Holiday Fun Continues in Pittsburgh
Travelers Have Their Pick of Festive Activities to Keep Them Busy Through the New Year
PITTSBURGH – The festive holiday season rolls on in Pittsburgh, as visitors have their pick of Only in Pittsburgh experiences, food adventures and much more, sure to keep them entertained through New Year’s Day.
Enjoy the holiday celebrations outside with GLOWLAND, a new must-see winter festival. This unique experience allows attendees to view Oakland in a new light. Open through Dec. 17, visitors can explore the playable and interactive art installation, Impulse, in Schenley Plaza, then wander Oakland’s business district filled with music, entertainment, vendors, games and more. Impulse is free and open daily from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The outdoor fun continues at Dazzling Nights at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Now through Jan. 1, 2023, visitors can bask in a 65-acre winter light experience. From photo opportunities in front of a unique, 30-foot-tall holiday tree to interactive lights, a 65-foot long tunnel, snow, holiday music and more, magical experiences for the entire family await. Holiday-inspired food and beverage options will be available for purchase.
Have an eye on a more educational experience this holiday season? The Frick Pittsburgh hosts Home for the Holidays at Clayton now through Dec. 31. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the famous Clayton House decorated specifically for the holiday season and learn how the holidays were celebrated in the Gilded Age.
Sports fans have extra reason to celebrate this season, as the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, inside the Senator John Heinz History Center, is gearing up to honor one of the most iconic moments in Pittsburgh Steelers history with Franco Harris and the Immaculate Reception: 50 Years Later on Dec. 22. Included in the program is a panel discussion featuring Franco Harris, his 1972 teammates and other special guests. Prior to the event, attendees can visit the Sports Museum’s Super Steelers exhibition to see the Immaculate Reception football, cleats and other artifacts.
Holiday shoppers in need of a snack will want to check out the Lawrenceville Cookie Tour Dec. 10-11. This neighborhood tour encourages visitors to support local businesses by stopping at more than 50 participating businesses in Upper, Central and Lower Lawrenceville. Look for the event trolley that will make cruising Butler Street and Penn Avenue a breeze.
Warm up from all that holiday shopping with one of the unique, limited-edition holiday brews at the nearly 50 craft breweries found throughout Allegheny County. From dark savory ales to sweet stouts with notes of chocolate and maple syrup, there’s a brew for every visitor this month.
Cap the holiday season with Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2023, sprawling throughout the Cultural District Downtown on Dec. 31. Experience the one-of-a-kind Ice Maze and take in the scenes at Intensional Particle, a high-intensity dance and digital imagery installation. Families will want to view the Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks, set to go off at 6 p.m., and visit the Highmark Holiday Block Party & AHN Family Zone. There’s also the New Year’s Eve Parade presented by Giant Eagle at 8 p.m. Later in the evening, dance to the tunes of Pittsburgh-native INEZ or take in a reggae performance by 4-Yaadi.
“A new month brings even more joyful opportunities to celebrate in Pittsburgh,” said VisitPITTSBURGH President & CEO Jerad Bachar. “The excitement culminates with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2023, a free New Year’s Eve celebration built for families. There’s no better place to ring in the new year than in Pittsburgh!”
Learn more about these and other Only in Pittsburgh holiday events, and plan your next trip to Pittsburgh at VisitPITTSBURGH.com.
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