The holiday season is arriving in the Pittsburgh region with delightful family-oriented programming for all ages. Glowing light shows, magical theatrical productions and the best music of the season are just a small part of the lineup. Brisk outdoor events offer campfires, hot cocoa and the chance to burn off excess energy. You and your kids won’t want to miss out on the fun during this most wonderful time of the year!
Check out what’s on tap:
Nov. 14-23: “Jingle Bell Jukebox: the Musical,” South Park Theatre
This holly jolly musical takes place in Ruby’s diner, where the Jingle Bell Jukebox provides a background of holiday tunes as Ruby and her staff decorate for Christmas. A special sensory-friendly performance is planned for Nov. 15 with prizes and sensory tools. Tickets are $10 for grownups, $6 for kids.
Photo curtesy of the UPMC Rink at PPG Place.
Nov. 14-March 1: The UPMC Rink at PPG Place, Downtown
Skaters circle the fabulous holiday Christmas Tree at the Downtown skating rink. The 60-foot-tall tree uses energy-efficient LED lights with the ability to perform various light shows throughout the day. Skating sessions are $12 for ages 13 and older, $11 for ages 12 and younger, seniors and first responders. Skate rentals are $10. Watch for specials in January, like Tuesday Family Nights and Wednesday Half-Price Student Night.
The Spirits of Giving display includes a description of ethnic traditions.
Nov. 14-Jan. 1: Spirit of Giving Around the World, Two PPG Place Lobby
Also known as Santas of the World, this longtime tradition displays 16 life-size Santas and paintings that represent cultures and countries from around the world.
Photo courtesy of Phipps Conservatory.
Nov. 14-Jan. 4: Holiday Magic, Phipps Conservatory and Botanic Gardens
Phipps Conservatory decorates inside and outside for its extravagant winter flower show. Topiary reindeer stroll through a winter wonderland of snowfall lights, white poinsettias and blue flora. Look for the glowing icebergs and topiary polar bears, while penguins participate in classic winter activities. Take the pathway through the outdoor garden filled with colorful, glowing decorations. Kids will find the Garden Railroad especially appealing with its Age of Dinosaurs theme. Timed tickets are $22.95, $20.95 for seniors, $13.95 for ages 2-18. A sensor-inclusive time is planned for Nov. 17.
Henry Hemlock, the talking Christmas Tree. Photo courtesy of Overly.
Nov. 20-Dec. 30, Overly Country Christmas, Greensburg
Overly’s Country Christmas is a unique, walk-around Christmas Village where each season, over 300 volunteers tirelessly give of their time to bring Overly’s Country Christmas to life. Admission is $25 per carload (up to eight people) or $5 per person.
Photo courtesy of Kennywood Park.
Nov. 14-Jan. 4: Holiday Lights, Kennywood Park
Kennywood celebrates the sparkly season with more than 3 million lights, 25-plus amusement rides and an all-new entertainment lineup. Meet Santa, Rudolph and his pals from the North Pole. Explore Gingerbread Junction and ride the Gingerbread Express. Savor holiday-themed treats and hot drinks. Tickets start at $19.99.
Nov. 21-Dec. 24: Peoples Gas Holiday Market
This year, the European-style chalets move from Market Square to 7th Street and Penn Avenue in the Cultural District with their unique, handcrafted gifts and delectable treats. ( Scroll down here for details.)
Photo courtesy of Fun Fore All.
Nov. 21-Jan. 3: Holiday Lights Mini Golf, Fun Fore All
Fun Fore All turns its two miniature golf courses into playable, walk-through holiday light extravaganzas. Kids can compete with their families while experiencing an interactive holiday display. Tickets are $15 for one course, $20 for two courses, free for ages 2 and younger with a paid adult. Ten percent of all admissions goes to The Highmark Caring Place.
Image courtesy of Pittsburgh Symphony.
Nov. 21 and 23: “Elf” In Concert, Heinz Hall
Watch this madcap holiday comedy about Buddy the Elf on the big screen, while the Pittsburgh Symphony plays the movie score. Tickets are $64-$141.
Nov. 21-early January: Gingerbread House Display, City-County Building
This 23rd annual competition attracts gingerbread house architects of all ages from across the county. Visit the City-County Building to see the intricate, beautiful and witty creations. Admission is free.
