Oh the weather outside may be frightful but winter family friendly events are oh so delightful! From festival lights to New Years, we have the perfect roundup of things to do for you and your family this season.
People’s Gas Holiday Market | Market Square | Nov. 18 – Dec. 23
This year marks the 11th annual People’s Gas Holiday Market™! Voted the #1 Holiday Market in the county by USA Today, the market offers an array of artists, vendors, decorations, live music, and much more. Inspired by the original German Christmas Market and its wood chalet, you and your family will be transported to a European holiday right in the center of Pittsburgh.
This year’s new long term vendors include leather goods and more from Diana Kauffman Designs and Eastern European traditional arts and crafts from Focha Store. Other brand new visiting vendors such as Treksalot, MP Pinecone Designs, Three Rivers Hammocks, and Chocoparadise LLC, can be found on various days throughout the Market’s full run.
The Pittsburgh Creche | U.S. Steel Plaza | Thanksgiving – January
This classic holiday spectacle is a larger-than-life nativity scene available for viewing located in the U.S. Steel Plaza. Created in 1999, this must see decoration is the world’s only replica of the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square display in Rome.
Holly Jolly Holiday Party | Bakery Square Conservatory | Dec. 17 | 12 – 4 PM
Bundle up for a free holiday event presented by Bakery Square featuring face painting, custom airbrush stockings, a holiday treats table, and much more!
Holiday Family Theater
Not ready to face the outdoors? Well don’t fret, there’s plenty of family fun to be had in a warm and comfortable theater venue. Check out a list of family friendly shows below!
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas | Dec. 13 | Benedum Center
- Mr. Messado’s School Of Magic| until Dec. 18 | Liberty Magic
- A Christmas Story | until Dec. 23 | O’Reilly Theater
- A Musical Christmas Carol until Dec. 23 | Byham Theater
- The Nutcracker | Dec. 9 – 28 | Benedum Center
- Holiday Dreams | Dec. 29 – 30 | Benedum Center
All of the Lights, Again!
Last year we gave you a roundup of beautiful light displays for your family to enjoy and we’re back with more!
Winter Flower Show & Light Garden | Phipps Conservatory | Dec. 18
Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden returns to Phipps’ with a fun-filled theme of arctic adventure featuring magnificent new displays of holiday trees, topiaries, exquisitely detailed props, and the conservatory’s signature floral arrangements, including amaryllis, orchids and more than 1,600 poinsettias. Be sure to also explore the outdoor Winter Light Garden with spectacular lights that will astonish the whole family.
Shadrack Christmas | Butler County | until Jan. 1
Returning with a new location and new display theme, Shadrack Christmas is back with the original, biggest, and best drive through light show the county has to offer. Now at Cooper’s Lake Event Venue, this year’s show is full of fairytale favorites and includes a better layout and drive route and safer entry and exit to the show.
Dazzling Nights at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden | until Jan. 1
Immerse yourself in the wonder of the holidays as you explore a 65 acre journey of awe-inspiring light experiences including a 30 foot tall holiday tree, interactive motion sensor lights, a 65 foot long tunnel of light, and much more.
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh | throughout the Cultural District | Dec. 31
Pittsburgh’s epic NYE celebration returns at Highmark First Night Pittsburgh presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Enjoy live music, dance, theater, visual arts, comedy, magic, kids’ activities, and a signature parade along with Pyrotecnico Fireworks displays at 6 pm and midnight. Experience a 5 foot walkthrough maze of giant ice blocks carved by Rich Bubin of Ice Creations. Finally, countdown into 2023 and watch the Future of Pittsburgh ball rise as genre-bending powerhouse vocalist INEZ performs on the Highmark Stage!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
