What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Dec. 4-7? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.

Thursday, Dec. 4: Women of Excellence Awards Dinner at the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square
6-9 p.m.
Celebrate our region’s trailblazing Black women when the New Pittsburgh Courier hosts its Women of Excellence event. Honoring local African American women who “inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements and participation in community service,” the uplifting evening includes a dessert reception, live music and an awards ceremony. View this year’s honorees. Tickets.

Thursday, Dec. 4-Sunday, Dec. 7: “Midnight Radio: Lampoon’s Christmas Vacatyinz” at the Barebones Black Box Theater
7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. & 2 p.m.
What happens when Clark Griswold, Cousin Eddie and Aunt Bethany become yinzers? Drop those tangled twinkle lights and find out when Bricolage Production Co. revives its Midnight Radio show with a black-and-gold twist. Featuring an ensemble of local favorites, the “Pittsburghian parody” infuses the beloved comedy flick with even more holiday hijinks. In signature Midnight Radio fashion, the fast-paced show incorporates live Foley sound effects, commercial spoofs and original music. Tickets. Read more about Midnight Radio in NEXT.

Photo courtesy of Steel City Con.

Friday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 7: Steel City Con at the Monroeville Convention Center
10 a.m.-8 p.m. & 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Before being consumed by holiday season preparations, take a break to rub elbows with the stars. From Linda Hamilton and John Stamos to Dermot Mulroney and Kate Jackson, Randy Quaid and Ron Perlman, the celebs will converge at one of the country’s largest comic conventions. With 600 vendors and 40-plus special guests, the 100,000-square-foot pop culture playground is packed with vendors peddling comics, collectibles and memorabilia – so it’s also a great place to score stocking stuffers. There’s an attraction for every pop culture fiend, from cosplay activities, industry panels and costume contests, to the Artist Alley and Charity Quick Sketch. Tickets. Read more about Steel City Con in NEXT.

Gingerly Press at Handmade Arcade. Photo by Kitoko Chargois.

Friday, Dec. 5 & Saturday, Dec. 6: Handmade Arcade at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Various times
The grandma of all crafts fairs celebrates its 21st anniversary with 300 artists, craftspeople and makers at the region’s largest holiday maker market. Expect to spend many hours, or the entire day, so you can make your way through the extensive selection of vendors selling handmade products, including everything from clothing, artwork, home decor and jewelry, to body products, toys, accessories, cards and much more. You’re not just finding handmade gifts to share — you’re helping creative entrepreneurs survive.

This year features 85 vendors who are new to the event, as well as eight small businesses from Handmade Arcade’s BIPOC Maker Accelerator and 15 youth maker businesses. Also new this year are personal shopper and gift wrapping booths, a member lounge and a ticketed Sensory-Friendly and Retailer Shopping event on Friday. Take a break from shopping to get creative in the Hands-On Handmade Arcade area, where attendees can enjoy free demonstrations and art projects. Shop before the crowds at the Friday Night Preview Party and Early Bird ticketed events. Check out the Virtual Catalog here. Read the NEXT Guide to Holiday Markets.

Friday, Dec. 5 & Saturday, Dec. 6: Sleigher Krampus Fest & St. Nik Brewer’s Reserve Firkin Tapping at Penn Brewery
6-10 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s favorite holiday mascot — aka that mythical goat-like creature with sharp fangs, spiked horns and a pointy tongue — returns to the iconic North Sider brewery for an expanded celebration that’s free and for all ages. Kicking off the merrymaking on the cozy terrace will be the ceremonial tapping of Penn Brewery’s Sleigher Krampus Band Black IPA. Revelers can snap selfies with the beast himself, join the Krampi Parade and rock out to heavy metal holiday carols with Sleigher. New this year is the Krampus Vendor Market full of oddities you won’t find elsewhere. Stay nourished with kielbasa baguettes, pretzels dipped in bier cheese, hot apple cider and much more.

On Saturday, be among the first to taste this year’s St. Nikolaus Bock Brewer’s Reserve at the Firkin Tapping Party. Information.

PBT Artists Tommie Lin Kesten, Rylan Doty and Hannah Carter. Photo by Justin Merriman.

Friday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 7: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” at the Benedum Center
7 p.m., 2 p.m., 12 p.m.
It takes more than 1,500 accessories, 150 spectacular costumes, 100 artists and 30 magic tricks to bring one of history’s most beloved ballets to life. Add in five captivating scenes, a Christmas tree growing 15 times its size and 20 cameos by Pittsburgh celebrities, and you have the recipe for the sweetest holiday tradition. Where else can you see Charlie Batch, Sara Innamorato, Frzy and Corey O’Connor guest star in a ballet?

An exhilarating showcase of dance and stagecraft, “The Nutcracker” presents Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, choreography by former PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr, and costumes and sets by Emmy-winning designer Zack Brown. The time-honored holiday tradition includes more than 13 Pittsburgh connections – from Kennywood to the Kaufmann’s Clock. Based on German author E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the three-week runs features engaging public programs. Read more about “The Nutcracker” in NEXT. Tickets.

Watch Yinzer Backstage Pass as Boaz goes behind the scenes before a performance of “The Nutcracker.”