Light Up Night photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
Nov. 22: Highmark Light Up Night, Downtown
Pittsburgh officially launches the holiday season with 64th-annual Light Up Night. The fun begins at 5 p.m. with the tree lighting and fireworks at the City-County Building, followed by the UPMC Holiday Tree Lighting in PPG Plaza at 6 p.m., the Highmark Christmas Tree Lighting at 7 p.m. with rooftop fireworks, and the lighting of the Three Sisters Bridges at 8 p.m. Through the night, find two stages of live music, a shimmering display of ice carvings, plus kids’ activities. Hang around until 9:30 p.m. for the Xfinity Fireworks Spectacular, which includes a performance by the platinum selling rock band ‘The Calling.” Get all the details here.
Nov. 22-Jan. 11: Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience, Pittsburgh Zoo
Wild Illuminations combines all we love about the Asian Lantern Festival and Zoo Lights. Stroll through zoo paths filled with glowing handmade silk and steel structures, plus more than a million twinkling lights. Plan Ahead Tickets are $23-$29 for grownups, $19-$24 for ages 2-13. Flex tickets are $32.
Photo courtesy of Carnegie Museum of Art.
Nov. 22-Jan. 11: Neapolitan Presepio, Carnegie Museum of Art
A centuries-old tradition in Naples and southern Italy, the Presepio is an elaborate nativity scene recreated with miniature figures arranged in a detailed panorama of 18th-century life in Naples. Free with museum admission.
Nov. 22: Highmark Light-Up Night Concerts, Heinz Hall
Pittsburgh Symphony invites the public to a trio of live concerts being performed at 6:30, 7 and 8:15. Admission is free.
Nov. 22-Jan. 11: Carnegie Trees, Carnegie Museum of Art
See the Hall of Architecture filled with towering Fraser fir trees, each lit to perfection and trimmed with festive baubles and glistening snow. Since 1961, Carnegie Trees has been the signature event of the Women’s Committee of Carnegie Museum of Art. This year’s theme embraces the spirit of adventure of Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne’s classic novel, “Around the World in 80 Days.” Free with museum admission.
Nov. 23: Rocky Mountain High: A John Denver Christmas, Byham Theater
Led by Rick Schuler, this enchanting holiday concert features beloved Denver classics like “Rocky Mountain High,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Annie’s Song,” and “Sunshine On My Shoulders.” Tickets are $70-$106.
Photo courtesy of Phipps.
Nov. 24-25: Poinsettias and Pointe Shoes, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
This family-friendly event brings the magic of “The Nutcracker” to Phipps’ historic glasshouse. The performance features a sampling of ballet vignettes performed by the Pre-professional Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School students. Tickets, which include Phipps admission, are $38, $20 for kids.
Nov. 25 and 26, Dec. 4, 11, 18 and 22: Holiday High Tea, The Frick Pittsburgh
Enjoy a cozy festive tea at The Café at The Frick with holiday favorites and tastes of the season. Reservations are required for limited seating. Cost is $65, plus tax and gratuity.
Nov. 28-30: Christmas with C.S. Lewis, Greer Cabaret Theater
C.S. Lewis was greatly affected by his friend and fellow writer J. R.R. Tolkien, which led Lewis on his path to Christianity. He shares an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections which stimulates a whole range of emotions – curiosity, laughter, gladness and even some tears. Tickets are $78.
Nov. 28-Dec. 21: Santa Fun Cruise and Tour, Gateway ClipperThis cruising holiday tradition includes a special meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and other favorite characters. Kids can burn energy at a bouncy DJ dance party and receive a special treat from Santa. Tickets are $35 for grownups, $20 for ages 1-12 years, $5 for infants.
Photo courtesy of Castle Rock Entertainment.
Nov. 28-Dec. 24: “Polar Express” in 3-D, Kamin Science Center
Follow Hero Boy as he discovers the true meaning of the holidays, belief, and friendship through his unforgettable trip to the North Pole. Screening in the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12, separate from Science Center admission.
Nov. 28-Dec 30: Enchanted Lights: A Magical Holiday Stroll, Freedom
Stroll through a spectacle of music and light displays, warm your hands and your heart with a hot beverage and funnel cake, then gather around crackling campfires. Reservations required. Admission is $24.99, $19.99 for ages 3-10 years.
