Pittsburgh gears up for winter events

Holiday season brings joyous events to city

Written By Tia Bailey, Co-Features/A&E Editor

It’s officially November, and you know what that means– winter events are coming. No matter what holiday or celebration you’re the most ready for, there’s sure to be an event for it. Here are some winter events in Pittsburgh to try to make it to.

 

Phipps Winter Flower Show and Light Garden:

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a Pittsburgh favorite, and they don’t stop once the warm weather is gone. The Flower Show and Light Garden will begin on Friday, Nov. 29. There are many winter-themed attractions and showcases, all filled with flowers and lights to help get everyone in a festive mood.

 

Light Up Night:

Pittsburgh’s annual Light Up Night will be held on Friday, Nov. 22 this year. It takes place downtown, and there are lots of options of things to do. You can ice skate at PPG Place, shop at the Peoples Gas Market held in Market Square or just walk through the city as the lights and decorations are up with a peppermint mocha in hand. The event also features free entertainment and fireworks throughout the night.

 

Downtown Tours:

All year round, take a tour of Downtown Pittsburgh, by a horse-drawn carriage or on a trolley.

 

Kennywood Holiday Lights:

The cold weather may make Kennywood shut down their rides for the winter, but that doesn’t stop them from  joining in on the festive fun. Kennywood’s Holiday Lights goes every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 22 to Dec. 22, as well as every night from Dec. 26-30. The amusement park’s website says, “enjoy holiday performances, see spectacular light shows, visit Santa Claus, and more!” This is a great option for some family and friend’s fun.

 

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Winter Open House:

On Saturday, Dec. 14, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is holding a “Winter Open House” event. They have festive food and drinks, crafts, games and more family fun. The event is listed as an “all ages welcome” event.

 

Heinz Hall Concerts:

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, along with some more special guests, is putting on a “Highmark Holiday Pops” concert on Friday, Dec. 13, and they will have a sensory-friendly Holiday Pops concert on Friday, Dec. 21 as well.

 

Holiday Concert:

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will perform at a concert at PPG Paints Area on Sunday, Dec. 22. They will perform for two shows, and their show is titled “Christmas Eve & Other Stories,” so it will for sure be festive for the holidays.

 

The Nutcracker:

Watch the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre perform the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” at the Benedum Center every weekend from Dec. 6-29.

These are just some favorites around the city, and there’s so much more. Go out and try these events, but don’t be afraid to look for more to attend. The city is full of festive fun.