Each year in Pittsburgh, Highmark and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership adorn the Downtown area with colorful lights for an exciting celebration of the holiday season. Kids enjoy ice skating, music, and plenty of fireworks, while the adults browse shops and indulge in specialty food and beverages. A fantastic time for people of all ages, Highmark Light Up Night returns on November 23 for another year of holiday magic. Here’s a breakdown of the events happening throughout the day so you can plan ahead.
Highmark Light Up Night Pittsburgh Releases 2024 Schedule
Tree Lightings
Happening every hour, on the hour, the first official “light up” of the night is the City of Pittsburgh’s tree lighting and fireworks at the City-County Building at 5 p.m. Check out the Gingerbread House Competition winners inside the building while you wait.
The next hour takes us to PPG Place for the UPMC Ultimate Holiday Tree Lights and ACS Tribute of Light Ceremony at 6 p.m. Watch eventgoers circle around the PPG Ice Rink while different images are illuminated on the huge tree with over 100,000 lights
Then, head on over to Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street at 7 p.m. for the Iconic Highmark Christmas Tree Lighting and Zambezi Rooftop Fireworks. The Highmark Tree is special because it’s decorated on the corner of the building with bright luminations and giant ornaments. It’s definitely a sight to see and the fireworks will prepare you for the Light Up Night finale.
At 8.p.m., check out the Sister Bridges of Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. for a brand new project that spans the city’s big yellow bridges. This winter, Allegheny County, will be debuting a partnership with Shiftworks Community + Public Arts. This collaboration will be unveiling The Three Sisters, a dynamic light show illuminating Pittsburgh’s Sister Bridges. This installation by Marques Redd, and Mikael Owunna draws inspiration from indigenous cultures of Latin and Central America. The light display will run from November 23rd through December 31st.
Last, but one of the most exciting parts of the evening is the Xfinity Fireworks Spectacular at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks can be seen from the Allegheny Overlook on Fort Duquesne Boulevard. This display is known to last a long time, so sit back and enjoy the colorfully explosive show.
Live Music
In 2024, the Highmark Main Stage opens the festivities at 4 p.m. The party starts with Pittsburgh-based rock band Meeting of Important People. Then hear the sounds of local music legends Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers at 6 p.m.. Hugo Cruz & The Caminoswill round out the evening with jazz-fusion jams.
Kicking things off on the Xfinity Riverside stage, DJ Arie Cole will be spinning tracks for the “5 at 5” Happy Hour on the 6th Street Bridge from 4 – 6 p.m. Following this, soul-rock group The Buckle Downs at 6:30 p.m.
The headliner, Canadian rock band, The Fray will then close out the evening at 8:30 p.m. before the fireworks!
Dining & Shopping
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your loved one, visit the Peoples Gas Holiday Market, which opens on Light Up Night. Located in Market Square, it contains a flurry of little wooden booths with handcrafted makers in each one. Shop from countries all over the world or find something a little more close to home. Since Light Up Night takes place all around Downtown, there are plenty of restaurants to pop into as you walk your way from place to place.
Fairmont Pittsburgh will also have a hot chocolate stand in their nearby hotel starting 5:30PM, if you get too cold and need a little pick-me-up. Proceeds will be going to the Make-a-Wish Foundation to help kids in need during the holiday season.
Besides the permanent eatery options, local vendors, food trucks, and of course, beer can be found at the Riverside Stage or at the corner of Stanwix Street and Penn Avenue, Grant Street and 4th Street, and Penn Avenue and 8th Street.
Also enjoy a brand new Light Up Night Happy Hour, the $5 at 5 on the Clemente Bridge. Dancing begins at 4 p.m. and lasts throughout the evening, with DJ Aria Cole at the turntble. Between 4 and 6 p.m., find $5 drinks from Trace Brewing and Lawrenceville Distilling, $5 mouthwatering eats from artisan food vendors and $5 deals on gifts and Light Up Night apparel.
Family Fun
Though the adults might be indulging in those $5 drinks, kids can have fun too this year! Swing by Harris Theater at 3:30 and 4:35 p.m. for a wonderful lineup of All-Ages Short Films from Pittsburgh Film Festival. The Pirates Mini-Fest is making a comeback with appearances from the Pirates Parrot and Pierogies, holiday-themed face painting, balloon artists stations, inflatables, backyard games, prizes and even Pierogi Races! Nearby, you can grab a free Coke Zero and snap a photo with the Coca Cola Santa. Plus, anyone who visits Santa will get a limited-edition Coca Cola polar bear–while supplies last!
Inside Fifth Avenue Place, take the kids to see Fifth Avenue FREEZE! Discover a whimsical lineup of ice carvings including a snowman, Christmas tree, Snoopy, a snowflake and even Rudolph! Plus, audiences can once again marvel at a live ice carving show by award-winning master ice carver Rich Bubin of Ice Creations.
At 600 Liberty Ave, kids can take part in Holiday KidsPlay between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and enjoy free hands-on crafts, educational games, and more. Then head over to Heinz Hall Courtyard to snap photos at the Selfie Garden with cut-outs of favorite characters and scenes from the iconic Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Also, don’t forget to marvel at the award-winning 22nd annual Gingerbread House Competition Display in the grand lobby of the City-County Building.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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