Pittsburgh, PA, shines bright during the holiday season with a diverse array of festive events that delight both locals and visitors. The Peoples Gas Holiday Market transforms Market Square into a European-style bazaar with unique gifts and international treats. Kennywood's Holiday Lights offers a dazzling display of over 2 million lights, blending amusement park thrills with seasonal cheer. For a magical urban experience, the PPG Place Ice Rink provides the perfect backdrop for ice-skating amidst the city's glass skyscrapers.
From nostalgic holiday traditions to modern celebrations, Pittsburgh's Christmas events capture the spirit of the season, offering something for everyone. Whether you're seeking handcrafted treasures, a breathtaking light display, or a unique skating experience, the Steel City has you covered during this festive time of year.
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The Top Christmas Events in Pittsburgh
- Peoples Gas Holiday Market
- PPG Place Ice Rink & Wintergarden
- Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show and Light Garden
- Heinz Hall Holiday Pops
- Holiday Art Market
- A Musical Christmas Carol
- Carnegie Museum Holiday Events
- Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker
- Shadyside Presbyterian Church Christmas Concerts
Pittsburgh Holiday Light Displays
Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show and Light Garden
What to Expect:
Botanical gardens with themed rooms and outdoor light displays
Description:
Phipps Conservatory, a glass Victorian greenhouse from 1893, bursts with vibrant winter blooms and themed garden displays. Each room of the conservatory tells a different holiday story through carefully curated plant arrangements. Outside, the outdoor gardens shimmer with thousands of LED lights, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Visitors can explore the S&S Tree House, learning about sustainable gardening practices even in winter. The conservatory's commitment to sustainability shines through its use of energy-efficient lighting and eco-friendly displays.
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Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show and Light Garden
Pittsburgh Holiday Markets and Shopping
Peoples Gas Holiday Market
What to Expect:
European-style outdoor market with international vendors
Description:
Pittsburgh's Market Square transforms into a bustling European-style holiday bazaar. International vendors showcase unique gifts and crafts from around the world. Visitors can sample traditional German bratwurst while browsing handcrafted ornaments. The market pays homage to Pittsburgh's rich immigrant history, celebrating the diverse cultures that shaped the city. Stroll through the charming wooden chalets and discover one-of-a-kind treasures that capture the spirit of global holiday traditions.
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Holiday Art Market
What to Expect:
Showcases work of local artists and artisans
Description:
The Holiday Art Market spotlights Pittsburgh's thriving creative community. Local artists and artisans display their unique creations, offering one-of-a-kind gifts that capture the city's artistic spirit. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, gaining insight into the artistic process. This market celebrates Pittsburgh's long history of supporting the arts, dating back to the founding of the Carnegie Museum of Art in 1895. Browse through an eclectic mix of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and handmade goods, each piece telling a story of local creativity.
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Pittsburgh Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Heinz Hall Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs holiday classics in a historic venue
Description:
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra fills the opulent Heinz Hall with beloved holiday melodies. This annual tradition showcases the orchestra's virtuosity while celebrating the season's musical heritage. The hall's grand architecture, dating back to 1927, provides an elegant backdrop for the performances. Audiences can revel in the rich acoustics as the orchestra brings classic carols and contemporary holiday hits to life. The Holiday Pops concert represents a cherished Pittsburgh tradition, blending musical excellence with seasonal cheer.
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A Musical Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Pittsburgh CLO's musical adaptation of the Dickens classic
Description:
The Pittsburgh CLO breathes new life into Dickens' classic tale with "A Musical Christmas Carol." This adaptation infuses the beloved story with original music and spectacular staging. The production showcases local talent, continuing Pittsburgh's rich theatrical tradition dating back to the early 20th century. Audiences are transported to Victorian London through elaborate sets and costumes. Watch as Scrooge's transformation unfolds through song and dance, bringing a fresh perspective to this timeless story of redemption.
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Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Ballet performance with Pittsburgh-specific elements
Description:
The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's production of "The Nutcracker" adds local flair to the classic ballet. Set in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh, the performance incorporates iconic city landmarks into its lavish sets. Dancers glide across the stage, bringing Tchaikovsky's timeless score to life with graceful precision. This adaptation, first premiered in 2002, has become a beloved Pittsburgh tradition. Marvel at the elaborate costumes and intricate choreography as the story unfolds, transporting you to a world where toys come to life and snowflakes dance.
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Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker
Shadyside Presbyterian Church Christmas Concerts
What to Expect:
Concerts featuring the church's renowned music program
Description:
Shadyside Presbyterian Church's Christmas concerts showcase the talents of its acclaimed music program. The church's stunning Gothic Revival architecture, dating back to 1890, provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for these performances. Listen as the majestic pipe organ fills the sanctuary with rich, resonant tones. The concerts feature a mix of traditional carols and contemporary compositions, performed by skilled choirs and instrumentalists. These events continue the church's long-standing tradition of musical excellence, offering a moment of reflection and joy amidst the holiday bustle.
