On the lookout for holiday happenings and festive fun? Carnegie Science Center is bringing jolly good times to visitors throughout December.
From the iconic Miniature Railroad & Village®, showings of “The Polar Express”, “Laser Holiday Magic,” and more. Get ready to unwrap a new holiday tradition at the most-visited museum in Pittsburgh.
Miniature Railroad & Village®
Included with General Admission is the Miniature Railroad & Village®. Since 1919 this meticulously detailed display has showcased Western PA historic landmarks including the newest model of The Chinatown Inn. With ever-changing items to find in their display scavenger hunt, it makes every trip fun for the whole family.
The Science Behind Pixar
Dash in to explore The Science Behind Pixar exhibition before it leaves the ’Burgh! Don’t miss interacting with your favorite characters through 50 interactive activities. For a truly magical experience, come dressed to impress to up your selfie game with Buzz Lightyear, Mike and Sulley, Dory and more! Cost: $15 Members; $22 Adult Nonmembers; $18 Child Nonmembers; Cost: $20 Senior Nonmembers.
The Polar Express
All aboard for “The Polar Express” 3D as it hits The Rangos Giant Cinema on select dates until Tuesday, December 24th. The immersive theater will have you feeling like you’ve really traveled to the North Pole. Cost: $10 Members / $12 Nonmembers.
All ages are welcome aboard for the jolliest event of the year with “The Polar Express” with Santa on Saturday, December 21st 9:45am – 1pm. Meet Santa and his elves and watch “The Polar Express” in 3D. Other activities include writing and mailing letters to Santa, learning how to make instant snow with sodium polyacrylate, and sampling marshmallows frozen with liquid nitrogen. Cost: $10 Members / $12 Nonmembers.
21+ Night: Swiftie Science
While most events are family friendly, a “21+ Night: Swiftie Science” night is a shimmering Swifties’ adults-only night on Saturday, December 13th from 6pm – 10pm. Those ages 21+ are welcome to celebrate Taylor Swift’s 35th birthday in a Science Center “Wonderland” event that includes snacks and cocktails (available for purchase), entertainment, and plenty of fun throughout all five floors of the Science Center. Come dressed in your favorite era and make the whole place shimmer. Cost: $20 Members / $25 Nonmembers.
Laser Holiday Magic
All ages are bound to love the sing along “Laser Holiday Magic” show featuring traditional and contemporary holiday tunes while vibrant animations and gorgeous abstracts dance along the Buhl Planetarium dome. Showings at 2pm with additional 4pm showings on select dates. Cost: $6 Members / $7 Nonmembers.
Floyd and Friends: Electric Holiday Edition
Geared towards adults, the “Floyd and Friends: Electric Holiday Edition” is Friday, December 20th 8pm – 12am. It’s a marathon of laser shows in an eclectic after-hours laser bash. Watch laser graphics moonwalk across the Buhl Planetarium dome set to holiday classics, EDM hits, and songs by Michael Jackson and Pink Floyd. Catch one or more of the following shows: 8pm – Laser Holiday Magic, 9pm – Laser Michael Jackson, 10pm – Laser EDM, 11pm – Laser Pink Floyd: The Best of Floyd. Cost: Per show – $10 Members / $12 Nonmembers
Holiday Camps
Holiday Camps at the Science Center, from Thursday, December 26th through Monday, December 30th, are perfect for getting the kids out of the house for a bit during their winter break. Each day from 9am – 3pm, kids ages 6-11 are welcome to get messy, have fun, and learn through science fun. A variety of camps are available, like experimenting with stop motion using clay and LEGO® creations, applying engineering principles to build and race wind-powered brick-mobiles, mastering the chemistry behind the states of matter with concoctions that foam, fizz, and ooze, and diving into the science behind superheroes and supervillains. Campers will also have time to explore all five floors of the Science Center. Cost: Per camp – $65 Members / $75 Nonmembers.
Festive Saturdays
Looking for a holiday movie night? Check out “Festive Saturdays”. Feel merry and bright inside The Rangos Giant Cinema with the jolliest movie lineup. All movie showings start at 8pm. Upcoming lineup: December 14th – Elf (2003). December 21st – How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). December 28th – Frozen Sing-along. Cost: Per film – $10 Members / $12 Nonmembers.
Student Discounts
PHOTO BY NICOLAUS CZARNECKI
College students listen up! Between now and January 5th college students (with a valid student ID) are able to gain admission to Carnegie Science Center and explore The Science Behind Pixar exhibition for $10 (per visit). Whether you’re home for the holidays and want some fun education or are away from home and want somewhere fun to be, these exclusive $10 tickets are a perfect way for you to make your days merry and bright.
Fab Lab 101 Workshops
Plan your Fridays now and have some fab fun this December at the “Fab Lab 101 Workshops”. On Friday, December 13th and 20th from 5pm – 6:30pm, take a crash course in maker technology at BNY Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center. With Fab Lab public workshops, visitors can learn the basics of 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and more in this makerspace. Advance registration is required. Cost: $25 Members / $30 Nonmembers
For more information and for tickets, visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
