Holiday Happenings
PEOPLES GAS HOLIDAY MARKET
Throughout the month, OPENS AT 11 A.M., CLOSING TIMES VARY
MARKET SQUARE | 24 MARKET SQUARE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15222
Inspired by the original German Christmas markets, the Holiday Market features national and local vendors housed in vintage, wooden chalets selling one-of-a-kind holiday gifts; open through Dec. 24
Free | downtownpittsburghholidays.com
DAZZLING LIGHTS
Throughout the Month, TIMED ENTRY TICKETS FROM
5 P.M.– 9:15 P.M. THURSDAY through SUNDAY
(Additional dates: DEC. 17, 18, 23, 24, 30 & 31)
PITTSBURGH BOTANIC GARDEN | 799 PINKERTON RUN ROAD, OAKDALE, PA 15071
Wander through forests aglow, explore pathways of trees wrapped in elegant light and immerse yourself in a 70-foot long tunnel of light. Delight in a nightly snowfall, interactive light walkways and a breathtaking 30-foot shimmering Holiday Celebration Tree.
Tickets start at $19; ages 2 and younger free | dazzlingpittsburgh.com
KENNYWOOD HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Throughout the Month, (3 P.M. or 5 P.M.)-9 P.M. FRIDAY through SUNDAY (Additional dates: DEC. 23, 26, 27, 30 & 31)
KENNYWOOD PARK | 4800 KENNYWOOD BLVD., WEST MIFFLIN, PA 15122
Along with trails of sparkling lights, this event provides a variety of thrilling experiences for an action-packed day. Take family pictures with Santa, marvel at impressive model train displays and discover an assortment of appetizing snacks; runs through Jan. 1, 2025.
Tickets start at $20 | kennywood.com
PHIPPS HOLIDAY MAGIC
Throughout the Month, 9:30 A.M.-10 P.M.
PHIPPS CONSERVATORY | ONE SCHENLEY PARK, PITTSBURGH, PA 15213
This year’s delightful “Enchantment” theme highlights the beauty of the season with whimsical props, beautifully arranged poinsettias, eye-catching lights and so much more. The celebrated Winter Light Garden fills outdoor spaces with spectacular lights in vivid shades that will awe guests of all ages; runs through Jan. 5, 2025
Tickets start at $15 | phippsconservatory.org
WILD ILLUMINATIONS: A HOLIDAY LANTERNS EXPERIENCE
Throughout the Month, TIMED ENTRY TICKETS FROM
5:30 P.M.-9 P.M. WEDNESDAY through SUNDAY
(Additional dates: DEC. 16, 17, 23 & 30)
PITTSBURGH ZOO AND AQUARIUM | ONE WILD PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
More than a million twinkling lights will further enhance the Pittsburgh Zoo’s biggest and brightest holiday glow-fest. Wintry activities, holiday treats and a visit by Santa himself will make this a new holiday tradition; runs through Jan. 12, 2025
Tickets start at $21 | pittsburghzoo.org
HIGHMARK FIRST NIGHT
DEC. 31, 6 P.M.
PITTSBURGH’S CULTURAL DISTRICT | PENN AND LIBERTY AVE., PITTSBURGH, PA 15222
This six-hour celebration of the new year sprawls downtown Pittsburgh’s renowned 14-block Cultural District. Acclaimed national artists and Pittsburgh’s vibrant artist community ring in the new year with live music, dance, theater, visual arts, comedy, magic, kids’ activities and a signature parade along with fireworks displays at 6 p.m. and midnight.
Free | firstnightpgh.trustarts.org
Charitable Giving
GIVE BIG PITTSBURGH
DEC. 3, 24 hours beginning at midnight
This 24-hour online event will raise money for local nonprofits through a single online donation platform, providing a simple way to connect donors to the charitable causes they care about most.
Donation | givebigpittsburgh.com
JINGLE BELL RUN
DEC. 7, 10 A.M.
NORTH SHORE | FEDERAL AND ISABELLA ST., PITTSBURGH, PA 15212
Celebrate the 40th year of the Jingle Bell Run, the original festive race for charity benefitting the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your favorite holiday gear and jingle all the way toward a cure!
