12+ things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, Dec. 25-28

What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Dec. 25-28? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.

Thursday, Dec. 25: Chinese Food and Movies at Row House Cinema
12-10 p.m.
Chinese food and a movie: It’s a classic pairing for the ages. If merry movie marathons are part of your holiday tradition, don’t miss this year’s festive Row House Christmas programming. On the big screen in Lawrenceville will be four iconic holiday classics spanning romance, redemption, family fun and more: “Love Actually,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and “Die Hard.” The best part? All day on Dec. 25, Row House will take your orders for Chinese food and sushi and deliver it right to your seat as you watch the films. Moviegoers also can pick up libations from Bierport located right next-door. Schedule and tickets.

Friday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 28: Holiday Lights Tour in Downtown Pittsburgh
5-7 p.m.
Bundle up and enjoy an evening of holiday magic throughout Downtown Pittsburgh. From the only authorized replica of the Vatican’s Nativity scene to a towering high-tech Christmas tree — Downtown Pittsburgh is a winter wonderland best experienced on foot during the holiday season. Led by Walk the Burgh Tours, the open-air stroll will immerse you in all the festive holiday lights and decorations. While strolling, you’ll learn all about the city’s history, public plazas and landmark architecture and receive special coupons from restaurant partners. View a variety of glistening Christmas trees, a unique gingerbread house display, the city’s cherished crèche and much more. The tour’s grand finale includes a stop at the iconic ice rink at PPG Place and a visit with Santas from around the globe. Covering 2 miles of walking, the two-hour tour starts at 1049 Penn Ave. Tickets.

Friday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 28: Spotlight on the ‘Burgh: Whose Trick is it Anyway? At Liberty Magic
5 p.m., 8 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
Wrap up your holiday season with an “unscripted spectacle” fusing magic, holiday hocus pocus and some Pittsburgh factoids. Whether you need an escape from all the holiday stress or are searching for a creative family outing, this “improv magic show where everything is made up” is sure to light up those restless days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Be dazzled from the edge of your seat as Pittsburgh’s top magicians and illusionists come together Downtown to share “off-the-cuff card tricks, spur-of-the-moment mentalism, spontaneous sleights and a stocking’s worth of magical mayhem. Tickets.

Friday, Dec. 26, & Saturday, Dec. 27: Rob Reiner Retrospective at Row House Hollywood
6:30-11:30 p.m.
At the newly reopened Hollywood Theater in Dormont, Row House will celebrate the life and work of Hollywood icon Rob Reiner following his tragic death alongside wife Michele Reiner. Built in 1926, the historic building along Potomac Avenue has been transformed by Row House into a “389-seat atmospheric movie palace.” This weekend, Rob Reiner fans can pay tribute to the Oscar-nominated actor and filmmaker with some of his most beloved and successful films. Gather with friends and family to watch his wide-ranging films, including “Misery,” “A Few Good Men,” “The American President,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “This Is Spinal Tap” and “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.” Schedule and tickets.

Photo by Justin Merriman.

Friday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 28: “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. Tickets.

Friday, Dec. 26: “Jingle Shindingle” at Arcade Comedy Theater
9-10:30 p.m.
The day after Christmas — aka Boxing Day in the United Kingdom — is just about the time when we could all use an extra dose of laughter. Equal parts stand-up comedy, holiday revue and Secret Santa hijinks, this BYOB Arcade Comedy Theater show is here to lift your spirits and lighten your load. What happens when the Burgh’s “naughtiest and nicest comedians” come together to write jokes for each other? See how it all gets unwrapped live on stage for the first time. Audience members will even receive a clever candle. Produced by Alyssa Moon, the show is open to ages 16 and up. Tickets.

“Frozen” film still courtesy of Rangos Giant Cinema.

Sat., Dec. 27: “Frozen” Sing-along at the Rangos Giant Cinema
10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
For the first time, the Rangos Giant Cinema invites Anna and Elsa devotees to sing along to a very special holiday screening of “Frozen.” Belt your heart out in the region’s most advanced movie theater to timeless tunes like “Let It Go,” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”

In the Disney animated musical fantasy film inspired by Hans Christian Andersen, Elsa’s “magical ice powers run amok at her coronation” and disaster ensues. Sing along as Elsa flees north to live in isolation, while Anna embarks on a mission to bring her sister home and return warmth to their beloved kingdom. Doors open an hour before showtime. Attendees are welcome to arrive early to take photos in the Robot Hall of Fame, purchase concessions and settle into their seats in front of the giant screen. Tickets. For more of your family’s “Frozen” fix, check out the “Frozen II (3D)” screening on Dec. 28 and the Ice Queen Meet & Greets before each showing in the lobby.

A penguins at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.

Saturday, Dec. 27, & Sunday, Dec. 28: Penguins on Parade at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
11:30 a.m.
Humans might not love the frigid chill in the air, but everyone’s favorite aquatic flightless birds sure do! What could be better than spending a winter morning with a colony of waddling penguins? Flock to Highland Park to catch a view of the resident penguins as they frolic in the winter weather. The penguins will start their waddling at the upper entrance of the aquarium at 11:30 a.m. sharp. Arrive before 11:30 a.m. to secure a good viewing and photo spot along the parade route. Penguins on Parade runs Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, through Feb. 28. Think you have what it takes to be a Penguins on Parade Grand Marshal? If you’re ages 8 and up, you can sign up here! Tickets.

