{"id":51010,"date":"2025-12-03T12:39:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T12:39:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/51010\/"},"modified":"2025-12-03T12:39:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T12:39:10","slug":"12-things-to-do-this-weekend-in-pittsburgh-dec-4-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/51010\/","title":{"rendered":"12+ things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh: Dec. 4-7"},"content":{"rendered":"

What\u2019s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Dec. 4-7? Find out here. Know of a cool event?\u00a0Email us<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thursday, Dec. 4: Women of Excellence Awards Dinner at the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square
6-9 p.m.
Celebrate our region\u2019s trailblazing Black women when the New Pittsburgh Courier hosts its Women of Excellence event. Honoring local African American women who \u201cinspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements and participation in community service,\u201d the uplifting evening includes a dessert reception, live music and an awards ceremony. View this year\u2019s honorees. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thursday, Dec. 4-Sunday, Dec. 7: \u201cMidnight Radio: Lampoon\u2019s Christmas Vacatyinz\u201d 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<\/a>. revives its Midnight Radio show with a black-and-gold twist. Featuring an ensemble of local favorites, the \u201cPittsburghian parody\u201d 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<\/a>. Read more about Midnight Radio<\/a> in NEXT.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photo courtesy of Steel City Con.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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 \u2013 so it\u2019s also a great place to score stocking stuffers. There\u2019s an attraction for every pop culture fiend, from cosplay activities, industry panels and costume contests, to the Artist Alley and Charity Quick Sketch. Tickets<\/a>. Read more about Steel City Con<\/a> in NEXT.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Gingerly Press at Handmade Arcade. Photo by Kitoko Chargois.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s largest holiday maker market<\/a>. 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\u2019re not just finding handmade gifts to share \u2014 you\u2019re helping creative entrepreneurs survive.<\/p>\n

This year features 85 vendors who are new to the event, as well as eight small businesses from Handmade Arcade\u2019s 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<\/a> 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<\/a>. Check out the Virtual Catalog here<\/a>. Read the NEXT Guide to Holiday Markets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Friday, Dec. 5 & Saturday, Dec. 6: Sleigher Krampus Fest & St. Nik Brewer\u2019s Reserve Firkin Tapping at Penn Brewery
6-10 p.m.
Pittsburgh\u2019s favorite holiday mascot \u2014 aka that mythical goat-like creature with sharp fangs, spiked horns and a pointy tongue \u2014 returns to the iconic North Sider brewery for an expanded celebration that\u2019s free and for all ages. Kicking off the merrymaking on the cozy terrace will be the ceremonial tapping of Penn Brewery\u2019s 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\u2019t find elsewhere. Stay nourished with kielbasa baguettes, pretzels dipped in bier cheese, hot apple cider and much more.<\/p>\n

On Saturday, be among the first to taste this year\u2019s St. Nikolaus Bock Brewer\u2019s Reserve at the Firkin Tapping Party. Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"PBT Artists Tommie Lin Kesten, Rylan Doty and Hannah Carter. Photo by Justin Merriman.<\/p>\n

Friday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 7: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre\u2019s \u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d 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\u2019s 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\u2019Connor guest star in a ballet? <\/p>\n

An exhilarating showcase of dance and stagecraft, \u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d presents Tchaikovsky\u2019s 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 \u2013 from Kennywood to the Kaufmann\u2019s Clock. Based on German author E.T.A. Hoffman\u2019s 1816 tale \u201cThe Nutcracker and the Mouse King,\u201d the three-week runs features engaging public programs. Read more about \u201cThe Nutcracker<\/a>\u201d in NEXT. Tickets<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Watch Yinzer Backstage Pass<\/a> as Boaz goes behind the scenes before a performance of \u201cThe Nutcracker.\u201d<\/p>\n

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 \u201cresilience, adaptation and joy during the chilly winter months.\u201d 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<\/a>. Read more about WinterTide<\/a> in NEXT.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cfiercest queens in Pittsburgh\u2019s winter tundra\u201d 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 \u201cdivas of December\u201d \u2014 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Dancers of Texture Contemporary Ballet & Texture Ballet School. Photo courtesy of Rachel Harman.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 6: \u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d 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\u2019s state-of-the-art theater<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Set to Tchaikovsky\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photo by Katie Hyslop.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> curated by Atria\u2019s Specialty Catering, including a selection of gourmet dishes prepared by Executive Chef Nathan Collins, plus fresh fruit and pastries. Raise a glass to \u201cbeing on the nice list,\u201d with seasonal cocktails while enjoying festive lights and d\u00e9cor in the Aviary\u2019s Garden Room and historic Rose Garden. After brunch, escape winter\u2019s gloom with a visit to the warm tropical habitats located throughout the Aviary. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\u2019re invited to join this \u201crelaxing oasis amid a holiday season storm,\u201d 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<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

Founded by Cat Bruno in 2023, one of the creators of the Barrel & Flow festival, Babesburgh provides women with \u201copportunities to connect, learn, grow and have fun.\u201d Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019s chill with cozy fire pits and outdoor heaters. You won\u2019t just sweat it out on the dance floor, because they\u2019re 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<\/a>. Read more about The Last Dance<\/a> in NEXT.<\/p>\n

9 more things to do this weekend<\/p>\n

Thursday, Dec. 4-Saturday, Dec. 6: GPNP Summit: AI, Advocacy, and Action at Nova Place<\/a>, various times<\/p>\n

Thursday, Dec. 4: \u201cMaxo Vanka: Gift to America 2.0: New Voices. New Walls<\/a>.\u201d Opening Night at the Frick Environmental Center, 6-8 p.m.<\/p>\n

Friday, Dec. 5: Light Up Night Celebration<\/a> at Pittsburgh Brewing Co., 4-10 p.m.<\/p>\n

Friday, Dec. 5: Winter Wonderland Parents\u2019 Night Out<\/a> at Attack Theatre Studios, 5-7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Friday, Dec. 5: String and the Beans: Holiday Extravaganza<\/a> at The Glitterbox Theater, 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 6: Auras & Ales<\/a> at Hazel Grove Brewing, 1-5 p.m.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 6: Smokin\u2019 Betties Burlesque presents: \u201cA Very Bettie Christmas<\/a>\u201d hosted by Lilith DeVille at Club Cafe, 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Sunday, Dec. 7: Jazz Magic: A Family Affair\u00a0Variety Show<\/a> at Kingfly Spirits featuring Esai Aliquo-Varela, Don Aliquo Sr. and her mentor Phat Man Dee, 6-9 p.m.<\/p>\n

Sunday, Dec. 7: Bazaar Bazaar Holiday Market<\/a> at Spirit, 12-6 p.m.<\/p>\n

For more\u00a0things to do in December<\/a>\u00a0with NEXT, don\u2019t miss our Ultimate Guide to Holiday Markets<\/a>,\u00a0Pittsburgh Concert Guide<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0NEXT in the Gallery<\/a>\u00a0series.<\/p>\n

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