Enchanting lights in the dark of night, the delight of cleverly shaped light sculptures, and trees perfectly adorned with a seemingly infinite number of lights, are the makings of unforgettable memories for people of all ages. Get your sparkle on this year by visiting these holiday light displays throughout Pittsburgh and beyond.
Where to See Holiday Lights Near Pittsburgh
Dates reflect what each venue had announced as of early November 2026, so check each link before you head out.
Where Can You Drive Through Christmas Lights Near Pittsburgh?
1. Findlay Township Christmas Light-Up
November 21, 2026 – January 2, 2027
Volunteers have been turning Clinton Park into a mile-long holiday wonderland since 1993. Cruise past decorated trees, inflatables, hand-painted wooden characters and moving displays covered in colorful bulbs. Admission is $10 per car, cash only, and proceeds benefit local charitable organizations. The park, at 600 Clinton Park Drive, has traditionally been open nightly from 5 to 10 p.m., holidays included.
2. Zoo Lights Drive-Thru at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Select nights, November 27, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (5 – 10 p.m.)
Wild Illuminations isn’t on the calendar this season. Instead, the zoo is bringing back Zoo Lights Drive-Thru, a roughly 30-minute route past thousands of eco-friendly lights, glowing animals, Pittsburgh icons and a display celebrating the zoo’s newest babies. You’ll need one timed ticket per vehicle, and the zoo suggests driving your smallest car because the paths are narrow.
3. Allegheny County Holiday Laser Show
2026 dates to be announced, tickets go on sale November 30
This 40-minute drive-in laser show at the North Park pool parking lot syncs beams of color to holiday favorites on 87.9 FM. Watch from your seat or bring chairs and sit outside. Last season, advance tickets were $30 per vehicle.
Which Pittsburgh Holiday Light Shows are Best on Foot?
4. Kennywood Holiday Lights
Select dates, November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027
You know Kennywood in July, but the park takes on a new personality in winter. Stroll past more than 3 million lights and a towering Christmas tree, take a spin on select rides and meet Rudolph and his friends. Holiday Lights requires its own ticket, and buying ahead for a specific date usually saves money.
5. Phipps Holiday Magic
November 20, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens pairs winter blooms with plenty of sparkle. This year’s theme, Botanical Brilliance, leans into metallics and rich jewel tones, and after dark the outdoor Winter Light Garden glows with colorful displays. Every guest, members included, must reserve a timed ticket in advance.
6. Winter Wonderlights at Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens
November 27 – January 2
This walking experience in Oakdale fills the garden with a million lights, from a tunnel of stars to a nighttime spectacular around the lotus pond. Last season ran late November through Jan. 3. Tickets are sold online only, and many nights sell out.
Which Towns Host Light-Up Nights Near Pittsburgh?
Many of the region’s boroughs kick off the season with a one-night celebration, most in the first week of December.
7. Miracle on Main Street, Zelienople
Saturday, December 3, 2026 (4 – 8 p.m.)
Zelienople’s largest charity event is also one of its most festive. Local businesses provide the fun for free, from carriage rides and a light-up parade to carolers, cookie decorating and a live Nativity. Date to be announced.
8. Light Up Bellevue
Saturday, December 5, 2026 (5 – 9 p.m.)
Bona Fide Bellevue closes Lincoln Avenue for a free outdoor holiday market with live music, kids’ activities, Santa photos, a tree lighting and a Cheer Garden for grown-ups.
9. Light Up the Wall, Aspinwall
Saturday, December 5, 2026 (6 – 7 p.m.)
Gather at the Aspinwall Borough Building for Santa, carolers, face painting and hot chocolate before fireworks at 7 p.m.
10. Beverly Brite Nite, Mt. Lebanon
Thursday, December 3, 2026 (7 – 8:30 p.m.)
The Beverly Road shops stay open late so you can check a few names off your gift list. Stick around to visit Santa, watch a live ice carving and see the tree lighting. Date to be announced.
11. Sewickley Light Up Night
Friday, December 4, 2026
Enjoy carriage rides, ice sculpting, live music, food trucks and kids’ activities, capped by fireworks.
12. Swissvale Night of Lights
Saturday, December 5, 2026 (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.)
Get an up-close look at Swissvale’s fire trucks, then watch the holiday tree and menorah lighting. Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies and make a craft to take home. Date to be announced.
Tips for Success
- Buy timed tickets early. Phipps, Zoo Lights, Dazzling Nights and the laser show require advance tickets, and weekends sell out.
- Bring cash for Findlay. The Christmas Light-Up only accepts cash at the gate.
- Try a weeknight. Lines and traffic are usually lighter Monday through Thursday.
- Dress for the walk. Walk-through shows are mostly outdoors, sometimes on uneven paths, so wear warm layers and sturdy shoes.
- Check before you go. Bad weather can close events or rides, so check each venue’s site that afternoon.
Looking for more ways to celebrate the season? Get festive plans every week in our Things to Do in Pittsburgh column, or dig into our full guide to things to do in Pittsburgh.
Holiday shoppers can map out gifts with the Pittsburgh Shopping Guide.
Revisit our story on the Holiday Laser Show at North Park, and browse TABLE’s events calendar.
About the Author
Kylie Thomas (she/they) is TABLE Magazine’s Online Editor, covering restaurants, events around the city, and Pittsburgh lifestyle, including the magazine’s Things to Do in Pittsburgh column.
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens’ Dazzling Nights
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