{"id":68653,"date":"2025-12-23T16:32:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T16:32:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/68653\/"},"modified":"2025-12-23T16:32:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T16:32:10","slug":"12-things-to-do-this-weekend-in-pittsburgh-dec-25-28","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/68653\/","title":{"rendered":"12+ things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, Dec. 25-28"},"content":{"rendered":"

What\u2019s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Dec. 25-28? Find out here. Know of a cool event?\u00a0Email us<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thursday, Dec. 25: Chinese Food and Movies at Row House Cinema
12-10 p.m.
Chinese food and a movie: It\u2019s a classic pairing for the ages. If merry movie marathons are part of your holiday tradition, don\u2019t miss this year\u2019s festive Row House Christmas programming. On the big screen in Lawrenceville will be four iconic holiday classics spanning romance, redemption, family fun and more: \u201cLove Actually,\u201d \u201cNational Lampoon\u2019s Christmas Vacation,\u201d \u201cThe Muppet Christmas Carol\u201d and \u201cDie Hard.\u201d 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Nativity scene to a towering high-tech Christmas tree \u2014 Downtown Pittsburgh is a winter wonderland best experienced on foot during the holiday season. Led by Walk the Burgh Tours<\/a>, the open-air stroll will immerse you in all the festive holiday lights and decorations. While strolling, you\u2019ll learn all about the city\u2019s 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\u2019s cherished cr\u00e8che and much more. The tour\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Friday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 28: Spotlight on the \u2018Burgh: 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 \u201cunscripted spectacle\u201d 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 \u201cimprov magic show where everything is made up\u201d is sure to light up those restless days between Christmas and New Year\u2019s Eve. Be dazzled from the edge of your seat as Pittsburgh\u2019s top magicians and illusionists come together Downtown to share \u201coff-the-cuff card tricks, spur-of-the-moment mentalism, spontaneous sleights and a stocking\u2019s worth of magical mayhem. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, Row House will celebrate the life and work of Hollywood icon Rob Reiner following his tragic death alongside wife Michele Reiner<\/a>. Built in 1926, the historic building along Potomac Avenue has been transformed by Row House into a \u201c389-seat atmospheric movie palace.\u201d 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 \u201cMisery,\u201d \u201cA Few Good Men,\u201d \u201cThe American President,\u201d \u201cWhen Harry Met Sally,\u201d \u201cThis Is Spinal Tap\u201d and \u201cSpinal Tap II: The End Continues.\u201d Schedule and tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photo by Justin Merriman.<\/p>\n

Friday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 28: \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<\/a>. 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Friday, Dec. 26: \u201cJingle Shindingle\u201d at Arcade Comedy Theater
9-10:30 p.m.
The day after Christmas \u2014 aka Boxing Day in the United Kingdom \u2014 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\u2019s \u201cnaughtiest and nicest comedians\u201d 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"\u201cFrozen\u201d film still courtesy of Rangos Giant Cinema.<\/p>\n

Sat., Dec. 27: \u201cFrozen\u201d 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 \u201cFrozen.\u201d Belt your heart out in the region\u2019s most advanced movie theater to timeless tunes like \u201cLet It Go,\u201d and \u201cDo You Want to Build a Snowman?\u201d <\/p>\n

In the Disney animated musical fantasy film inspired by Hans Christian Andersen, Elsa\u2019s \u201cmagical ice powers run amok at her coronation\u201d 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<\/a>. For more of your family\u2019s \u201cFrozen\u201d fix, check out the \u201cFrozen II (3D)\u201d screening<\/a> on Dec. 28 and the Ice Queen Meet & Greets<\/a> before each showing in the lobby.<\/p>\n

\"A\"APhoto courtesy of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019re ages 8 and up, you can sign up here<\/a>! Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photo courtesy of Nandanik Dance Troupe.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 27: Sounds for the Season: Nandanik Dance Troupe
2-3 p.m.
Step into the Carnegie Museum of Art\u2019s 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\u2019s own Nandanik Dance Troupe. Audiences will experience the beauty and\u202frichness of Indian classical dance styles in the U.S. Free with museum admission<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Kwanzaa theme celebrates Kujichagulia. The Swahili word meaning \u201cself-determination,\u201d 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\u2019s future. Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 27: SZR Two-Year Anniversary: Sapphic Sneaker Ball
9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Dance your way into 2026 at SZR\u2019s 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\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photos courtesy of The Glamour Gala.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> 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).<\/p>\n

The night kicks off with networking followed by the premiere of the \u201cLadies of Lavender and Lilies\u201d documentary and remarks from Roxanne Epperson, CEO of WAAR. The marquee attraction is the night\u2019s fashion show featuring seven performers and seven designers representing a wide \u201cdiversity of Black excellence.\u201d 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,\u201d 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Highmark First Night Pittsburgh. Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.<\/p>\n

