Holiday travelers can embrace the season with Pittsburgh holiday lights and events found throughout the city, as well as special cultural performances, shopping concepts and much more. Here is a roundup of Pittsburgh holiday events & festivals for 2022.
People’s Gas Holiday Market
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market returns Downtown for its 11th season and operates daily, except for Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
Inspired by the original German Christkindlmarkts, Market Square will be filled with more than 35 wooden chalets offering shoppers high-quality gifts including local and international vendors amid fantastic lights, decorations and entertainment.
The UPMC Rink at PPG Place
When the shopping bags are full, head across the street to The UPMC Rink at PPG Place and ice skate the spectacular outdoor rink around a massive 65-foot Christmas tree centerpiece.
This iconic spot has been a destination for locals and holiday travelers since opening in 2001.
Families also will want to swing by Heinz Hall Courtyard, where they can visit with Santa in-person at his brand-new house. Once again, young ones have the option for visits with either a Black or White Santa.
Kennywood Holiday Lights
Make the season sparkle at Kennywood Holiday Lights through New Year’s Day.
More than 2 million twinkling lights will greet guests as they marvel at the tallest Christmas tree in the state, visit with Santa and ride 20 family friendly attractions.
Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will set the Oakland neighborhood aglow with Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden through Jan. 8, 2023.
This year’s theme of arctic adventure promises the biggest and best show yet replete with magnificent displays of holiday trees, topiaries and poinsettias plus a celebrated outdoor garden bedecked in holiday hues.
Carnegie Museum of Art
Warm up this winter at the Carnegie Museum of Art, where visitors can view seasonal exhibits, like Neopolitan Presepio and Carnegie Trees: Holiday Splendor through Jan. 8, 2023.
Additionally, experience Is it morning for you yet?, the 58th Carnegie International, currently running through April 2, 2023.
Don’t want to leave the car for holiday fun?
Zoo Lights Drive-Thru
The Zoo Lights Drive-Thru (Nov. 25-Dec. 30) transforms the Pittsburgh Zoo into a winter wonderland. Guests can enjoy animal lights, all-new displays, music and festive treats all without exiting the vehicle.
No holiday lineup would be complete without iconic Pittsburgh performances at fabulous theatres throughout the Cultural District.
Pittsburgh Public Theater
Follow Ralphie’s hijinks during Pittsburgh Public Theater’s production of A Christmas Story: The Play Nov. 30-Dec. 18 and battle the Mouse King with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker Dec. 9-28.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Hear the carols of the season with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Highmark Holiday Pops Dec. 9-18 and Pittsburgh CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol Dec. 9-23.
To some, the holidays are all about great parties with a delicious beverage in hand.
Holiday Pop-Up Bars
Find both at holiday pop-up bars throughout the city such as Miracle on 6th, located on 137 6th Street, featuring novelty cocktails served in festive glassware and decorated floor to ceiling with ornaments and lights. Open through New Year’s Eve.
Other holiday favorites this season include: The Hip Hop Nutcracker Nov. 30; Handmade Arcade Holiday Market Dec. 3; Handel’s Messiah Dec. 3; A Lyrical Christmas Carol Dec. 13-18; and Highmark First Night Pittsburgh Dec. 31.
Learn more about these and other Only in Pittsburgh holiday events, and plan your next trip to Pittsburgh at VisitPITTSBURGH.com.