Pittsburgh Holiday Light Displays

Highmark Light Up Night

Highmark Light Up Night is a vibrant holiday event in Downtown Pittsburgh featuring live entertainment, holiday shopping, and family fun with spectacular fireworks displays.

Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience

Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience features over a million twinkling lights, wintry activities, and colossal Christmas-themed lanterns, including snowflakes, trees, and candy canes. Guests can explore the fantastical Secret Forest, home to unicorns, a griffin, a snow monster, and an unforgettable ice dragon. This event is a reimagination of the Zoo’s treasured Asian Lantern Festival and Zoo Lights.

Holiday Magic Winter Flower Show and Light Garden

Phipps Conservatory’s Holiday Magic Winter Flower Show and Light Garden features dazzling displays of color both inside and outside, with magnificent new floral arrangements and spectacular light installations. The event includes an enchanted entrance, a magical unicorn topiary, and a show-stopping light curtain, among other whimsical features.

Kennywood’s Holiday Lights

Kennywood’s Holiday Lights features over two million twinkling lights, the tallest Christmas tree in the state, and a variety of rides and entertainment. Enjoy new festive foods and drinks, visit Santa, and explore interactive activities like a holiday scavenger hunt and model train displays.

Dazzling Nights – Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

Dazzling Nights at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden features immersive light installations, including 2,000 illuminated flowers, handmade lanterns, and interactive light displays. Guests can enjoy holiday-inspired treats and beverages while exploring the garden’s festive atmosphere.

Overly’s Country Christmas® – Greensburgh

Overly’s Country Christmas in Greensburg offers a traditional walk-through Christmas light display and village, featuring classic holiday traditions and activities.

Holiday Lights Mini Golf – Fun Fore All Family Fun Park

Fun Fore All’s Holiday Lights Mini Golf transforms two award-winning miniature golf courses into fully playable walk-through holiday light extravaganzas, offering a beautiful and interactive holiday experience for families.

Pittsburgh Holiday Markets and Shopping

Canonsburgh’s Old Fashioned Christmas – Canonsburgh Borough

Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas is a premier holiday celebration in Pennsylvania, featuring over 50 market vendors, food trucks, and a Christmas parade. The event includes visits with Santa, a toy train display, and a gingerbread house contest.

Peoples Gas Holiday Market™

A vibrant gathering in the heart of Pittsburgh, this market showcases local artisans and vendors offering unique gifts, handcrafted goods, and seasonal treats. Visitors can stroll through the market’s charming stalls while enjoying live entertainment and the inviting atmosphere that fills the air with the spirit of the season.

Pittsburgh Holiday Shows and Entertainment

The Nutcracker – Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

The Nutcracker by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is a classic holiday ballet set in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh. It features spectacular dance, colorful characters, and stunning scenery, all set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Choreographed by Terrence S. Orr, this production includes a sensory-friendly performance and showcases the virtuosity of over 170 dancers.

Oakmont’s Hometown Christmas – The Oaks Theater

Celebrate Oakmont’s Hometown Christmas at The Oaks Theater with Santa Claus, live music, and a full bar, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Pittsburgh Other Holiday Activities

Breakfast or Lunch with Santa – Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Meet Santa at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium while enjoying a delicious breakfast or lunch buffet. Meet ambassador animals, write a letter to Santa, and deliver it to him right here at the Zoo.

Christmas in Guyasuta – Camp Guyasuta

Join us at Camp Guyasuta for a festive holiday event featuring a ride through the Christmas display, climbing the wall under Christmas lights, making crafts, writing letters to Santa, and taking pictures with Santa. Enjoy a bonfire and explore the Camp Trading Post for holiday shopping and food sales.

Santa Trolley – Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

At the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, visitors can meet Santa Claus and his friends while riding a beautifully restored antique streetcar. The event includes a large Lionel toy train layout, a wonderful LEGO display, holiday crafts for children, and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. Tickets also include a second festive trolley ride aboard the Yuletide Shuttle.

Santa Fun Kids Cruise – Gateway Clipper

The Santa Fun Kids Cruise by Gateway Clipper offers a fun-filled holiday experience with a DJ dance party and a special treat from Santa Claus. Kids can enjoy interactive play, games, and meet their favorite characters while parents can relax with a full-service cash bar.

Breakfast with Santa & Mrs Claus – Shady Elms

Join Shady Elms Farm for a delightful breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, featuring a family-friendly buffet and interactive workshops.

Nature’s Wreath – Pittsburgh Zoo

Create a decorative holiday wreath with the help of Pittsburgh Zoo’s talented horticulturists. Wreaths measuring approximately 24 inches, embellishments, and light refreshments are included. Feel free to bring additional adornments and hand pruners.