The official start to the Pittsburgh holiday season is Saturday with the 64th annual Light Up Night. The festive series of events throughout Downtown Pittsburgh will be full of brightness, sparkle, fun and holiday cheer — but the schedule and logistics can also seem daunting. Never fear; we’ve got all the details to make your Christmas kickoff nothing but merry for the whole family.
Parking, traffic and weather
First, the daunting part. About 90,000 people attended Light Up Night in 2023. Those kinds of numbers — especially with ongoing construction in Market Square and the Cultural District — can mean traffic headaches, parking jams and crowded areas. But that’s part of the experience!
If possible, consider parking on the outskirts of Downtown or in adjacent neighborhoods such as the North Side and Mount Washington. Keep an eye on ParkPGH.org for parking updates and maps. This is a great opportunity to use the Pittsburgh transit system (PRT trip planner here), the Inclines from Mount Washington or the light rail Fare Free Zone to go to and from the North Side quickly and for free. It’s also advisable to get down to the festivities early to get the most out of the night with the fewest crowds.
If you prefer two wheels to four, sign up for the POGOH bike share service before the event.
Weather should be favorable for the day, with clouds and limited sun throughout and a high in the low 50s. The low will dip down to 35, though, so make sure to bundle up for those chillier night hours. The chance of precipitation is currently 25%, so at least the umbrella can be left at home in favor of your favorite hat and gloves.
A bright idea
Traditionally, Light Up Night is the first time Downtown’s Christmas lights glimmer to life, whether in storefronts, on skyscrapers or twinkling from Christmas trees. This year will be extra bright, with tree lightings and fireworks galore. Here’s the full schedule, according to Visit Pittsburgh:
• 5 p.m. — City of Pittsburgh’s tree lighting and rooftop fireworks at the City-County Building
• 6 p.m. — UPMC Ultimate Holiday Tree Lights and ACS Tribute of Light Ceremony at PPG Plaza
• 7 p.m. — Iconic Highmark Christmas tree lighting and Zambelli Rooftop Fireworks at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street
• 8 p.m. — Sister Bridges will debut their brand new light installation, “Three Scores in Blue.”
• 9:30 p.m. — Xfinity Fireworks Spectacular finale at the Allegheny Overlook on Fort Duquesne Boulevard
This year’s City of Pittsburgh tree is a Norway spruce from Leslie Park in Lawrenceville that was brought to the site on Nov. 15. It’s the 110th official City of Pittsburgh Christmas tree.
Live music everywhere
There should be music to go along with all of the cool sights of Light Up Night, and the event is providing two Downtown stages packed with acts to keep things upbeat.
At the Highmark Main Stage at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street, the lineup will include the Pittsburgh CLO Mini Stars from 4 to 5:30 p.m.; Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers from 6 to 7:45 p.m.; and Kahone Concept from 8:15 to 9:20 p.m.
The Xfinity Riverside Stage at Fort Duquesne Boulevard and Sixth Street will feature Slim Tha DJ from 4 to 6 p.m.; Justin Fabus from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.; and headliners The Calling from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. The three-piece rock outfit is best known for the 2001 hit “Wherever You Will Go,” which spent 23 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Adult Top 40. After a lengthy hiatus, the band came back together in 2023 for the single “Stand Up Now.”
For another musical opportunity (in a warm, comfortable seat), head to Heinz Hall for three free concerts by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. These seasonal concerts don’t require tickets, so come on in for free shows starting at 6:30, 7:15 and 8 p.m.
Get started on your shopping
This year’s People’s Gas Holiday Market — the 14th annual — is gearing up to run right through to Christmas Eve for all of your local shopping needs. This year, the market has been moved to the Cultural District, amongst ongoing construction in Market Square. Shoppers can discover local makers at the Benedum Lot, Cultural Trust Oasis and Agnes R. Katz Plaza.
The market includes companies such as love, Pittsburgh; EmTree Bath and Body; R Wine Cellar; Bali Made; Cute as a Dumpling; and many more.
Kicking things off early, the Holiday Market will open Friday and run daily through Dec. 24, closed on Thanksgiving Day. This weekend’s hours will be 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Learn more at downtownpittsburghholidays.com.
So Much More to Do
If the lightings, fireworks, concerts and shopping aren’t enough to fill your Saturday evening, there is a whole slate of other activities around Light Up Night for the entire family.
Food and beverage vendors will be stationed at points throughout Downtown to keep everyone’s bellies full. Kicking off the night on the Sixth Street Bridge will be the 5 at 5 Party, where $5 drinks and artisan eats will be available, along with deals on merchandise. That party will run from 4 to 6 p.m.
The BLAST! VIP Party at Two Gateway Center will be a perfect place to warm up, grab a signature cocktail and chow down on some appetizers and dessert. The party runs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and tickets are $108.55.
Highmark will also hold a Holiday Block Party from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street. This event is in partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank and will be a wonderfully heated outdoor space with a pop-up shop and more.
The Harris Theater on Liberty Avenue and the Three Rivers Film Festival will do two showings of its all-ages short films at 3 and 4 p.m., with films including “Pow!” “Soap Box” and “Snow Bear.”
Make sure to check out the 23rd Annual Gingerbread House Display and Competition until 7:30 p.m. at the City-County Building. The houses will also be on display through Dec. 31.
For a complete schedule of events, visit VisitPittsburgh.com.