Photo courtesy of Nandanik Dance Troupe.

Saturday, Dec. 27: Sounds for the Season: Nandanik Dance Troupe
2-3 p.m.
Step into the Carnegie Museum of Art’s grand Hall of Architecture to be immersed in the sounds of wintertime celebrations representing traditions from around the globe. For the next edition of its Sounds for the Season series, the museum welcomes Pittsburgh’s own Nandanik Dance Troupe. Audiences will experience the beauty and richness of Indian classical dance styles in the U.S. Free with museum admission.

Saturday, Dec. 27: Kwanzaa Celebration at the Community Empowerment Association
3-9 p.m.
Head to Homewood to join the Community Empowerment Association for a celebration of Kwanzaa, heritage and collective power. This year’s Kwanzaa theme celebrates Kujichagulia. The Swahili word meaning “self-determination,” Kujichagulia is the second of the seven principles (Nguzo Saba) celebrated during Kwanzaa. Attendees will celebrate the power to define, name and speak for themselves, choose their own paths, while exploring personal and collective identity, pride and control over one’s future. Information.

Saturday, Dec. 27: SZR Two-Year Anniversary: Sapphic Sneaker Ball
9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Dance your way into 2026 at SZR’s biggest party to date. The collective marks its two-year dance-iversary with an epic Sapphic Sneaker Ball. Transforming Spirit Hall into a sapphic dance party for the ages featuring nonstop music by DJs who aim to please. Joining Pittsburgh’s own HUNYXO and Kinella Eclipse will be Brooklyn-based DJ Daniro. The festivities will also feature go-go dancing and performances, an artisan vendor market and flash tattoos. Setting the glam scene will be photography by Dawn Hartman Photography and lighting by Siren Audio Visual. Get those tickets before it sells out.

Photos courtesy of The Glamour Gala.

Sunday, Dec. 28: The Glamour Gala Vol. 2 at the New Hazlett Theater
3-7 p.m.
Launched by Pittsburgh-based fashion designer Melissa Sade, The Glamour Gala returns for its second edition to raise awareness about domestic violence. Transforming the historic North Side theater into a haute couture showcase for good, the event is held in partnership with the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh and Women Against Abusive Relationships (WAAR).

The night kicks off with networking followed by the premiere of the “Ladies of Lavender and Lilies” documentary and remarks from Roxanne Epperson, CEO of WAAR. The marquee attraction is the night’s fashion show featuring seven performers and seven designers representing a wide “diversity of Black excellence.” Three of the designers are new to the gala this year, including two making their fashion design debut. While supporting emerging fashion designers, models and performing artists,” attendees can nosh on soul food cupcakes crafted by Chef Bryanna and shop from vendors specializing in health, wellness and beauty products. But what to wear? Gala-goers are encouraged to dress in gold, black or purple formal wear to show support for the cause. Tickets.

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh. Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

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Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Pittsburgh

Highmark First Night in Downtown Pittsburgh
7 p.m.-midnight

Distinctly arts-focused, the city’s 32nd annual First Night celebration will animate the Cultural District with live performances, engaging experiences, premiere attractions and cherished traditions. Don’t miss the Kid-Friendly Kick-Off with brand-new family activities. A new marquee attraction is the inaugural Dollar Bank Battle of the Bands, with four finalists going head-to-head during a high-energy musical showdown. Hosted by Black Benatar, the concert features guest judges FRZY, Mike Canton and Amy Kline. Also not to miss is the Black Benatar Community Lip Sync Spectacular, Cabaret Soirée featuring FireWALL Dance Theater and Ping Pong Game Show with O’Ryan the O’Mazing.

Due to ongoing Downtown construction, there will not be a parade, but revelers will be treated to surprise encounters with roaming performers walking all corners of the Cultural District. The packed schedule of entertainment includes comedy magic shows, Brazilian performance groups, tarot card readers, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Book Giveaway and lots more. Watch master ice carver Richard Bubin sculpt the Pittsburgh skyline out of a 2,400-pound block, see Lady Lydia perform circus arts wearing an LED ice queen costume and shop in the Peoples Gas Holiday Market. Catch “Fleischer Fairy Tales” at the Harris Theater, get creative in the Citizens Activity Zone and lend a hand with Highmark’s (un)Hungry initiative. The Auld Lang Syne action culminates with the thrilling Countdown to Midnight, raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball and fireworks show. Schedule and information.

Countdown to Noon at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Noon Year’s Eve at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Noon Year’s Eve at SouthSide Works
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance Cruises on the Gateway Clipper
Various times

Y2K All-ages NYE at Bottlerocket Social Hall
5 p.m.

Teetotal Initiative’s Naughty & Nice: A Non-Alc New Year’s Eve Party at Two Frays Brewery
6-10:30 p.m.

Crawl ‘Til The Ball Falls: Pittsburgh NYE Bar Crawl on Carson Street
6 p.m.-2 a.m.

Dance-O-Rama! A Kingfly NYE at Kingfly Spirits
8 p.m.

Pittsburgh Festival Opera’s Sing and Ring in the New Year Gala at Pittsburgh Field Club
7:30 p.m.

New Year’s Eve with Alaska & Friends at City Winery
7:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.

A Vintage New Year’s at The PA Market
8 p.m.-1 a.m.

Midnight Odyssey: New Year’s Eve at Spirit
8 p.m.-2 a.m.