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 11, 2011 - January 8, 2012
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 Christmas Light Up Celebration in Clinton (near the airport).
Pittsburgh Area Holiday Light Displays
Pittsburgh Light Up Night
November 18-19, 2011
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
31st Annual My Macy's Holiday Parade
November 26, 2011
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 Weekends in Downtown Pittsburgh
Saturdays, November 19 - December 17, 2011
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 five 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 Weekends
The Nutcracker - Pittsburgh Ballet
December 2-23, 2011
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 8-23, 2011
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
Straight No Chaser Holiday Show
December 13, 2011
If you've never heard this a cappella group perform their Christmas magic then you're in for a real treat! Their unique version of "The 12 Days Of Christmas" (interpolating Toto's "Africa") is a special favorite.
Straight No Chaser Holiday Show
Holiday Pops
December 15-18, 2011
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 23, 2011
Trans-Siberian Orchestra makes their annual tour stop in Pittsburgh featuring songs from their timeless classic "Christmas Eve and Other Stories," followed by excerpts from the upcoming Rock Theater installment "Gutter Ballet and The New York Blues Express."
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
First Night Pittsburgh
December 31, 2011
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 2011
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!
