The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has unveiled details for the 2023 Holiday Season in Downtown Pittsburgh, including the much-anticipated return of Highmark Light Up Night®, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™, Santa’s House, live music, and much more. The welcome return of traditional favorites with some new holiday attractions continues the memory-making tradition that ensures Downtown Pittsburgh is the best place to be for fun-filled holiday festivities. The 62nd Anniversary of Light Up Night will feature spectacular tree lightings, four stages with live music, craft food vendors, festive shopping experiences, and supersized fireworks.
EXPANDED GRAND OPENING WEEKEND CELEBRATIONS | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17Light Up Night 2023 will return on a Saturday, with this year’s family programming kicking off at 3:00 pm.For those who just can’t wait, there are fantastic opportunities for some early ‘wonder and light’ experiences at our Grand Opening Festivities on Friday, November 17. Downtown residents, workers, and visitors are invited to celebrate the official kickoff of the Holiday Season with the grand opening of the Peoples Gas Holiday Market, The Rink at PPG Place, and a rousing night of Merry Karaoke!
Free limited-edition souvenir ornament with a donation!The 12th annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ will offer more vendors than ever before with wooden chalets brimming with high-quality gifts that offer both international flair and local charm. The Holiday Market will run from 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. on opening day. Visit DowntownPittsburgh.com/holidays for complete hours. As an exclusive for grand opening night, shoppers will receive a limited-edition souvenir ornament from Peoples Gas with a donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Plus, Peoples will match the first $5,000 raised for the food bank!
Grand Opening Friday, November 17 | Schedule of EventsThe holidays kick into gear Downtown with special gifts, live music, and a chance to take home a gift card worth up to $500! The Peoples Gas Holiday Market opens with Merry Karaoke, where every singer takes home a prize. See schedule below; find more details and updates throughout the season on downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays.
MARKET SQUARE
11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Peoples Gas Holiday Market Grand Opening11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Live music5 p.m. Pittsburgh Today Live Kick-off Merry Karaoke5:30-9 p.m. Merry Karaoke
PPG PLAZA9 a.m. Spirits of Giving from Around the World Exhibit opens in PPG Place Lobbies11 a.m. Ice Skating at the rink in PPG Plaza opens to public
U.S. STEEL TOWER PLAZANoon Blessing and Opening of the Pittsburgh Crèche
Belt out a holiday tune and you’re a winner!Nothing screams ‘holidays’ more than the Merry Karaoke at the Peoples Gas Holiday Market! Perform a song at this open mic show and get a jump on the holiday spirit by drawing a prize from a grab bag of restaurant gift cards, worth up to $500! Hosted by YaJagoff! Media, the event kicks off with a not-to-be-missed performance by the Pittsburgh Today Live singers at 5:00 p.m. Sign-up in advance (at downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays) or walk up for any open slots—even if you can’t carry a holiday tune, you’re guaranteed to be a winner!
HIGHMARK LIGHT UP NIGHT® | ALL-DAY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18Light Up Night 2023 will once again return on a Saturday, with this year’s family programming kicking off at 3 p.m.! Festivities will spotlight the City’s unique combination of traditional and contemporary holiday attractions, complemented by a myriad of free musical performances, including a not-to-be-missed headline act by American Idol winner Phillip Phillips, and magical illuminated experiences throughout Downtown.
Family fun kicks off at 3 p.m.!Starting at 3 p.m. head over to The Highmark Holiday Block Party at Penn Ave and Stanwix Street, where revelers can warm up and celebrate the holiday in special, “blue” ways. Swing by Harris Theater between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. for a wonderful lineup of All-Ages Short Films from Pittsburgh Film Festival. On The Highmark Main Stage, sing along to live performances by Sing, Sing, Sing! And join the Pirates Parrot and Pierogies at the Pirates Mini-Fest, where there will be face painting, balloon artists stations, inflatables, and the one-of-a-kind Fanatics Mobile!
