The best ways to celebrate the holidays!

by Jen Irwin

​The holiday season is a special time in the Steel City. There are so many traditions and activities to help you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year….

• Light Up Night: The official kick off to the holiday season takes place on Saturday, November 19 and will feature free musical performances, tree lightings, fireworks, family activities, ice sculptures, shopping and more. There are events and activities planned everywhere from the City County Building to the Cultural District. Don’t forget to check out the World’s Largest Pickle Ornament on display at the EQT Plaza. It’s three stories tall and impossible to miss! Click here for a full schedule of events. 
• Miracle Bar: A trend that has started appearing in the area over the past few years are holiday themed pop-up bars. There are several around town but the best one is Miracle. Decorated from floor to ceiling in all things Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanza, all proceeds benefit charity. The holidays are a time for giving so head down to Miracle on 6th and get the party started. Doors open for the season on November 23.
• Skating at PPG Place: The Rink at PPG Place is open from Friday, November 18 through February 26. Glide around the 65-foot illuminated tree while enjoying Christmas music and hot cocoa. Click here to purchase tickets in advance.
• The Holiday Market: The People’s Gas Holiday Market in Market Square opens for the season on Friday, November 18. It runs from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Mondays – Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sundays through December 24. The market features shops from around the world as well as charming, local businesses. 
• Phipps Conservatory: Enjoy beautiful seasonal flowers, a canopy of twinkling lights and decorations with stunning photo ops at every turn. Capture the magic of the season at the Holiday Magic Winter Flower Show and Light Garden. Get there early, it’s super busy this time of year! 
• Kennywood Holiday Lights: Take in the brisk winter weather while you walk through the park amongst two million twinkling lights. New holiday treats have been added to the menu and there will be appearances by local celebrities, choir performances and a daily tree lighting ceremony. Select rides will be open including park favorites the Jack Rabbit and Kangaroo. Don’t forget to grab a selfie in front of the largest Christmas tree on display in the state. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for Dinner with Santa that includes an all you can eat buffet and free family picture with Santa. 
• Oglebay Festival of Lights: Oglebay, West Virginia is a short drive from Pittsburgh. Their festival is one of the nation’s largest holiday light shows with 300 hundred acres of twinkling lights ranging over 6 miles. There are drive through and walk-through options and both take about 45 minutes to see. The festival runs from November 10 – January 18. 

No matter what you celebrate, there are festive activities taking place through the end of December. Don’t forget to check out drive through light shows, community events, parades and craft shows. Do yourself a favor and take time to enjoy everything the Steel City has to offer this holiday season.