The Magical Pittsburgh Christmas Tree That Comes Alive With Countless Lights
By Beth Price-Williams|Published November 11, 2019
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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.
It certainly is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas here in Pittsburgh, especially with the bitter cold temperatures. While some decorations have started appearing in shops and in neighborhoods, Pittsburgh doesn’t officially kick off the holiday season until the annual Light Up Night celebration. Among the highlights of the jam-packed evening is, of course, the official tree lighting ceremony.
Start counting down the days until the official start of the Christmas season in Pittsburgh. Comcast Light Up Night is set for November 22, 2019 with festivities beginning at noon.
Light Up Night officially begins at noon at the U.S. Steel Tower for the dedication of the creche.
However, the tree lighting ceremonies (yep, there's more than one) don't begin until the sun has set. Make your way to the Allegheny County Courthouse at 4:45 p.m. for the official lighting of the tower and the courthouse trees.
The tree at PPG Place stands 65 feet tall and boasts thousands of shimmering Christmas lights.
Light Up Night's highlights might be the lighting of the Christmas trees, but you'll find a full menu of family-friendly activities to keep you busy all night long.
If you're okay with a wait, get in line for a glide around the Mass Mutual Pittsburgh Ice Rink, where you can get a super up-close look at the Christmas tree.
Visit Santa's reindeer; enjoy a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown; and shop at the Peoples Gas Holiday Market. The evening also features an assortment of food trucks and entertainment.
Fireworks will light up the night sky twice. If the kiddos have to get home to sleep, catch the 7:30 p.m. show after the Highmark Christmas tree lighting.
Light Up Night will officially conclude with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. For the best views, find a spot near the river between 6th Street and Stanwix Street.
Click here for the official website of the Downtown Pittsburgh Partnership. Or, go here for Facebook.
Do you have a favorite tree lighting ceremony in or near Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! In the mood for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration? Plan a visit to the charming Christmas town of Canonsburg for its Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration.
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