Find your holiday cheer in Pittsburgh with our ultimate guide. Locals and travelers, get ready to explore the holiday magic of Pittsburgh with our ultimate guide.
One of the focal points of the season is Highmark Light Up Night, where the city comes alive with dazzling lights and festive activities, marking the official start of holiday celebrations. Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience offers a captivating display of intricately designed lanterns that illuminate the night sky, inviting attendees to wander through a whimsical winter wonderland. And the Holiday Magic Winter Flower Show and Light Garden is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring stunning floral displays that bring holiday spirit to life. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Pittsburgh
- Highmark Light Up Night
- Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience
- Kennywood’s Holiday Lights (West Mifflin)
- Holiday Magic Winter Flower Show and Light Garden
- Breakfast or Lunch with Santa - Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
- The Nutcracker - Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
- Dazzling Nights - Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
- Christmas in Guyasuta - Camp Guyasuta
- Oakmont's Hometown Christmas - The Oaks Theater (Oakmont)
- Santa Fun Kids Cruise - Gateway Clipper
See these and even more events listed below!
Pittsburgh Holiday Light Displays
Highmark Light Up Night
What to Expect:
Debut of a new light installation on the Sister Bridges.
Description:
Highmark Light Up Night is a vibrant holiday event in Downtown Pittsburgh featuring live entertainment, holiday shopping, and family fun with spectacular fireworks displays.
Where: Pittsburgh | More Info: Highmark Light Up Night
Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with elaborate light displays.
Description:
Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience features over a million twinkling lights, wintry activities, and colossal Christmas-themed lanterns, including snowflakes, trees, and candy canes. Guests can explore the fantastical Secret Forest, home to unicorns, a griffin, a snow monster, and an unforgettable ice dragon. This event is a reimagination of the Zoo's treasured Asian Lantern Festival and Zoo Lights.
Where: Pittsburgh | More Info: Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience
Holiday Magic Winter Flower Show and Light Garden
What to Expect:
Dazzling floral and light displays in a whimsical setting.
Description:
Phipps Conservatory's Holiday Magic Winter Flower Show and Light Garden features dazzling displays of color both inside and outside, with magnificent new floral arrangements and spectacular light installations. The event includes an enchanted entrance, a magical unicorn topiary, and a show-stopping light curtain, among other whimsical features.
Where: Pittsburgh | More Info: Holiday Magic Winter Flower Show and Light Garden
Kennywood’s Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday scavenger hunt and massive model train display.
Description:
Kennywood's Holiday Lights features over two million twinkling lights, the tallest Christmas tree in the state, and a variety of rides and entertainment. Enjoy new festive foods and drinks, visit Santa, and explore interactive activities like a holiday scavenger hunt and model train displays.
Where: West Mifflin | More Info: Kennywood’s Holiday Lights
Dazzling Nights - Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
What to Expect:
Immersive light installations and interactive features.
Description:
Dazzling Nights at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden features immersive light installations, including 2,000 illuminated flowers, handmade lanterns, and interactive light displays. Guests can enjoy holiday-inspired treats and beverages while exploring the garden's festive atmosphere.
Where: Pittsburgh | More Info: Dazzling Nights - Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Overly’s Country Christmas® - Greensburgh
What to Expect:
Old-fashioned walk-through Christmas light display with two parking options.
Description:
Overly’s Country Christmas in Greensburg offers a traditional walk-through Christmas light display and village, featuring classic holiday traditions and activities.
Where: Greensburg | More Info: Overly’s Country Christmas® - Greensburgh
Holiday Lights Mini Golf - Fun Fore All Family Fun Park
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light displays on miniature golf courses.
Description:
Fun Fore All's Holiday Lights Mini Golf transforms two award-winning miniature golf courses into fully playable walk-through holiday light extravaganzas, offering a beautiful and interactive holiday experience for families.
Where: Cranberry Township | More Info: Holiday Lights Mini Golf - Fun Fore All Family Fun Park
Pittsburgh Holiday Markets and Shopping
Canonsburgh's Old Fashioned Christmas - Canonsburgh Borough
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday market with diverse vendors and festive activities.
