It's Not Christmas In Pittsburgh Until You Do These 9 Enchanting Things
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on October 24, 2023(Originally published December 04, 2016)
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Every family has its own special traditions that officially mark the start of the holiday season, and there’s definitely no better place to celebrate the season than our own festive city. Christmas in Pittsburgh is so special that when you live here you might not even want to travel in December. There is just too much to do right here! Many Pittsburghers share some common Christmas traditions that everyone loves. Wrap yourself in the holiday spirit by experiencing some of the best things to do in Pittsburgh at Christmas!
1. UPMC Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place
The UPMC Rink at PPG Place, 4, PPG Place, Third Ave Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
First on the list of things to do around Pittsburgh at Christmas is this fabulous ice rink! An enchanting Christmas experience beckons at UPMC Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place. Novice and seasoned skaters can bring their own ice skates or rent ice skates to glide around the glistening ice rink, illuminated by the massive glowing Christmas tree. Lace up your skates at the MassMutual Pittsburgh Ice Rink this year.
2. Downtown Tour on the Holly Trolley
Molly's Trolleys Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
View the spectacular Christmas decorations throughout downtown Pittsburgh, while shopping for Christmas gifts, aboard the Holly Trolley, courtesy of Molly's Trolleys. Board the free Holly Trolley every Saturday through around mid-December each year. The Holly Trolley stops at the U.S. Steel Tower, Fifth Avenue Place, One Oxford Centre, and PPG Place. It's one of the most fun ways to explore Pittsburgh!
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3. The Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning
Explore the world at the Cathedral of Learning's Nationality Rooms. Each country's room will be decked out in traditional Christmas decorations through mid-January.
Enjoy a holiday tradition with a performance of The Nutcracker at the Benedum Center through the month of December. The nearly two-hour production, which has a half-hour intermission, features evening and matinee performances.
Feel the crispy winter wind whip through your hair as you stroll through Kennywood Park, awash in spectacular holiday lights and featuring a host of Christmas activities, including the operation of select rides, visits with Santa, and a breathtaking light show every half an hour at the Kennywood Lagoon. Plan your trip to Holiday Lights on weekends, usually through the week of Christmas.
Leisurely stroll through the illuminated winter wonderland at Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens for the annual Winter Flower Show and Light Garden. Explore the magical gardens lit with LED lights. Visit with Santa. Watch the miniature railroad. For a truly unique experience, stop by the outdoor lighted garden each evening. Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are so beautiful you won't believe your eyes!
The Civic Light Opera presents A Musical Christmas Carol at the Byham Theater! Relive the adventure of Scrooge and Tiny Tim in Charles Dickens' holiday classic. The curtain rises on A Musical Christmas Carol at the Byham Theater every year! Here is one fantastic cast picture full of talented actors who have performed in the show in a past year. It's one of the most classic Christmas events in Pittsburgh.
8. Miniature Railroad & Village at Carnegie Science Center
The Miniature Railroad & Village at the Carnegie Science Center has a long, storied history dating back to 1919. Before it found its home at the science center, the charming display started as a family display at a Pittsburgher's home before it moved to the Buhl Planetarium in 1954 and then to its current home in 1992. Visit the intricate miniature railroad and village this holiday season. The Carnegie Science Center is a blast for families!
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9. Overly's Country Christmas at Westmoreland Fairgrounds
Enter a magical wonderland when you drive through the old-fashioned lighted village at Overly's Country Christmas, then explore the village by foot, enjoying hot drinks and food, rides for the kids, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Overly's Country Christmas usually runs through the month of December.
Fill your holiday season with Christmas cheer by visiting the best Christmas attractions in Pittsburgh and don’t forget to add these winter festivals in Pittsburgh to your to-do list. Have you gotten to enjoy any of these fun attractions? If so, we would love to hear about your experiences and which ones are your favorites or are traditions for your family! Please tell us which ones you recommend most in the comments section.
If you are looking for the perfect present to give your adventurous loved ones for Christmas, then take a look at OnlyInYourState’s list of the best gifts for travelers! There is something for everyone who loves to travel the country or even the world.
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