Nov. 28-Dec.31: Jingle Bell Flock, The National Aviary
Get ready to “duck” the halls with a new holiday-inspired, immersive bird show. This festive show features holiday-themed songs like “Silver Gulls” (a play on “Silver Bells”), “You’re a Cool One, Mr. Blue-tongued Skink,” and so many more. Tickets are $5, separate from Aviary admission.
Photo courtesy of Heinz History Center.
Nov. 28, 29 and 30, Dec. 5, 6,13, 20 and 21: Visit with Santa, Heinz History Center
Santa will be on hand to visit and pose with families from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the museum’s Great Hall. Santa will pose for pictures in an exact replica of the chair from Kaufmann’s Santaland. Plan to spend the day: Kids ages 17 and younger receive free admission. Adult admission is $20, $18 for seniors.
Image courtesy of Carnegie Science Center.
Nov. 28-Jan. 2: Laser Holiday Magic, Carnegie Science Center
This festive laser celebration features traditional and contemporary versions of beloved holiday tunes. Sing along while vibrant animations and gorgeous abstracts dance above your head. Tickets are $7.
Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Botanical Garden.
Nov. 28-Jan. 3: Dazzling Nights, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Immerse yourself in a mile-long journey through a tunnel of beautiful, illuminated stars. Stroll through 30-foot walls of light on the Luminary Trail. Experience the night-time spectacular around the lotus pond, enhanced by the soaring “Elevated Reflection” sculpture from Poetic Kinetics. Admission is $24-$35, with packages available.
Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13 and 20: Season’s Greetings Saturdays, The National Aviary
Meet the miserly Grinch himself, alongside his stink, stank, skunk friend or the original Whoo-oo-oo, an owl buddy. Activities included with general admission.
Dec. 1: Mark Milovats’ Christmas Wonderland, Byham Theater
Showman singer Mark Milovats brings his Santa Belle Dancers, Holiday Pops Orchestra, live penguins and special celebrity guests to this Christmas show. Tickets are $51-$70.
Dec. 2-21: “Yippee Ki Yay: The Parody Celebration of Diehard,” Greer Cabaret Theater
This joyfully funny, uplifting action romp (and unauthorized parody) celebrates the iconic ’80s festive favorite movie while also telling the personal story of a life-long “Die Hard” fan. Best for ages 14 and older. Tickets are $77-$100.
Photo by Michael Henninger.
Dec. 4-12: “A Christmas Story: The Play,” O’Reilly Theater
You’ve seen the movie (again and again!). Now experience the live performance. Pittsburgh Public Theater returns with this PG-rated fan favorite. Tickets are $42-$101.
Dec. 4-21: “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge, Little Lake Theatre
Mrs. Cratchit has had enough of her overworked husband, their countless children and the sentimental holiday clichés. When the Ghost of Christmas Past arrives to set things right, chaos ensues as the story takes wildly unexpected detours. Tickets are $25 for grownups, $15 for kids.
Dec. 5: “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” Kamin Science Center
John Candy and Steve Martin become unlikely travel companions in this riotous comedy. Screening takes place in the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12, separate from Science Center admission.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre photo shoot on December 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Photo by Justin Merriman.
Dec. 5-28: “The Nutcracker,” Benedum Center
Set in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh, “The Nutcracker” sweeps audiences into a thrilling journey with Marie and the Nutcracker Prince as they travel through sparkling snow into the Land of Enchantment. Family workshops are slated for Dec. 6 and 20. A sensory-friendly performance is planned for Dec. 7. Tickets are $33-$158.
Dec. 6: Texture Ballet: “The Nutcracker,” August Wilson Center
Texture Ballet School’s talented students dance the roles from the Sugar Plum Fairy to the tiniest of Bon Bons. Special guest performers will include Alan Obuzor and other company dancers of Texture Contemporary Ballet. Tickets are $43-$60.
Dec. 6 and 21: Breakfast or Lunch with Santa, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch buffet, meet ambassador animals, write a letter to Santa, and deliver it to him in person right here at the Zoo. Tickets are $45, $10 for those younger than 2.
Dec. 9: Handel’s Messiah, Heinz Hall
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs this stirring piece. From the powerful “Hallelujah” chorus to the uplifting arias and choruses, Handel’s “Messiah” is a musical journey that transcends time. Tickets are $30-$125.
