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.
Findlay Township Christmas Light-Up
Findlay Township, November 18 – January 7
If you’re looking to escape the cold but still want to see gorgeous, twinkling displays, this light-up is for you! Round up friends and family into a car and head through a drive-through winter wonderland. View moving characters, trees, and so much more all covered in little bulbs of color.
Glowland
Schenley Plaza, November 20 – January 2
The lawn in Oakland glows with orbs of interactive art experiences, light-up lawn games, and plenty more shining displays. Bring the family for a night of play in the heart of the city. The latest installation is three giant spheres that allow participants to paint projections using just their faces and light.
Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens Dazzling Nights
Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, November 24 – January 1
Immerse yourself in a mile-long, awe-inspiring holiday experience. The Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens decorates their outside space in millions of tiny twinkling lights each winter season. Whether you’re dancing through a tunnel of stars or posing with a stained glass tree, there’s beauty at every turn.
Beaver Light Up Night Festival
Downtown Beaver, November 24
Join Beaver Borough for a festive evening. Listen to live music on the main stage at College Avenue and Third Street, get a special visit from Santa at the Gazebo, and go out with a bang thanks to the 8 p.m. firework display.
Zoo Lights
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, November 24 – December 30
Experience the zoo lit up in holiday colors with different animal displays, themed music, and plenty of treats along the way. You can choose to walk through the tunnels of lights at your own pace or bring the family in the car for a cozy drive-through.
Light Up Mars
Downtown Mars, November 25
Celebrate Small Business Saturday and the start of the holiday season all at once! Shop at the Holiday Market, enjoy food from local food and drink vendors, and get your picture taken with Santa. There will also be a Toys for Tots collection box at the site for any toy donations.
West Mifflin Light Up Night
West Mifflin, November 30
The West Mifflin Borough Building shines bright enough that Santa has to make a visit. There’s beauty at every turnPizza, drinks, and treat bags will be available for the children, while you enjoy live performances, and the kids get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Consider spreading a little holiday cheer by bringing along a toy to donate to #3 Firehall for patients at Children’s Hospital.
Light Up Sewickley
Sewickley, December 1
Jingle your way into the holiday season in the village with live entertainment, food trucks, carolers, and fun for the whole family ending with a dazzling fireworks display. Catch a free carriage ride and an ice sculpture demonstration while you wait for that amazing finale.
Swissvale Night of Lights
Swissvale Fire Department, December 2
Get a special look at the Swissvale fire trucks with a live holiday tree and menorah lighting. Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies while making a holiday craft to take home. Santa will also make a special appearance to light the holiday tree with magic dust and greet the children.
Light Up Bellevue
Lincoln Avenue, December 2
Bona Fide Bellevue brings the neighborhood together for an evening of festive cheer. Find the perfect gift at the outdoor holiday market to the sounds of live music. Children can participate in different activities and meet Santa before ending the event with the tree lighting.
Light Up The Wall Aspinwall
Borough of Aspinwall, December 2
This is a great family-friendly event to ring in the season. Visit Santa, listen to the carolers, get the kids’ faces painted, sip on delicious hot chocolate, and much more. Don’t forget about the fireworks that’ll end the evening at 7 p.m.
Miracle On Main Street Zelienople
Zelienople Main Street, December 7
A charity and festive event wrapped in a neat little bow. All activities are provided for free by the local businesses of Zelienople as an early gift to the community. Families can enjoy sleigh rides, a light-up parade, Christmas carols, cookie decorating, cartoon characters, prayer tents, and a live Nativity.
Beverly Brite Nite
Beverly Road, December 7
This tradition for the Beverly Road shops allows for extended shopping hours to help check everyone off your gift list and plenty of excitement. Visit Santa, see the coolness of a live ice carving, and watch the lighting of the infamous tree.
Allegheny County Holiday Laser Show
North Park Pool Parking Lot, December 8 – 23
Don’t miss this spectacular 40-minute laser light show synchronized to holiday music. Bring your own snacks and cuddle up inside or outside your car. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the North Pole with the Northern Lights floating across the sky.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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