Any time between now and New Year’s, you can find plenty of festive fun in Pittsburgh.
Looking for a short getaway with all of the holiday feels? Pittsburgh is your spot—just an hour and a half away and chock full of festive fun.
The Phipps Conservatory’s annual Holiday Magic! winter flower show and light garden is worth a trip to Pittsburgh in itself, and it’s already underway. This year’s show, “Wild Winter,” showcases topiary reindeer and polar bears, glowing icebergs, and much more.
The festivities start in earnest November 22 with Light Up Night. A rolling schedule of tree lightings and fireworks across downtown is complemented by pop-up stages with performances by touring acts, local bands, and holiday carolers. The evening culminates in the lighting of the Three Sisters bridges between downtown and the North Shore—the Roberto Clemente, Rachel Carson, and Andy Warhol bridges—and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Then, the People’s Gas Holiday Market evokes traditional German Christkindlmarkts with wooden chalet stands piled high with the wares of global artisans and local makers. The chalets will line the streets of the cheerily decorated 14-block Cultural District downtown every day but Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
Take a break from your wanderings with a visit to the outdoor UPMC Rink at PPG Place. Pro tip: Book ahead to avoid the lines. Skate rental and sharpening are available, and you can store your things in a locker for unburdened gliding.
There are also visits from Santa, a holiday lantern experience at the Pittsburgh Zoo, holiday theater performances, and lots more. And if you don’t have plans for New Year’s Eve, plan to head to Highmark First Night Pittsburgh. The city rang 2025 in with live music, an arts parade, an interactive ice maze, and the dropping of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball at midnight. Stay tuned for First Night 2026 activities.
See the Visit Pittsburgh website for more details.
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