8 Winter Festivals In Pittsburgh That Are Simply Unforgettable
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
As winter quickly approaches, Pittsburghers know exactly what to expect: Long, grey days interrupted by sudden bursts of snow or sun, sometimes both simultaneously. Add some excitement to your winter – and make those long days go faster – at the best winter festivals in Pittsburgh (and a bit beyond).
Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh transforms into an old-fashioned German marketplace, through December 23, for the annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market. Shop for unique Christmas gifts at the wooden cottages. Watch live entertainment and try delicious treats before you visit with Santa.
Bundle up for the annual Winter Flower Show and Light Garden at Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, especially if you plan to stroll through the spectacular light displays outdoors. Days of Snow and Lights Aglow, this year's theme features lit topiary figures, a model train display, Christmas's favorite flowers, and visits from Santa. Walk through the illuminated garden each evening from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
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Join thousands of other Pittsburghers to ring in the New Year at First Night Pittsburgh 2017. The evening's festivities kick off on December 31, 2016 at 6 p.m. Enjoy a wide range of activities - both indoors and outdoors - across 14 city blocks in the Cultural District, all leading up to the rising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball. Catch a spectacular fireworks show at 6 p.m. and at midnight.
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Celebrate the season at the January Ice Jam Bluegrass Festival, slated for January 13 and 14, 2017. Catch performances from seasoned musicians every half an hour throughout the two-day festival.
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Head to Somerset from January 13 to 15, 2017 for the 22nd Annual Fire & Ice Festival. Set in the Somerset Historic District, view the spectacular ice sculptures designed by talented artists.
Experience the full beauty of the winter season at Ligonier Ice Fest, slated for January 21 and 22, 2017. The annual festival features more than 50 stunning ice sculptures as well as cozy horse drawn carriage rides around picturesque downtown Ligonier. Enjoy fresh kettle corn and hot chocolate as you watch artists create their ice masterpieces.
Mark February 4, 2017 on your calendar because that's when Moraine State Park turns into a winter wonderland for the annual Winterfest. Meet such lovable creatures as the Penguins' Iceburgh and Smokey the Bear. Compete in a fierce chili cook-off or engage in a long list of activities, including crafts, ice carving, winter sports, horse drawn carriage rides, dog sleds, and warm by up the bonfire.
Warm up with delicious homemade chili - courtesy of the chili cook-off contestants - as you watch artists work their magic, carving a block of ice into an intricate ice sculpture. Butler Carved In Ice is set for February 11, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will also feature live entertainment, hot food and drinks, and wine tastings.
Heat up your winter days with a visit to one or more of the best winter festivals in Pittsburgh.
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225 Pleasant Valley Rd, Portersville, PA 16051
1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
139 Pittsburgh Road, Butler, PA 16001
425 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
102 East Main Street, Somerset, PA 15501
120 East Main Street, Ligonier, PA 15658