Dec. 6: Nordic Noel: A Handbell Concert, The Frick Pittsburgh
The Ring Pittsburgh ensemble presents a holiday concert as a refreshingly new musical experience. This ensemble combines sacred, secular and popular renditions of seasonal favorites. Tickets are $15, $5 for kids.
Dec. 8: A Very Yinzer Christmas, Benedum Center
A Very Yinzer Christmas concert features performances by over 25 Pittsburgh music icons. Proceeds benefit Band Together Pittsburgh, a local organization that creates music programs for individuals on the autism spectrum. Tickets are $30-$50.
Dec. 11: Manheim Steamroller Christmas, Benedum Center
The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects, capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting. Tickets are $60-$108.
“Home Alone” with PSO.
Dec. 12: “Home Alone,” Kamin Science Center
A precocious 8-year-old must defend his home from would-be burglars. Screening takes place in the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12, separate from Science Center admission.
Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Symphony.
Dec. 12-21: Holiday Pops, Heinz Hall
The Pittsburgh Symphony, the Mendelssohn Choir and guest vocalist Blaine Alden Krauss perform in this annual offering of music for the season. Featuring “Sleigh Ride,” the “Hallelujah” chorus, as well as sing-alongs and a very special guest. Tickets are $32-$125. A sensory-friendly Holiday Pops is planned for Dec. 21 with tickets priced at $15.
Dec. 13-23: Pittsburgh CLO’s “A Musical Christmas Carol,” Byham Theater
With dazzling special effects and holiday charm, this Charles Dickens classic is a wonderful way for the whole family to celebrate the season. Tickets are $30-$149.
Dec. 16: Holiday Brass Spectacular, Heinz Hall
The virtuosic brass section of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is renowned for its brilliance, refinement and incredible power. From traditional Baroque favorites to new arrangements of most-loved holiday tunes, this evening is sure to usher in the merry season. Tickets are $33-$79.
Dec. 17-21: “A Lyrical Christmas Carol,” Gargaro Theater
Pittsburgh Musical Theater has been busting the humbug and performing this holiday tradition for more than 30 years. Tickets are $21-$38.
Dec. 17-23: Holiday Laser Show, North Park
Watch a dancing laser spectacular synchronized to music from the comfort and warmth of your car. Advance admission is $30 per carload.
Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Symphony.
Dec. 18: Christmastime with Trisha Yearwood, Heinz Hall
This heartwarming and unforgettable holiday celebration blends the festive spirit of Christmas with the power and emotion of Trisha Yearwood’s signature sound, all backed by the Pittsburgh Symphony. Tickets are $47-$134.
Dec. 19: “Elf,” Kamin Science Center
Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human who thinks he’s an elf, who sets out to find his real father. Screening takes place in the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12, separate from Science Center admission.
Photo courtesy of the City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation.
Dec. 21: Skate with Santa, Schenley Park Ice Rink
Enjoy a special opportunity to take to the ice with Santa Claus just before Christmas. Skate along to great music and make happy holiday memories. Admission is $6, $5 for seniors and vets, $3 ages 17 and younger. Skate rentals are $3.
Courtesy of the Kamin Science Center.
Dec. 27: “Frozen Sing-Along,” Kamin Science Center
Your kids already know all the words – here’s their chance to sing it loud! Screening takes place in the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12, separate from Science Center admission.
Dec. 28: “Frozen II” in 3D, Kamin Science Center
Because one “Frozen” just wasn’t enough! Screening takes place in the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12, separate from Science Center admission.
Dec. 29: Day Off at the Museum: Teen Takeover, Carnegie Museum of Art
Teens ages 13 to 18 and kids ages 6 to 10 are invited to spend their days off from school immersed in art, learning and fun. Participants will start the day in the Hall of Sculpture, where they’ll enjoy food, music, and STEAM-based drop-in activities designed to spark imagination. Registration is free.
Dec. 31: Noon Year’s Eve, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Ring in 2026 a little early with this pre-party. Watch animals celebrate with enrichment, make a craft, and count down to the ball drop at noon in the Aquarium. Activities are free with general admission.
Dec. 31: First Night, Cultural District
Pittsburgh’s biggest New Year’s Eve party takes over Downtown Pittsburgh with fireworks, a puppet parade, live music and great family activities. Details coming soon.
Photo at top of story by Adonyl Gabor, via Pexels.