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Where to celebrate New Year\u2019s Eve in Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Highmark First Night in Downtown Pittsburgh<\/a>
7 p.m.-midnight <\/p>\n

Distinctly arts-focused, the city\u2019s 32nd annual First Night celebration will animate the Cultural District with live performances, engaging experiences, premiere attractions and cherished traditions.\u00a0Don\u2019t 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\u00a0Black Benatar<\/a>, the concert features guest judges FRZY, Mike Canton<\/a> and Amy Kline. Also not to miss is the Black Benatar Community Lip Sync Spectacular, Cabaret Soir\u00e9e featuring FireWALL Dance Theater and Ping Pong Game Show with O\u2019Ryan the O\u2019Mazing.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cFleischer Fairy Tales\u201d at the Harris Theater, get creative in the Citizens Activity Zone and lend a hand with Highmark\u2019s\u00a0(un)Hungry initiative<\/a>. The Auld Lang Syne action culminates with the thrilling Countdown to Midnight, raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball and fireworks show. \u00a0Schedule and information<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Countdown to Noon at the Children\u2019s Museum of Pittsburgh<\/a>
9 a.m.-3 p.m.<\/p>\n

Noon Year\u2019s Eve at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium<\/a>
9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.<\/p>\n

Noon Year\u2019s Eve at SouthSide Works<\/a>
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

New Year\u2019s Eve Dinner & Dance Cruises on the Gateway Clipper<\/a>
Various times<\/p>\n

Y2K All-ages NYE at Bottlerocket Social Hall<\/a>
5 p.m.<\/p>\n

Teetotal Initiative\u2019s Naughty & Nice: A Non-Alc New Year\u2019s Eve Party at Two Frays Brewery<\/a>
6-10:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Crawl \u2018Til The Ball Falls: Pittsburgh NYE Bar Crawl on Carson Street<\/a>
6 p.m.-2 a.m.<\/p>\n

Dance-O-Rama! A Kingfly NYE at Kingfly Spirits<\/a>
8 p.m.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Festival Opera\u2019s Sing and Ring in the New Year Gala at Pittsburgh Field Club<\/a>
7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

New Year\u2019s Eve with Alaska & Friends at City Winery<\/a>
7:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

A Vintage New Year\u2019s at The PA Market<\/a>
8 p.m.-1 a.m.<\/p>\n

Midnight Odyssey: New Year\u2019s Eve at Spirit<\/a>
8 p.m.-2 a.m.<\/p>\n

NYE Redfish Get Dahn at Redfishbowl Studios<\/a>
9 p.m.<\/p>\n

Swing in the New Year at Topgolf Pittsburgh<\/a>
9 p.m.-1 a.m.<\/p>\n

New Year\u2019s Day: Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club Plunge at the Mon Wharf<\/a>
to benefit WTAE-TV\u2019s Project Bundle-Up
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 9:30 a.m.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tMORE THINGS TO DO <\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Pittsburgh\"Pittsburgh\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tPittsburgh concerts 2025: Everything you need in one place<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 8, 2025December 18, 2025\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"10\"10\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t10 ice skating rinks we love in the Pittsburgh area<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 4, 2025December 4, 2025\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"10+\"10+\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t10+ Pittsburgh-area holiday pop-up bars for toasting the season<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 3, 2025December 3, 2025\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"NEXT\"NEXT\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tNEXT in the Gallery: Pittsburgh in December is a sprawling winter carnival of art<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 1, 2025December 8, 2025\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"12\"12\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t12 uplifting holiday light displays to visit in the Pittsburgh area<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tDecember 1, 2025December 1, 2025\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"11\"11\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t11 festive December events not to miss in Pittsburgh, from Winter Heat to First Night<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tNovember 26, 2025December 22, 2025\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What\u2019s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Dec. 25-28? Find out here. Know of a cool event?\u00a0Email us.…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":68654,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[27331,22324,21810,73,1913,1914,1915,1916,75,74,36304,1917,1918],"class_list":["post-68653","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-pittsburgh","tag-christmas-events","tag-holiday-events-in-pittsburgh","tag-new-years-eve","tag-pittsburgh","tag-pittsburgh-event-calendar","tag-pittsburgh-event-guide","tag-pittsburgh-event-listings","tag-pittsburgh-events","tag-pittsburgh-headlines","tag-pittsburgh-news","tag-things-to-do-in-december","tag-weekend-event-guide","tag-weekend-events"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68653","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68653"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68653\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/68654"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68653"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=68653"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68653"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}