With the holidays quickly approaching, here are 11 must-do things to in the 'Burgh during one of it's busiest seasons.
1. Light Up Night
On Friday, November 20, the 55th annual Light Up Night celebration will take place in downtown Pittsburgh. The official tree lighting ceremony, musical guests, food tents and firework finales are just a few things planned to officially kick off the holiday season. For a complete list of events and locations, visit the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership website here.
2. Ice Skating at PPG Place
At the center of Market Square during the holiday season, a large outdoor ice rink, 2000 square feet larger than the rink at Rockefeller Center, takes over Market Square. The rink is set to open November 20 and will remain open until February 28, 2016. For hours of operation and for other information, visit their website here.
3. Macy's Department Store Holiday Windows
Macy's downtown store may have closed its doors permanently this past fall, but have no fear, their long celebrated holiday windows will be making a return this Christmas. According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the developer that purchased the building that once housed Macy's is working on maintaining the holiday windows for at least this season. Macy's has donated two Pittsburgh themed window sets, and the other windows will be created by Pittsburgh cultural groups. Be sure to stop by Grant St. this holiday season to see these one-of-a-kind displays!
4. S.W. Randalls Toy and Gift Store
Only a few blocks away from Macy's, S.W. Randalls is Pittsburgh's largest speciality toy and gift store. S.W. Randalls offers a variety of merchandise for shoppers, from electronics, to Christmas ornaments, to model cars. Explore their three fun-filled floors, and find gifts for everyone in your family. For store hours, visit their website here.
5. Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland Light Show Drive-Thru
It's been four years since the Celebration of Light drive-thru light show has taken place at Hartwood Acres, but this year, only a mere 25 miles north of Pittsburgh, a similar light show is set to make its debut this holiday season at the Big Butler Fair Grounds. This award-winning show is coming the whole way from Bristol, Tennessee, and features "cutting-edge technology, lights and music, with custom-built, animated elements featuring 100 percent environmentally friendly LED lights." For more information on this new light show spectacular, visit their website here.
6. Wintergarden at PPG Place
Conveniently located right beside the PPG place ice rink, stop inside PPG Place Wintergarden to see Santa sculptures from around the world and an extensive gingerbread house display. Or just stop by their coffee shop to warm up after iceskating! Admission is free of charge.
7. People's Natural Gas Holiday Market in Market Square
After iceskating and stopping by the Wintergarden, be sure to stop by the fourth annual People's National Gas Holiday Market in Market Square. According to the People's Natural Gas website, the market is inspired by the Christkindlmarkt Market in Nuremburg, Germany, and is only one of three of its kind in North America. The market features European-style chalets that offer visitors the chance to purchase hand-crafted items from around the world. Young visitors can stop by Santa's House to visit the big man himself! For hours, a complete list of vendors, and Santa's House hours, click here.
8. The Escape Room
Need a unique one-of-a-kind family bonding experience during the holidays? The Escape Room, located in Greenfield, offers a unique virtual reality game that tests your team members problem-solving skills, surrounding and cleverness in order to get your key to unlock the room. Currently, they offer two room scenarios: Dr. Stein's Laboratory, and Prison Escape. For more information, ticket information and other FAQ's, check out their website here. They are currently taking reservations for the Christmas season, and you don't want to miss out!
9. The Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning
10. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
11. Holiday Lights at Kennywood Park
Even though the Pittsburgh Plunge and The Phantom's Revenge are closed for the season, Pittsburgh's infamous amusement park is open through the holiday season and is transformed into a winter wonderland with light show spectaculars, not to mention that select rides will be open for park goers. Visitors can visit Santa, ride on the Gingerbread Express, and, this year, board the Polar Express for a new 4D magical experience. For park hours and admission prices, click here.