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Shadyside Presbyterian Church Christmas Concerts
Pittsburgh Other Holiday Activities
PPG Place Ice Rink & Wintergarden
What to Expect:
Ice skating rink surrounded by towering glass castle-like buildings
Description:
The PPG Place Ice Rink offers a singular skating experience amidst Pittsburgh's striking glass castle-like buildings. Glide across the ice as the city's skyline towers above, creating a dramatic urban backdrop. The rink sits at the heart of a winter garden adorned with illuminated trees and sculptures. This architectural marvel, completed in 1984, serves as a testament to Pittsburgh's transformation from steel city to modern metropolis. You can warm up with hot cocoa while admiring the surrounding plaza's unique blend of gothic and modern design.
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PPG Place Ice Rink & Wintergarden
Carnegie Museum Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed exhibits and activities at multiple museums
Description:
The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh offer a diverse array of holiday-themed exhibits and activities across their four locations. From dinosaurs adorned with Santa hats at the Museum of Natural History to winter-inspired art installations at the Museum of Art, each venue brings its unique perspective to the season. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops, creating holiday crafts inspired by the museums' collections. These events honor Andrew Carnegie's vision of making education and culture accessible to all, a principle that has guided the museums since their founding in 1895.
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Carnegie Museum Holiday Events
Nearby Events
Kennywood's Holiday Lights (West Mifflin)
What to Expect:
Amusement park transformed with over 2 million lights
Description:
Kennywood Amusement Park dazzles with over 2 million twinkling lights, creating a breathtaking winter spectacle. This historic park, dating back to 1898, combines nostalgic charm with modern holiday cheer. Thrill-seekers can enjoy select rides illuminated for the season, adding an extra spark to the experience. The park's iconic Gingerbread Express train takes you on a journey through a glowing wonderland. Kennywood's Holiday Lights offers a unique blend of amusement park excitement and seasonal splendor.
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Christmas Magic at Oglebay (Wheeling)
What to Expect:
300-acre resort transformed into a holiday paradise with 90 displays
Description:
Oglebay Resort sprawls across 300 acres of winter beauty, boasting 90 larger-than-life light displays. The resort's history dates back to 1926 when Earl Oglebay bequeathed his estate to the people of Wheeling. Today, visitors can embark on a six-mile driving tour through illuminated landscapes. The Good Zoo within the resort comes alive with animated light displays of exotic animals. Oglebay's Festival of Lights stands as one of the nation's largest holiday light shows, captivating guests with its sheer scale and creativity.
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Clinton Christmas Light-Up Celebration (Clinton)
What to Expect:
Small-town celebration with a ceremonial light switch-on
Description:
Clinton's charming main street springs to life during its annual Light Up Celebration. This small-town event captures the essence of community spirit with its ceremonial light switch-on. Local businesses decorate their storefronts, competing for the coveted "Best Decorated" title. Children can whisper their wishes to Santa in the town square, a tradition dating back generations. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts from local bakeries, enticing visitors to indulge in homemade treats.
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Clinton Christmas Light-Up Celebration
Overly's Country Christmas (Greensburg)
What to Expect:
Walk-through village with old-fashioned Christmas celebrations
Description:
Overly's Country Christmas transports visitors to a bygone era with its walk-through village of holiday cheer. This volunteer-run event has been spreading joy since 1956, growing from a small home display to a sprawling celebration. Stroll through the village and warm your hands by the bonfire while sipping hot chocolate. Children can pen letters to Santa in the old-fashioned post office, keeping alive a cherished holiday tradition. Overly's dedication to preserving the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas shines through every carefully crafted detail.
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Christmas in the Park (Beaver)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in South Park
Description:
South Park transforms into a twinkling wonderland with its drive-through light display. This annual event illuminates the park's winding roads with creative light installations. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special station, synchronizing holiday music with the light show. The park, established in 1927, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and festive illumination. From your car, spot whimsical displays featuring local wildlife and Pittsburgh landmarks, all brought to life through the magic of lights.
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Joy of Christmas Light Display (Columbiana)
What to Expect:
30-acre light display at Firestone Park
Description:
Firestone Park's Joy of Christmas Light Display illuminates 30 acres with over one million lights. This volunteer-driven event has been brightening the holiday season since 1989, growing more elaborate each year. Visitors can drive through the park, marveling at intricate displays that depict holiday scenes and local landmarks. The display honors Columbiana's history, featuring lights shaped like the town's iconic Harvey S. Firestone Homestead. Tune your car radio to hear holiday music synchronized with certain light installations, creating a multi-sensory experience.
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Joy of Christmas Light Display