Head inside Fifth Avenue Place for the Fifth Avenue FREEZE! Discover a shimmering holiday display of a variety of ice carvings. Get up close and snap photos with Elf, The Grinch, Barbie, Olaf and more. And enjoy a live ice carving show by award winning master ice carver Rich Bubin of Ice Creations.
Escape the cold and head indoors at 6th and Liberty Ave for PNC Holiday KidsPlay between 2 – 6 p.m. where the little ones can enjoy free hands-on crafts, educational games, and more. Then head across the street to Heinz Hall Courtyard to snap whimsical photos at the Selfie Garden with life-size cut-outs of favorite characters and scenes from Fred Rogers Productions. For a visual feast, stroll through the 21st annual Gingerbread House Competition Display in the grand lobby of the City-County Building. This dazzling array of deliciously decorated creations was previously voted one of the nation’s best displays by USA Today!
This year, musical entertainment for Highmark Light Up Night® will be presented on four stages! The Highmark Main Stage opens the festivities at 3 p.m. with performances all afternoon from Sing, Sing, Sing! followed by Pittsburgh icons Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, and Miss Freddye’s Blues Band. The Cultural District Stage will feature Clara Kent with special guest Mani Bahia, along with Pickup Line and the PennSOULvanians. Headliner Phillip Phillips will take to the Xfinity Riverfront Stage, as well as Orange Music and Soulful Femme, ending the night with a spectacular fireworks finale. And the Sounds of the Season Stage in Market Square will have festive live music all day long with alternating performances from Gena y Pena and Norm Nardini starting at 5 p.m. A full schedule of Light Up Night performers will be posted to downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays.
Highmark Light Up Night tree lightings begin at 5:00 p.m. on Grant Street with the City of Pittsburgh’s Tree and Rooftop Fireworks at the City-County Building, followed at 6:00 p.m. by the American Cancer Society Tribute of Light Celebration and UPMC Ultimate Holiday Tree Experience and Tree Lighting at the ice rink in PPG Plaza, where there will also be live figure skating and entertainment starting at 4:45 p.m. At 7:00 p.m., the iconic Highmark Christmas Tree lighting and Zambelli Rooftop Fireworks will light up the night sky at Penn Ave and Stanwix Street. Plus, the Comcast Business Sphere Tree at Market Square, the Allegheny County Courthouse tree, DLC’s brand new holiday tree in Point State Park, and others will be lit up to spread holiday cheer throughout the Golden Triangle.
See the Sister Bridges light up on Light Up Night! A new enhanced lighting system of over 600,000 LED lights are currently being installed on the Sister Bridges: Roberto Clemente (Sixth Street), Andy Warhol (Seventh Street), and Rachel Carson (Ninth Street) Bridges. The lighting of the bridges will take place at 8 p.m.
Fireworks Spectacular: Head to Ft Duquesne Blvd for the Xfinity Fireworks Spectacular at 9:30 p.m., featuring a supersized Grand Finale display by the first family of pyrotechnics, Zambelli Fireworks. “Comcast is a proud sponsor of Light Up Night, an iconic Pittsburgh event that brings people together to kick-off the holiday season,” said Ray Roundtree, Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Keystone Region.
The BLAST! VIP Party will once again provide an oasis for ticket holders with signature cocktails, hearty appetizers, and special desserts while they relax and regroup right across from the hustle and bustle of one of Downtown’s busiest nights of the year. This year’s BLAST! Party will be held at Roost, just off Market Square – tickets are on sale at downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays.
ALL SEASON LONG
PEOPLES GAS HOLIDAY MARKET™(A future Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ Press Release will provide more details)
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ celebrates its 12th edition with more vendors than ever! Brimming with one-of-a-kind wares from local makers along with beautiful and practical gifts created by artisans from around the world, this Pittsburgh institution has become a beloved holiday tradition for young and old. Music will also fill the air at the Sounds of the Season Stage with live performances from singer/songwriters, bands, and small local groups delivering holiday favorites during the week over lunchtime, weekday happy hours, and throughout the day on weekends! While strolling through, visitors can snap a photo with the iconic Sphere Tree: presented by Comcast Business, this artistic 35-foot-tall ‘tree’ will light up Market Square with dozens of spherical balls displaying thousands of red and white lights.