Saturday, Dec. 6: WinterTide at Carnegie Museum of Natural History
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
There are so many ways to experience tidings of comfort and joy at Carnegie Museums this month. First up, join this one-day festival celebrating “resilience, adaptation and joy during the chilly winter months.” Explore stories of survival and togetherness through hands-on activities and fascinating conversations with natural history experts and warm up with hot cocoa and baked treats in the Sculpture Courtyard. Discover how cold-blooded wood frogs survive in Alaska, observe the crystal structures of snowflakes and learn about the Christmas Bird Count. Advance registration recommended. Read more about WinterTide in NEXT.

Saturday, Dec. 6: Queens of Christmas Drag Brunch at City Winery
11 a.m.
Need to take the edge off this holiday season? At City Winery, the “fiercest queens in Pittsburgh’s winter tundra” are here to help you sleigh your holiday stress with an extra dose of glitter and glam. Savor a fabulous brunch menu paired with show-stopping music by the “divas of December” — from Mariah and Whitney, to Ariana, Britney and others. Hosted by Lola LeCroix, the show features Dixie Surewood, Alora Chateaux, Alejandra J. Love and Joey Young. Rock around the Christmas tree, sip seasonal spirits and make naughty new memories with this ultimate holiday sensation. Tickets.

Dancers of Texture Contemporary Ballet & Texture Ballet School. Photo courtesy of Rachel Harman.

Saturday, Dec. 6: “The Nutcracker” at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Experience a fresh contemporary take on this timeless holiday classic. Every seat at the center’s state-of-the-art theater boasts an up-close view of this immersive production by Texture Contemporary Ballet. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they set off on an enchanting adventure led by the mysterious Drosselmeyer and Lady Silberhaus.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the dramatic production features 165 ornate costumes, 100 performers and captivating choreography. The exquisite sets will re-create a dazzling winter wonderland. Youth performers from three counties join professional company dancers, including Christopher Bandy, Madison Jayne Cole, Kinsey Love, Alan Obuzor, Sophie Stewart, Elaina Sutula and Katrina May Thomas. Tickets.

Photo by Katie Hyslop.

Sunday, Dec. 7: Holiday Brunch in The Garden Room at The National Aviary
11 a.m.
Mix up your brunch routine with a scrumptious table overlooking Allegheny Commons Park and Lake Elizabeth. Savor the flavors of the holiday with a handcrafted menu curated by Atria’s Specialty Catering, including a selection of gourmet dishes prepared by Executive Chef Nathan Collins, plus fresh fruit and pastries. Raise a glass to “being on the nice list,” with seasonal cocktails while enjoying festive lights and décor in the Aviary’s Garden Room and historic Rose Garden. After brunch, escape winter’s gloom with a visit to the warm tropical habitats located throughout the Aviary. Tickets.

Sunday, Dec. 7: The Winter Wellness Circle Glow-Up at Velum Fermentation
12-4 p.m.
Babesburgh wants you to slow down and glow up this holiday season. You’re invited to join this “relaxing oasis amid a holiday season storm,” as the South Side brewery transforms into a one-day wellness destination. The welcoming afternoon will be filled with mindful movement activities, hands-on crafting and the chance to make a dent in that holiday shopping list. Join fitness and wellness sessions, participate in mindful craft projects and experience uplifting music and dancing. Shop for local art, gifts and wellness products in the vendor area.

Founded by Cat Bruno in 2023, one of the creators of the Barrel & Flow festival, Babesburgh provides women with “opportunities to connect, learn, grow and have fun.” Tickets.

Sunday, Dec. 7: The Last Dance at Allegheny RiverTrail Park
3-9 p.m.
Banish the winter doldrums and the Sunday scaries in one fell swoop when Trace Brewing takes a field trip to Allegheny RiverTrail Park. Transforming the park’s spacious covered pavilion into a feel-good dance hall, this is the grand finale your soul needs to dance into 2026. Bringing the unparalleled Sunday soundtrack will be resident DJs from your favorite year-round dance parties, including Siesta Fiesta, Cherry Bomb Day Party, Slappers N Bangers and Disco Sunday Disco. Free and open to all ages, this riverside revelry knows how to stave off winter’s chill with cozy fire pits and outdoor heaters. You won’t just sweat it out on the dance floor, because they’re even teaming up with Renovo Wellness Club to supply mobile saunas. Trace will serve up the seasonal libations you love, while Streets on the Fly! Food Truck keeps dancers nourished. Information. Read more about The Last Dance in NEXT.

9 more things to do this weekend

Thursday, Dec. 4-Saturday, Dec. 6: GPNP Summit: AI, Advocacy, and Action at Nova Place, various times

Thursday, Dec. 4: “Maxo Vanka: Gift to America 2.0: New Voices. New Walls.” Opening Night at the Frick Environmental Center, 6-8 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 5: Light Up Night Celebration at Pittsburgh Brewing Co., 4-10 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 5: Winter Wonderland Parents’ Night Out at Attack Theatre Studios, 5-7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 5: String and the Beans: Holiday Extravaganza at The Glitterbox Theater, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6: Auras & Ales at Hazel Grove Brewing, 1-5 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6: Smokin’ Betties Burlesque presents: “A Very Bettie Christmas” hosted by Lilith DeVille at Club Cafe, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 7: Jazz Magic: A Family Affair Variety Show at Kingfly Spirits featuring Esai Aliquo-Varela, Don Aliquo Sr. and her mentor Phat Man Dee, 6-9 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 7: Bazaar Bazaar Holiday Market at Spirit, 12-6 p.m.

For more things to do in December with NEXT, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Holiday Markets, Pittsburgh Concert Guide and NEXT in the Gallery series.