The holidays are here! This year everyone is extra excited for Christmas – it’s about time that we have some joy! Celebrate the holidays downtown in a safe and fun way. Social distancing and safety precautions will be in place. Skate around the ice rink, shop at the holiday market, zoom with Santa, and check out the world’s largest pickle ornament! 

The Rink (PPG Plaza)

pittsburgh christmas 2020 ice skating rink at ppg
Image via: downtownpittsburgh.com

This feels like Christmas! Go for a skate around the ice rink while the 65 foot tall Christmas tree lights up the night. The number of skaters on the ice will be reduced for social distancing. All skaters must pre-purchase tickets online. Masks are required inside the rental and plaza areas, along while skating. Keep safe and warm! Hand sanitizing stations will also be available. 

World’s Largest Pickle Ornament (EQT Plaza)

pittsburgh christmas 2020 pickle ornament
Image via: @downtownPitt, Facebook

This is new! We didn’t have Picklesburgh this year, but we do have a giant custom-made (35 foot tall?) Heinz Pickle Balloon! Talk about a very Pittsburgh Christmas photo. 

Santa Zoom: Live From The North Pole  

pittsburgh christmas 2020 santa
Image via: Downtown Pittsburgh

A new safe way to interact with Santa! Kids will have a real-time conversation—every family gets a free downloadable photo keepsake of the visit with a suggested $5 donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank!

Holiday Market (Market Square)

pittsburgh christmas 2020 holiday market
Image via: peoples-gas.com

The safely reconfigured holiday market in Market Square will be open this year. They’ll have unique artisan products, international items, handcrafted goods, and Pittsburgh gifts. Local performers daily.

Christmas Trees!

pittsburgh christmas 2020 christmas tree
Image via: CBS Pittsburgh

All of the Christmas trees are back! Deck the halls with 6 trees across Downtown–Highmark at 5th Ave Place, Allegheny Courthouse, City-County Building, Point State Park, PPG Plaza and Market Square!

Holiday Wonderland Projections (Cultural District)

Feel festive! Huge snowflakes and candy canes will be projected on buildings in the Cultural District. Also, Wood Street has a cool snow-globe motif! The new holiday light installation features over 300 color-changing lights and mirror balls that projects shiny snowflake light.     

Holiday KidsPlay Selfie Garden (Heinz Hall Courtyard)

Your kids will love the holiday selfie garden! It’s safe outdoor fun with colorful backdrops and standees of popular characters from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Mister Rogers’, and more! You can also check out the Santa’s of the world, located in the windows of Two PPG Place, along with the large nativity scene at US Steel Tower Plaza. 

This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
Josh McCann

Josh has been writing for Made in PGH since 2018, where he writes about upcoming events. He’s a Point Park University graduate and teaches high school English. In his free time you’ll find him playing guitar and writing new songs.

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