New this year: warm up with hot Glühwein and seasonal craft beer!Get into the cozy holiday spirit with hot Glühwein from R Wine Cellar, a local family-owned winery, plus bottles of distinctive wines made locally using grapes from South America, California, and Pennsylvania with minimal additives and preservatives. Plus, local craft brewer SlyFox will feature their special holiday Christmas Ale, as well as other seasonal offerings Thursday through Sunday.
The Holiday Market will run 11am – 8pm (Mon-Thurs), 11am-9:30pm (Fri-Sat), and 11am-6pm (Sun.) from Nov. 17 to Dec. 16 (excluding Thanksgiving Day); 11am-7pm on Sunday, Dec. 17; 11am-9pm Dec 18 to 21 (Mon-Thurs); 11am-10pm Dec. 22 & 23; and 11am-3pm on Dec. 24.
SANTA’S HOUSE PRESENTED BY BNY MELLONGet ready to welcome Santa back in ‘tahn, as he returns to his cozy house in Heinz Hall Courtyard. Once again, families will have the wonderful option to visit with either a Black or White Santa. Just let Santa’s helpers know which you prefer. Santa’s House will be open Wednesday through Sunday November 24 through December 23 with expanded hours on the final week.
Take a keepsake photo with Santa!Help our neighbors in need this holiday season with a $10 suggested donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and receive a free photo of your visit with Santa in a keepsake frame, as well as a downloadable file to share with friends and family. Please check DowntownPittsburgh.com/Holidays for hours and other details.
PNC HOLIDAY KIDSPLAY ACTIVITIES!Just across the street from the Selfie Garden, you’ll find a variety of indoor Holiday KidsPlay activities presented by PNC, in partnership with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Fred Rogers Productions. Decorate a Mister Rogers sweater ornament with messages of thanks, make your own pickle ornament, visit with Pittsburgh Pirates mascots, play giant games, and settle in for story time, plus a range of other hands-on activities offer creative playtime and a chance to warm up this holiday season. Check downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays for schedule updates on story time, mascot visits, and details on other activities.
PNC HOLIDAY KIDSPLAY SELFIE GARDENIn addition to the new Santa House, the beautiful outdoor Heinz Hall Courtyard will be transformed into a child’s television dreamland with colorful backdrops and life-sized standees of popular characters from Fred Rogers Productions’ beloved children’s shows and other PBS favorites, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Donkey Hodie and Odd Squad.
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON STAGE IN MARKET SQUAREA wish on many peoples’ list is for more live performances, and they’ll be roaring back for the holidays at the Sounds of the Season Stage in Market Square! Singers/songwriters, bands, and small local groups from communities throughout our region will provide a wonderfully diverse selection of soulful sounds, contemporary covers, and festive renditions of holiday favorites. We’ll also celebrate a cross-section of Pittsburgh’s international communities with holiday tunes from around the world reflecting African, Latin American, and European influences. Live performances during the week over lunchtime, weekday happy hours, and throughout the day on weekends!
OTHER SEASON-LONG DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Spirit of Giving Around the World (aka Santas of the World)This enchanting display of 16 life-size Santas captures a whole world of Christmas folklore and fantasy. The exhibit comes alive with a collection of original paintings, each depicting holiday celebrations from around the world. Open November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024.
21st Annual Gingerbread House Display & CompetitionThis tasty tradition—which started as a way for Downtown hotels to raise money for the Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund—has dazzled thousands of visitors for the past two decades. The competition has grown in popularity and expanded to include the people of Pittsburgh and the surrounding Allegheny County communities where children, pastry chefs, organizations, and more are invited to build their own deliciously decorated houses. For its 21st year, the display returns to the grand lobby of the City-County Building, where all eligible houses can be viewed on Light Up Night and through early January. The Gingerbread House Display has previously been named one of the nation’s best by USA Today and Livability.com. Visitors from across the globe will be able to participate by viewing the online gallery of entries and voting for the People’s Choice Award!
