If you’re looking for Pittsburgh holiday events for 2023, you’ve come to the right place.
The holiday season is officially here! To help you celebrate, we’ve compiled a number of the best holiday events and festivals to put on your calendar.
From craft markets and house tours to visits with Santa, we’ve got you covered with all the fun events you won’t want to miss this year. Be sure to bookmark this page and use it as a reference during the holiday season. We will continue to update as events are announced.
2023 Pittsburgh’s Ultimate Holiday Event
Holiday Magic at Phipps School of Music!winter flower and light show
Daily, November 17th – January 7
Phipps’ Winter Flower Show and Garden of Lights is back for the holiday season. All tickets must be purchased prior to the show. The show is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
light up night
November 18, 2023
The city’s official kickoff to the holiday season will take place on Saturday, November 18th, culminating with the lighting of the Highmark Christmas tree at Stanwix Street and Penn Avenue. Downtown will host plenty of fun events throughout the afternoon and evening, including a live music lineup, a Pirate’s Minifest, local food and beverage vendors, and a massive fireworks display. See the entire schedule here.
Pittsburgh City Gingerbread Contest
Friday, November 17th – January 5th
This year’s Gingerbread Competition (now in its 21st year) continues the tradition that attracted thousands of visitors at PPGH and the City-County Building.
People’s Gas Holiday Market
From Friday, November 17th to December 24th
The 12th Annual People’s Gas Holiday Market opens Friday, Nov. 17 at Market Square, offering outdoor holiday shopping all season long. Special attractions include a variety of indoor holiday kids play activities and a visit with Santa at Santa’s House.
kennywood holiday lights
From November 18th to January 1st
More than 2 million lights shine at Kennywood during the annual Holiday Lights Festival, which runs through January 1st. Children’s events are held nightly, including a meet-and-greet with Santa, a nighttime tree lighting, dance parties, and choir performances. , more.
growland
November 20th – January 2nd
Visit Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood to experience GLOWLAND (powered by OBID), a series of dynamic, interactive installations including family-friendly games, an illuminated seesaw that uses light and sound in various configurations, and a family-friendly activity day please.
A dazzling night at the Pittsburgh Botanical Garden
From November 24th to January 1st
Journey through 2,000 illuminated flower fields at the Pittsburgh Botanical Garden during the annual Dazzling Night exhibit. This year’s exhibit features a giant star tunnel, a 30-foot-tall stained glass tree, an interactive light walkway that lights up when you step on it, and a light show around a lotus pond with 100 light beacons. It will be on display.
handmade arcade
Friday, December 1st, Saturday, December 2nd
Shop unique, handcrafted products from more than 275 talented makers and artisans at the region’s largest market located at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Register online to get your free, timed ticket.
Old Fashioned Christmas in Canonsburg
Friday, December 1st, Saturday, December 2nd
Canonsburg is transformed into a winter wonderland during the annual Old Fashioned Christmas on Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2. There will be plenty of holiday events including a pop-up craft market, photo op with the Grinch, story time with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa Claus, miniature train display, food truck court, gingerbread house, Christmas parade, live reindeer, and tree lighting ceremony Friday at 6 p.m.
Zoo Lite Drive Thru
Select a night from November 24th to December 30th
Drive or walk through the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium at night while guided by a themed audio tour. Thousands of eco-friendly LED lights transform the park into an unforgettable winter wonderland. Tickets are $45 per car for non-Zoo members, $40 per car for Zoo members, and $18 for walk-throughs for non-Zoo members and $15 for Zoo members. Buy tickets online.
Pittsburgh personality and Rick Sebak
Friday, November 24th
Lamp Theater will welcome WQED’s Rick Sebak to the Pittsburgh Quikes stage for a screening of his classic documentary “Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh,” followed by an interview with Sebak and an audience Q&A.
small business saturday
Saturday, November 25th
Support Pittsburgh’s small businesses! Shop for holiday gifts at Pittsburgh’s many locally owned businesses. Many stores offer discounts and offers, and there are many options for purchasing bonus gift cards.
penguins on parade
Saturdays and Sundays from December 2nd
Every Saturday and Sunday in December, head to the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium to watch the penguins stroll outdoors during Penguins on Parade. The penguins begin their parade at the aquarium’s upper entrance at 11:30 a.m., but the event is always weather permitting.
Nationality Rooms Holiday Open House
Sunday, December 3rd
The Nationality Room and Heritage Room at the Cathedral of Learning will be decorated for the holiday season, and guests will be able to view the spaces during the Holiday Open House. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in traditional crafts and cultural demonstrations, enjoy traditional foods and baked goods, and shop for handmade and cultural items.
Krampusnacht on the Market Square 2023
Thursday, December 5th
Celebrating Krampus Night in Market Square is a Pittsburgh tradition. Krampus will arrive at the market square at 7pm and you can have your photo taken with him. This year, there will also be a Krampus Bar Crawl hosted by Penn Brewery.
Hooray!last minute market
Saturday, December 9th
Get your holiday shopping done with I Made It! Last Minute Market at Rockwell Park. At his East End market, he brings together more than 60 artists and handicraft sellers selling everything from pottery and knitting to art and handmade jewelry.
Grist House FIRE Fest
Saturday, December 9th
Grist House’s annual FIRE Fest will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, and will be filled with can releases, food trucks, live glass blowing demos, and fire pits to keep you warm no matter how cold it is outside.
Lawrenceville Cookie Tour
Saturday, December 9th, Sunday, December 10th
For 26 years, Lawrenceville has hosted an annual cookie tour. Just in time for the holiday season, invite Pittsburghers to stop by the stores and businesses in Lawrenceville’s business district and pick up a holiday treat or two for him. You can also often get discounts and special discounts. There’s also an Event His Trolley that travels around the neighborhood to help you visit all 50+ spots.
light up the night
Wednesday, December 13th
Celebrate Hanukkah at Miracle Mile Shopping Center’s Light Up the Night with the lighting of a giant glow-in-the-dark menorah, plus latkes, hot drinks, carnival games and musical performances by the Gateway Elementary School 4th Grade Choir.
Craft and Draft Holiday Market
Saturday, December 16th
Enjoy some last-minute holiday shopping from local artists and vendors at East End Brewing’s Craft and Draft Holiday Market. More than a dozen vendors will share the brewery space this year, and there will be plenty of East End beer and pizza.
Pittsburgh Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Saturday, December 16th
This large-scale show features artists and crafters selling original handmade items, with a portion of the proceeds going to local nonprofit Girls on the Run. Admission is $3.
Pittsburgh Restaurant Week 2021 Winter
January 15th (Monday) – January 21st (Sunday)
The “tastiest time of the year” in Pittsburgh is Restaurant Week, when restaurants across the city offer special menus and products.
Missed your favorite event? Let us know in the comments. Add to list.