2023 Pittsburgh Light Up Night details announced

Halloween is over, and preparations for the holiday season already are in full swing.

The 2023 Highmark Light Up Night in Downtown Pittsburgh is set for 3 to 10 p.m. Nov. 18. Here are five things you need to know about this year’s event.

Holiday Market

The Peoples Gas Holiday Market will open Friday, Nov. 17, in Market Square, along with ice skating and a Merry Karaoke Open Mic Night. During the opening and Light Up Night, Peoples Gas will be raising funds for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

“This time of year is about spreading cheer and joy and making lives better in ways large and small for our community,” said Mike Huwar, president of Peoples Gas. “We’ve chosen to support Downtown Pittsburgh by sponsoring the Holiday Market each year because it really aligns with our mission.”

The Holiday Market will run through Dec. 24 (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day).

Light installation

Light Up Night also will serve as the debut of a brand new light installation. For the first time, the city will light its Sister Bridges along with the trees at 8 p.m. Rob Long, a local artist and lighting designer, was commissioned to design and carry out the permanent light display on the Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol and Rachel Carson bridges. The lights will be on year-round, changing colors along with whatever game or holiday is happening.

“My concept is called ‘Observing Light,’ ” Long said. “It will feature a series of video images captured along Pittsburgh’s three bridges.”

Live music

A number of entertainers will be part of the festivities, including 2012 American Idol winner Phillip Phillips, who will headline the Riverside Stage.

Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers will play the Highmark Main Stage after Sing Sing Sing! Miss Freddye’s Blues Band also will perform.

Gena y Pena and Norm Nardini will perform on the Sounds of the Season Stage in Market Square starting at 5 p.m.

For the little ones

Escape the cold Sixth and Liberty Avenue for PNC Holiday KidsPlay between 2 and 6 p.m., where children can enjoy free hands-on crafts, educational games and more. Heinz Hall’s courtyard has a selfie garden with life-size cut-outs of characters and scenes from Fred Rogers Productions. And the 21st annual Gingerbread House Competition Display is in the grand lobby of the City-County Building.

The main event

Tree lightings begin on Grant Street at 5 p.m. with Pittsburgh’s tree and rooftop fireworks at the City-County Building.

At 6 p.m., the American Cancer Society’s Tribute of Light Celebration starts at the ice rink in PPG Plaza — where the UPMC Ultimate Holiday Tree Experience and Tree Lighting also will take place.

More tree lightings and fireworks come at 7 p.m., with the Highmark Christmas Tree lighting and Zambelli rooftop fireworks at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street.

There’s also the Comcast Business Sphere Tree at Market Square, the Allegheny Courthouse Tree, the holiday tree in Point State Park and more.

At 9:30 p.m., a grand finale of Zambelli fireworks will close the night.

For a complete listing of events and more information, visit downtownpittsburghholidays.com.