Ice Skating at the UPMC Rink at PPG PlaceTake a break from shopping and lace up your skates at the coolest place in downtown surrounded by the iconic Crown Jewel of the Pittsburgh skyline! The UPMC Rink at PPG Place will open on Friday, November 17 and remain open daily throughout the holiday season to create magical memories and bright, festive smiles for family and friends. This year, they will be celebrating Light Up Night on Saturday, November 18 with a tree lighting, skating and choral performances, an appearance by Santa and featuring a special Tribute of Light ceremony honoring those who have been affected by cancer.For the past 20+ years, the rink has been the centerpiece of the city featuring the spectacular UPMC Ultimate Holiday Tree Experience! Soaring over 66-feet high, the world’s most technologically advanced holiday tree will combine a kaleidoscope of colors, a multitude of scenes and immense density of the most advanced high-resolution LED lights in an amazing extravaganza! The dazzling, precision-animated, musically choreographed, customized production will provide an incomparable 360-degree immersive sight and sound spectacle in a unique outdoor setting!Reserve online skating sessions on the UPMC Rink Page at ppgplace.com.
Pittsburgh CrècheVisit Pittsburgh’s larger-than-life nativity scene that models the scene of Christ’s birth and is a replica of the Crèche once found outside of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This Crèche, which measures roughly 64-feet-wide by 36-feet-long and features 20 life-sized figures, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, connecting Pittsburghers and visitors with the meaning and joy of the Christmas season. Open to the public November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024.
DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY SHOPPINGShop Downtown and put the Holiday back in your Holiday shopping. With more than 100 distinctive retailers in the Golden Triangle, you’ll find everything you need for everyone on your gift list, and you’ll be supporting the local economy! Here are some opportunities to get your holiday shop on.
Black FridayAvoid the wild rush of malls and put the holiday back in your holiday shopping. With holiday sights, live music, and free family activities around every corner, spending Black Friday in Downtown means more family memories and less stress. And enjoy a special bonus day of Holiday KidsPlay Selfie activities, Santa’s House, live music, craft foods, and more.
Small Business SaturdayThis well-known national initiative encourages people to come out the day after Black Friday and support their local economy by shopping at small businesses in the community. With over 150 small businesses in the Central Business District, Downtown Pittsburgh is a great place to show your support for the local economy. You’ll find small businesses offering men’s and women’s apparel, home goods, jewelry, and more for everyone on your list.
Holiday Window Display Competition Returns!This year, the tradition of holiday window shopping is better than ever as the Holiday Window Competition returns! Downtown shoppers can visit and vote on their favorite window. Just pick up a ballot from any of the participating locations, or stop by the information booth in Market Square. You can drop it off in the voting box at the information booth in Market Square or vote online at downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays before the competition ends on December 18. Be sure to vote: not only do these holiday-themed displays allow us to enjoy the sight of wonderfully decorated storefronts that capture the spirit of the season, but the retailer with the winning window also receives a donation to a charity of their choice.
HOLIDAY DININGDining in Downtown Pittsburgh creates indelible memories, and you’ll find culinary creations to suit every palate—and price point. From casual eateries to the city’s finest restaurants, there are plenty of great places Downtown to escape the cold and comfortably enjoy a smorgasbord of flavorful foods. Take advantage of the many inviting outdoor dining opportunities offering heated spaces to make for the coziest of culinary experiences. Enjoy the wide variety of cuisines from restaurants, many of which have winterized outdoor spaces, located throughout Downtown. Check out our dining directory at downtownpittsburgh.com for more options.
DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH HOLIDAY WEBSITE: DOWNTOWNPITTSBURGH.COM/HOLIDAYSThe Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership maintains a website with updated information about the events and activities occurring throughout Downtown Pittsburgh this holiday season. Visit the site for schedules, maps, and much more about Highmark Light Up Night®, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™, Holiday KidsPlay, Fred Rogers Selfie Garden, Santa’s House, Downtown shopping & dining, and more.
