5 Best Things to do in Pittsburgh this Holiday

Pittsburgh has become one of the country's most popular destinations and best places for holiday light tours. You can see them all year long, but it's amusing to see them during the holidays when they are extra bright and beautiful.

Pittsburgh has a lot to offer during the holidays. And we are proud to share these five of our favorite things to do in Pittsburgh this holiday season:

1. Light Up Night's Fireworks

In Pittsburgh, Light Up Night kicks off the holiday season. 

Light Up Night is an annual event where hundreds of thousands of lights illuminate downtown Pittsburgh. In 2008, a local benefactor wanted to create a more joyous atmosphere downtown. Thus he founded the event. The display includes fireworks that last approximately 15 minutes and feature more than 150,000 lights and music.

Put on your Classic PGH | Pittsburgh Crewneck Sweatshirt, and join the annual Pittsburgh Light Up Night celebration. It's free and open to everyone. This family-friendly event takes place at Heinz Field. It features concerts by country music stars such as Chris Janson and Meghan Patrick, food trucks, arts & crafts vendors, and more.

2. Drive-Thru Holiday Lights in Pittsburgh

If you want to feel some festive spirit without leaving your car, consider a few attractive options here!

Holiday Lights Drives & Walks occur in December at different locations around town. You can walk through neighbourhoods and drive through them as well. Each stop features dozens of displays from various businesses, organizations, and homeowners' associations throughout Pittsburgh. It's free, but you must register ahead of time to participate in any events (which we highly recommend).

If you prefer walking around, there are plenty of walkable options where you can check out holiday lights throughout downtown Pittsburgh from December 1 through January 7. You can take pictures with your favorite characters or stop by for a photo opportunity with Santa himself! 

Hurry up! Pittsburgh's drive-thru holiday lights are already open! 

3. Winter Flower Show at Phipps Conservatory

The Phipps Conservatory is not only a beautiful place to visit during the winter months but also home to one of the best Winter Flower Show in the country.

It is one of Pittsburgh's many most beautiful events that you want to attend. This event features more than 100 species of flowers, including hothouse roses, lilies, orchids also other plants from around the world that bloom in January and February. You can even see rare orchids and other exotic flowers cultivated in Asia and worldwide.

You can also participate in face painting and petting zoo animals during your visit.

This year's show will be even more impressive, with new displays and lighting effects. The show runs through December 30, so you can plan your visit accordingly. You won't be disappointed.

4. Watch the Kennywood's Holiday Lights

One of Pittsburgh's most famous traditions is watching Kennywood's Holiday Lights display this time of year. From November 30 through January 3, you can see lights on almost every ride at Kennywood Park!

The theme park has showcased its holiday lights since 1932, and they add new decorations to its display each year. They have over 6 million lights and hundreds of characters, which makes for a truly magical experience.

5. Holiday Markets and Shops

For those who like to shop, take advantage of the Holiday Markets and Shops that pop up during the holiday season. The annual event features dozens of local vendors selling their crafts just in time for the holiday season. Since early October, Pittsburgh has had several markets and shops open for holiday shopping.

Pittsburgh is a fun city to visit, and there are some beautiful sights you can't miss this holiday.

If you like to shop locally, scroll down the City Shirt Co website, where you'll find local shirt designs made by a local artist.

Some gift and souvenirs ideas from City Shirt Co Pittsburgh collections: