Explore Christmas in Pittsburgh in 2026, from holiday markets and Christmas lights to ice skating, The Nutcracker, and festive events around the city.
Pittsburgh has a way of making the holidays feel special. Downtown fills with twinkling lights, Market Square transforms into a European-style Christmas market, and familiar attractions take on a festive look for the season. There's plenty to enjoy, whether you're visiting for a weekend or spending the holidays with family.
From Christmas markets and dazzling light displays to ice skating and live performances, here are some of the best things to do in Pittsburgh at Christmas in 2026.
Planning a holiday visit? Here's a quick look at some of Pittsburgh's favorite Christmas events and activities for 2026.
| Event | 2026 Dates | Location | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennywood Holiday Lights | Nov. 13–Jan. 3, 2027 (select dates) | Kennywood, West Mifflin | Ticketed |
| Ice Skating at PPG Place | Nov. 13–Feb. 28, 2027 | UPMC Rink at PPG Place, Downtown | Ticketed |
| Peoples Gas Holiday Market | Nov. 20–Dec. 24 (closed Thanksgiving) | Market Square, Downtown Pittsburgh | Free |
| Phipps Holiday Magic | Nov. 20–Jan. 10, 2027 | Phipps Conservatory, Oakland | Ticketed |
| Highmark Light Up Night | Nov. 21 | Downtown Pittsburgh | Free |
| Pittsburgh Zoo Lights Drive-Thru | Nov. 27–Jan. 3, 2027 (select dates) | Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium | Ticketed |
| Handmade Arcade Holiday Market | Dec. 4–6 | David L. Lawrence Convention Center | Admission varies by day |
| The Nutcracker | Dec. 4–27 | Benedum Center, Downtown | Ticketed |
Dates and schedules are subject to change. Check official event websites for current hours, tickets, and availability.
One of the most popular Christmas activities in Pittsburgh is exploring the city's holiday markets. You'll find festive shopping, handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the atmosphere.
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market brings a little European Christmas tradition to the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh. Inspired by German Christkindlmarkts, the market fills Market Square with wooden shopping chalets, seasonal decorations, and live entertainment.
Browse gifts from local artisans and international vendors, pick up something handmade, or enjoy a warm drink while taking in the holiday atmosphere. It's especially lovely in the evening when the decorations are lit and the surrounding downtown streets are glowing.
The market is free to explore, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing, shopping, or ice skating nearby.
When: November 20–December 24, 2026. Closed Thanksgiving Day.
Where: Market Square, Downtown Pittsburgh
Cost: Free admission. Purchases additional.
Best for: Holiday shopping, couples, families, and first-time visitors.
Explore the Peoples Gas Holiday Market
For gifts with a more local touch, Pittsburgh's Handmade Arcade Holiday Market is worth a visit. Held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the evening brings together independent artists and makers offering ceramics, jewelry, artwork, clothing, home goods, and more.
It's a great place to find something unique while supporting Pittsburgh's creative community. The event runs December 4–6, with different shopping sessions and admission arrangements depending on the day.
If there's one thing Pittsburgh does well during the holidays, it's Christmas lights. From a historic amusement park covered in millions of bulbs to illuminated gardens and drive-through displays, there are several ways to enjoy the season after dark.
Kennywood Holiday Lights is one of the Pittsburgh area's biggest seasonal attractions. Each year, the historical amusement park in West Mifflin transforms into a Christmas destination with more than three million lights, decorated walkways, and a towering Christmas tree.
Beyond the lights, visitors can enjoy select rides, holiday entertainment, festive food, and opportunities to meet Santa. For 2026, the park is also introducing an ice-skating stunt show, adding another reason to visit.
It's an especially good choice for families or anyone looking to spend an entire evening enjoying Christmas activities.
When: November 13, 2026–January 3, 2027, on select operating days
Where: Kennywood, 4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin
Cost: Paid admission. Ticket prices vary by date and purchase option.
Best for: Families, holiday lights, and an evening of entertainment
Explore Kennywood Holiday Lights
For a quieter evening surrounded by beautiful displays, visit Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Oakland.
Its annual Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden combines elaborate seasonal floral arrangements with colorful outdoor lighting. Inside the conservatory, you'll find decorated trees, poinsettias, and botanical displays. Outside, illuminated pathways and garden installations create a different experience after sunset.
It's a lovely outing for couples, families, or anyone who appreciates the beauty of Pittsburgh's historic conservatory.
When: November 20, 2026–January 10, 2027
Where: Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh
Cost: Paid admission. Advance reservations are recommended.
Best for: Couples, families, garden lovers, and holiday photography
Looking for drive-through Christmas lights in Pittsburgh? The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium's Zoo Lights Drive-Thru lets you enjoy illuminated displays from the comfort of your car.
The route winds through the zoo grounds, featuring glowing animal figures, colorful light installations, and festive scenes. It's a particularly convenient option for families with younger children or anyone who wants to enjoy Christmas lights without spending an evening walking outdoors.
Tickets are sold per vehicle, and advance reservations are recommended.