Description:
Canonsburg's Old Fashioned Christmas is a premier holiday celebration in Pennsylvania, featuring over 50 market vendors, food trucks, and a Christmas parade. The event includes visits with Santa, a toy train display, and a gingerbread house contest.
Where: Canonsburg | More Info: Canonsburgh's Old Fashioned Christmas - Canonsburgh Borough
Pittsburgh Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker - Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is a classic holiday ballet set in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh. It features spectacular dance, colorful characters, and stunning scenery, all set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Choreographed by Terrence S. Orr, this production includes a sensory-friendly performance and showcases the virtuosity of over 170 dancers.
Where: Pittsburgh | More Info: The Nutcracker - Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Oakmont's Hometown Christmas - The Oaks Theater
What to Expect:
Santa Claus and live music in a festive setting.
Description:
Celebrate Oakmont's Hometown Christmas at The Oaks Theater with Santa Claus, live music, and a full bar, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Where: Oakmont | More Info: Oakmont's Hometown Christmas - The Oaks Theater
Pittsburgh Other Holiday Activities
Breakfast or Lunch with Santa - Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa and zoo animals.
Description:
Meet Santa at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium while enjoying a delicious breakfast or lunch buffet. Meet ambassador animals, write a letter to Santa, and deliver it to him right here at the Zoo.
Where: Pittsburgh | More Info: Breakfast or Lunch with Santa - Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Christmas in Guyasuta - Camp Guyasuta
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities and shopping at Camp Guyasuta.
Description:
Join us at Camp Guyasuta for a festive holiday event featuring a ride through the Christmas display, climbing the wall under Christmas lights, making crafts, writing letters to Santa, and taking pictures with Santa. Enjoy a bonfire and explore the Camp Trading Post for holiday shopping and food sales.
Where: Pittsburgh | More Info: Christmas in Guyasuta - Camp Guyasuta
Santa Trolley - Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
What to Expect:
Meet Santa aboard a restored antique streetcar with holiday activities.
Description:
At the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, visitors can meet Santa Claus and his friends while riding a beautifully restored antique streetcar. The event includes a large Lionel toy train layout, a wonderful LEGO display, holiday crafts for children, and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. Tickets also include a second festive trolley ride aboard the Yuletide Shuttle.
Where: Washington | More Info: Santa Trolley - Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Santa Fun Kids Cruise - Gateway Clipper
What to Expect:
DJ dance party with Santa Claus meet-and-greet.
Description:
The Santa Fun Kids Cruise by Gateway Clipper offers a fun-filled holiday experience with a DJ dance party and a special treat from Santa Claus. Kids can enjoy interactive play, games, and meet their favorite characters while parents can relax with a full-service cash bar.
Where: Pittsburgh | More Info: Santa Fun Kids Cruise - Gateway Clipper
Breakfast with Santa & Mrs Claus - Shady Elms
What to Expect:
Interactive breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
Join Shady Elms Farm for a delightful breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, featuring a family-friendly buffet and interactive workshops.
Where: Pittsburgh | More Info: Breakfast with Santa & Mrs Claus - Shady Elms
Nature's Wreath - Pittsburgh Zoo
What to Expect:
Hands-on holiday wreath-making with zoo horticulturists.
Description:
Create a decorative holiday wreath with the help of Pittsburgh Zoo's talented horticulturists. Wreaths measuring approximately 24 inches, embellishments, and light refreshments are included. Feel free to bring additional adornments and hand pruners.
Where: Pittsburgh | More Info: Nature's Wreath - Pittsburgh Zoo
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Mount Lebanon (7 miles)
- Bethel Park (8 miles)
- Allison Park (8 miles)
- West Mifflin (9 miles)
- Penn Hills (9 miles)
- Monroeville (11 miles)
- Plum (14 miles)
- Murrysville (16 miles)
- Cranberry Township (18 miles)
- New Castle (43 miles)