NIGHT CELEBRATIONS. HAPPY NEW YEAR, PITTSBURGH. THE CONSTANT SNOW DID NOT PUT A DAMPER ON THE CELEBRATIONS HERE, AND WE MET MANY OUT OF TOWNERS WHO WANTED TO EXPERIENCE A TRUE PITTSBURGH NEW YEAR’S. THEY CERTAINLY GOT IT. THREE TWO ONE. HAPPY NEW. THE SNOW ADDS A LITTLE MAGICAL ELEMENT, I THINK. AND PITTSBURGHERS WE’RE A HARDY BUNCH, SO I’M NOT SURPRISED. WE’RE HAPPY TO BE CELEBRATING WHATEVER THE FORECAST. PITTSBURGHERS SHARING IN THE NEW YEAR’S CHEER. WITH GUESTS ALL THE WAY FROM AUSTRALIA. WELL GOOD DAY PITTSBURGH. WE’RE FROM AUSTRALIA. I HAVE SUPPORTED THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS MY ENTIRE LIFE. I’M 46 AND WE FINALLY CAME HERE TO SEE THEM. AND NOW WE’RE HERE FREEZING IN THE SNOW. SOUTH CAROLINA WE DON’T GET SNOW A LOT BACK AT HOME. SO JUST SEEING THIS, THIS IS THE MOST I’VE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE. LIKE BY FAR. AND EVEN VISITORS FROM MARYLAND HERE FOR THE STEELERS GAME. WHAT DO YOU THINK? GOOD, GOOD. IT’S AWESOME BECAUSE IT WAS JUST A FUN FAMILY EVENT. AND WE CAME TO WATCH THE RAVENS PLAYED STEELERS ON THE WEEKEND. BUT THIS IS AWESOME. THE 32ND ANNUAL FIRST NIGHT CELEBRATION SHOWED WHAT THE STEEL CITY HAS TO OFFER IN THE ARTS. THERE WAS LIVE MUSIC, DANCING, JUGGLING, ELABORATE COSTUMES AND ICE SCULPTURES. AND MANY INDOOR OPPORTUNITIES. FAMILY FRIENDLY CRAFTS AND EXPERIENCES, ALONG WITH SHOWS IN MULTIPLE THEATERS. HAPPY NEW YEAR COVERING ALLEGHENY COUNTY I
Pittsburgh rings in 2026 with snowy First Night celebration
Updated: 9:27 AM EST Jan 1, 2026
Steady snowfall did not dampen celebrations downtown as many still gathered to ring in 2026 during the city’s annual First Night festivities. “The snow adds a little magical element,” said Derek Scalzott, of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “I think Pittsburghers, we’re a hardy bunch, so I’m not surprised. We’re happy to be celebrating, whatever the forecast.”Music and dancing filled the streets as Pittsburghers shared their New Year’s cheer with many out-of-town visitors. “G’day, Pittsburgh. We’re from Australia,” said Troy Davis. “I have supported the Pittsburgh Penguins my entire life. I’m 46, and we finally came here to see them. And now we’re here freezing in the snow.” “We don’t get snow a lot back at home,” said the Williams family from Columbia, South Carolina. “This is the most snow I’ve ever seen in my life. Like, by far.” Even Baltimore fans in town for the Steelers-Ravens game took part. “It was just a fun family event,” said Susan Holbrook, of Bethesda, Maryland. “And we came to watch the Ravens play the Steelers on the weekend. But this is awesome.”The celebration showcased what the Steel City has to offer in the arts, featuring live music, dancing, juggling, elaborate costumes and ice sculptures throughout downtown.There were also plenty of indoor options, including family-friendly crafts, interactive experiences and shows across multiple theaters.Whether visitors braved the snow outdoors or stayed warm inside, the night offered something for everyone.
PITTSBURGH —
Steady snowfall did not dampen celebrations downtown as many still gathered to ring in 2026 during the city’s annual First Night festivities.
“The snow adds a little magical element,” said Derek Scalzott, of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “I think Pittsburghers, we’re a hardy bunch, so I’m not surprised. We’re happy to be celebrating, whatever the forecast.”
Music and dancing filled the streets as Pittsburghers shared their New Year’s cheer with many out-of-town visitors.
“G’day, Pittsburgh. We’re from Australia,” said Troy Davis. “I have supported the Pittsburgh Penguins my entire life. I’m 46, and we finally came here to see them. And now we’re here freezing in the snow.”
“We don’t get snow a lot back at home,” said the Williams family from Columbia, South Carolina. “This is the most snow I’ve ever seen in my life. Like, by far.”
Felicity Taylor
First Night
Even Baltimore fans in town for the Steelers-Ravens game took part.
“It was just a fun family event,” said Susan Holbrook, of Bethesda, Maryland. “And we came to watch the Ravens play the Steelers on the weekend. But this is awesome.”
The celebration showcased what the Steel City has to offer in the arts, featuring live music, dancing, juggling, elaborate costumes and ice sculptures throughout downtown.
There were also plenty of indoor options, including family-friendly crafts, interactive experiences and shows across multiple theaters.
Whether visitors braved the snow outdoors or stayed warm inside, the night offered something for everyone.