It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we’re here to celebrate with you! You’ll be sure to feel the holiday spirit in the Cultural District this year. With events from the symphony, ballet, plays, magicians and variety shows, here are 15 festive events we’re looking forward to during the holidays.
Thanksgiving Tradition
Date: Nov. 29 and Dec. 1, 2019
Come to Heinz Hall over Thanksgiving weekend as the Pittsburgh Symphony plays their annual favorites of the Strauss Family at Thanksgiving Tradition. Come for the cello performance and stay for the decorations in Heinz Hall.
A Very Electric Christmas
Date: Nov 30, 2019
A Very Electric Christmas follows the story of a young bird and his family as they begin their journey south for the winter. This North Pole adventure includes holiday hits from Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky. The story lights up the stage with electroluminescent artistry sure to brighten your holidays this season.
Mark Milovats in Concert: Enchanted Christmas
Date: Dec. 1, 2019
This Christmas show features singer/entertainer Mark Milovats and his Santa Belle Dancers, the Holiday Pops Orchestra, and even live penguins. You’ll hear holiday songs and some pop classics during Mark Milovats in Concert.
The Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert
Date: Dec 3, 2019
Feel festive while listening to favorite holiday classics performed by the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra. Sean Jones is featured on the trumpet with guest vocalist René Marie.
Wednesday Wine Flights: Holiday Wine & Cheese Pairing
Date: Dec. 4, 2019
Don’t miss this annual tradition to sample wine and cheese pairings during Holiday Wine & Cheese night. Be sure to wear ugly sweaters and holiday attire, and bring a bottle for a Blind Bottle Swap. Doors open at 5:45 with coffee, dessert and bar available after the show.
The Nutcracker
Date: Dec. 6-29, 2019
A classic holiday tradition, attending Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker is a must. It’s great for fans of the ballet or those experiencing it for the first time. Watch sparkling snowflakes, waltzing flowers and exciting costumes set to Tchaikovsky’s score.
A Musical Christmas Carol
Date: Dec 6-22, 2019
See the Charles Dickens classic live on stage. The holidays would not be the same without Pittsburgh CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol. It’s a familiar tale told in a new and colorful way.
Handel’s Messiah
Date: Dec. 7, 2019
With some of the most recognizable classical holiday music out there, Handel’s Messiah is another classic December event. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh will join together to bring you a festive night of music and singing. And don’t forget to stand for the Hallelujah Chorus!
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Date: Dec. 10, 2019
There’s no sound quite like Manheim Steamroller. The Mannheim Steamroller Christmas program celebrates the group’s 30th anniversary since its first Christmas album.
Yinzer Yuletide: Pittsburgh Lights & Legends
Date: Dec 12-22, 2019
Yinzers, this is the holiday event for you. WQED’s Rick Sebak will host a Yinzer Yuletide variety show featuring Pittsburgh performers, variety acts, and television segments about holiday lights around Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
Highmark Holiday Pops
Date: Dec. 13-22, 2019
If there is one event you attend this holiday season, make it Holiday Pops! This is the perfect event for the whole family. It brings together the best of all other holiday events. You’ll hear the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Broadway star Ashley Brown, and see (*spoiler alert*) Santa Claus. The event will also have a sensory-friendly performance on the 21st.
A Benedum Christmas – Home for the Holidays
Date: Dec. 17, 2019
See incredible local talent from our city all home for the holidays. A Benedum Christmas will showcase vocalists, songwriters, and musicians performing holiday classics along with their own original songs.
The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays
Date: Dec. 26-29, 2019
The holiday season is magical, which makes it the perfect time of year to see world-renowned illusionists. The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays brings you thrilling magic of unprecedented proportions.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage!
Date: Dec. 28, 2019
It’s not what under the tree that matters, it’s who’s around it. Join Charlie Brown and his friends for a fun adaptation of the timeless story. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage! features unforgettable music and a concert of holiday carols performed by the Peanuts characters.
Pittsburgh’s 2020 New Year’s Eve Party
Date: Dec. 31, 2019
Ring in the new year with a six-hour celebration spanning 14 blocks of the Cultural District. This New Year’s Eve Party will feature live music, dancing, theater, comedy, magic, a parade, and a Fireworks show.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.