When: November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027, on select nights
Where: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, 7370 Baker Street, Pittsburgh
Cost: $45 per non-member vehicle, with member and flexible ticket options available
Best for: Families with young children and drive-through Christmas lights
Ice skating at the UPMC Rink at PPG Place is a classic Pittsburgh holiday tradition.
Located in the center of PPG Place's glass-towered plaza, the outdoor rink surrounds a large Christmas tree during the holiday season. The downtown setting makes it a particularly memorable place to skate, especially after dark when the surrounding buildings and decorations are illuminated.
Whether you're planning a family afternoon or a winter date, the rink is an easy activity to pair with a visit to the nearby Peoples Gas Holiday Market.
When: November 13, 2026–February 28, 2027
Where: PPG Place, Downtown Pittsburgh
Cost: Admission and skate rental fees apply
Best for: Couples, families, and classic group winter activities
Visit the UPMC Rink at PPG Place
A holiday trip to Pittsburgh is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a performance of The Nutcracker by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
Presented at the historic Benedum Center in Downtown Pittsburgh, the production brings Tchaikovsky's familiar score to life through elaborate costumes, beautiful sets, and choreography that has become a holiday tradition for local audiences.
The 2026 performances are particularly special. This is the final season of Terrence S. Orr's production, which has been a part of Pittsburgh's holiday celebrations for more than 20 years. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre plans to introduce a new production in 2027.
With afternoon and evening performances throughout December, it's easy to include the ballet in a weekend itinerary. Consider pairing the show with dinner in the Cultural District for a full evening downtown.
When: December 4–27, 2026
Where: Benedum Center, 237 7th Street, Pittsburgh
Cost: Ticket prices vary by performance and seating
Best for: Families, couples, and holiday theater traditions
Explore The Nutcracker performances
For visitors arriving in November, Highmark Light Up Night is one of the city's most anticipated Pittsburgh Christmas events.
Held on November 21, 2026, this annual celebration marks the beginning of the holiday season in Downtown Pittsburgh. The evening features Christmas tree lightings, live music, family-friendly activities, and fireworks. One of the highlights is the illumination of Pittsburgh's iconic Three Sisters Bridges, connecting Downtown to the North Shore across the Allegheny River.
It's a lively time to explore downtown, with crowds gathering around the city's decorated streets and public spaces to celebrate the start of the season.
Light Up Night takes place on a single evening, but Pittsburgh's Christmas markets, light displays, and other holiday activities continue well into December.
When: November 21, 2026
Where: Downtown Pittsburgh
Cost: Free to attend, with additional costs for food and purchases
Best for: Families, groups, and visitors kicking off the holiday season
Explore Highmark Light Up Night
With so many holiday activities happening downtown, staying close to the action makes exploring Pittsburgh at Christmas even easier.
Located inside the historic Pennsylvanian building at 1100 Liberty Avenue, Placemakr Pittsburgh Downtown puts you within walking distance of the Peoples Gas Holiday Market, ice skating at PPG Place, performances of The Nutcracker at the Benedum Center, and holiday shopping at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
After a day exploring the city, return to a furnished apartment with a full kitchen, in-unit laundry, and plenty of room to unwind. With on-site support when you need it, you'll have a comfortable home base whether you're visiting for a festive weekend or staying a little longer.
Yes! The Peoples Gas Holiday Market takes place in Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh. Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, it features wooden shopping chalets, handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and live entertainment. Admission is free.
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market opens November 20, 2026, and runs through December 24, excluding Thanksgiving Day. Check the official event website for daily operating hours before visiting.
Some of the best places to see Christmas lights in Pittsburgh include Kennywood Holiday Lights, Phipps Conservatory's Holiday Magic, and the Pittsburgh Zoo Lights Drive-Thru. Each offers a different experience, from amusement park attractions to illuminated gardens and drive-through displays.
One of Pittsburgh's most recognizable Christmas trees stands at the center of the UPMC Rink at PPG Place in Downtown Pittsburgh. It's surrounded by the outdoor ice rink and makes a beautiful stop during an evening downtown.
Yes, Pittsburgh typically sees some snowfall in December, although a white Christmas isn't guaranteed. Snow can arrive throughout the month, but temperatures often fluctuate enough for it to melt between storms. If you're hoping to see snow during your holiday visit, keep an eye on the forecast as your trip approaches.
December in Pittsburgh is chilly, with average daytime highs in the low 40°Fs and overnight lows around freezing. Pack a warm winter coat, sweaters, gloves, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking on wet or icy sidewalks. Layers are especially helpful if you're planning to move between outdoor Christmas markets and indoor attractions.
Whether you're browsing the holiday market, skating beneath the Christmas tree at PPG Place, or spending an evening admiring the lights, Pittsburgh offers plenty of ways to enjoy the season. A little planning goes a long way, especially during busy December weekends, so check event schedules and book tickets ahead when needed.
With so many holiday traditions to explore, it's easy to fill a weekend or settle in for a longer visit. If you're planning to spend more time in the city, extended stay hotels in Pittsburgh like Placemakr offer a comfortable home base for enjoying the season at your own pace. However long you're visiting, there's plenty to make your holiday trip memorable.
Header Image: "PPG Place Christmas Tree & Ice Rink Crowd" by daveynin / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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