$45-$50 | events.arthritis.org
SANTA PAWS WORKSHOP
DEC. 7, Noon-2 P.M.
EVANS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY | 204 SOUTH JACKSON ST., EVANS CITY, PA 16033
Get into the holiday spirit by crafting toys and enrichment items for the animals at Orphans of the Storm shelter. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, cookies and heartwarming movies that will leave you feeling merry and bright. Your ticket into this family-friendly, charitable event is a donation of a bag of dog or cat food.
Donation | evanscitylibrary.org
HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS CONCERT
DEC. 7, 7-10 P.M.
HOPEWELL HIGH SCHOOL | 1215 LONGVUE AVE., ALIQUIPPA, PA 15001
This benefit concert features locally and nationally recognized talent performing classic holiday songs and some new musical favorites for the whole family. Proceeds directly benefit youth programming at B. F. Jones Memorial Library and young musicians through the Hopewell Artist in Residence Program.
$5-$20 | hopewelltownship.com
Event Bites
SPIRITS OF GIVING AROUND THE WORLD
Throughout the Month
9 A.M. Monday through Friday, 11 A.M. Saturday and Sunday
This enchanting display of life-size Santas and original paintings at Pittsburgh’s PPG Place captures depictions of holiday celebrations of Christmas folklore from around the world; open through Jan. 1, 2025
GINGERBREAD HOUSE DISPLAY
Throughout the Month
10 A.M.-5 P.M.
For the 22nd year, view the edible houses that the residents of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities have built. They are on display for the public to view and enjoy at the City-County Building; open through Jan. 3, 2025
TROLLEYS AND TOY TRAINS
DEC. 6, 13 & 20, 10 A.M.-4 P.M.
Head over to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington, Pennsylvania, and ride a festive trolley, view the holiday Lionel toy train layout and a seasonal LEGO display.
HARMONY SILVESTER NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
DEC. 31, 3-6 P.M.
This family-focused afternoon of fun in Harmony honors the town’s German heritage by celebrating Silvester (New Year’s Eve) on German time. The evening ends with fireworks and a New Year’s Eve ball drop at 6 p.m.
More Events
OVERLY’S COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
Throughout the Month, 5:30 P.M.-9 P.M. SUNDAY, THURSDAY
AND DEC. 16, 17, 18, 23 & 30, 5:30 P.M.-10 P.M. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
OVERLY’S | 116 BLUE RIBBON LaNe, GREENSBURG, PA 15601
Celebrate the season by visiting the walk-around Christmas Village that’s filled with an array of old-fashioned traditions and treats. Sing carols around the bonfire, revel in the model train display, get a picture with Santa, take a horse drawn wagon/sleigh ride and shop for gifts! This event runs through Dec. 30.
Tickets start at $5 | overlys.com
THE MAGICAL POLAR EXPERIENCE
DEC. 1, 7 P.M.
THE PALACE THEATRE | 21 WEST OTTERMAN ST., GREENSBURG, PA 15601
“All aboard the Polar Express!” for a truly magical event! Come dressed in pajamas and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
$29 | thepalacetheatre.org
MOON LIGHTS HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
DEC. 7, 5-7:30 P.M.
MOON PARK | 1350 JOE DENARDO WAY, MOON TOWNSHIP, PA 15108
This annual festival features performances, food trucks, carriage rides, a holiday market and the big man himself … Santa Claus! Santa and The Grinch will arrive on a fire truck and will be available for photos. Letters to Santa can be dropped off in his mailbox for delivery to the North Pole.
Free | moonparks.org
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
DEC. 13, 5:30 P.M.-8:30 P.M.
BUTLER TWP. PARK BUILDING | 468 SOUTH DUFFY ROAD, BUTLER, PA 16001
Enjoy a dinner out or have an evening to do some Christmas shopping. Children will be cared for and entertained with an evening filled with games, crafts, Christmas movies and pizza! This event is for children ages 5 to 12 and potty-trained. Pre-registration is required.
$10 | bcpr.recdesk.com
