Avenue Place Holly Trolley will get you from place to place in style - also for free!
Pittsburgh Holiday Saturdays
The Nutcracker - Pittsburgh Ballet
December 7–30, 2012
The famous Nutcracker story is set in old-time Pittsburgh, a whimsical, enchanting touch for an old holiday favorite.
The Nutcracker
CLO's A Musical Christmas Carol
December 7-23, 2012
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
Tchaikovsky's Winter Dreams
December 14–16, 2012
Violinist Gil Shaham returns in Mozart’s Fifth ("Turkish") Violin Concerto with sweet melodies and a hint of military-Turkish music in this special holiday performance of the Pittsburgh Symphony.
Tchaikovsky's Winter Dreams
Holiday Pops
December 20–23, 2012
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
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
December 16, 2012
Trans-Siberian Orchestra makes their annual tour stop in Pittsburgh as they debut The Lost Christmas Eve.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
First Night Pittsburgh
December 31, 2012
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 2013
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!
