Christmas trees have become something of a non-denominational symbol of happiness. Even if you don’t have one in your home, there are a number of places around the city of Pittsburgh to see them and enjoy the sparkle. Viewing is (usually) free and open to the public. Plus, going out to see the Pittsburgh Christmas trees makes for a fun date, family outing, or leisurely solo stroll to take in the most wonderful time of the year.
Where to See Christmas Trees in Pittsburgh
Carnegie Museum of Art
The women’s committee at the Carnegie Museum of Art designs the Carnegie Trees in the Hall of Architecture each year. 2024’s theme is Iconic Pittsburgh with gorgeous full-size Fraser firs. Each tree celebrates a local legend. See trees celebrating Andy Warhol, Rachel Carson, and Pittsburgh artists featured in the museum’s collection.
City-County Building
The City-County Building oversees celebratory events like wedding licenses, and less-so ones like traffic tickets, estate disputes, and divorces. But in the lobby, you can find one of downtown Pittsburgh’s most iconic trees. Infuse your legal matters with a little holiday cheer, or just stop to enjoy one of downtown’s architectural wonders.
Highmark Unity Tree
This tree sits atop the former Horne’s Department Store on Penn Avenue Place and stands over 100 feet tall. The tree oversees the city through January 12. This staple of Pittsburgh’s Christmas season brings a bit of holiday magic to the hustle and bustle of commuters and corporate buildings downtown.
The Frick Pittsburgh
As part of The Frick’s “Home for the Holidays” Clayton home tour, the museum decked out the Frick family’s mansion, including a gorgeous tree in the home lobby. If you haven’t been to Clayton yet, this award-winning home tour is one of Pittsburgh’s hidden gems that engages with both the beauty of the Frick family mansion’s décor and the history of the people who lived there, both upstairs and downstairs.
PPG Place Tree
In the heart of one of downtown’s most iconic buildings, the PPG Place Tree is at the center of the UPMC skating rink that also goes up every winter. This beautiful tree glimmers at night along with the lights from the surrounding buildings and the blue sheen of the ice rink.
Phipps Holiday Magic
Why just have one Christmas tree? At Phipps, you can see Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes in their Holiday Magic flower show. To be sure, classic pines and firs feature largely. However, pointsettias and other blossoms are the real stars, especially when combined with the substantial outdoor light display at and a mug of mulled wine from the café stand on a chilly Pittsburgh night. Perhaps you venture afterwards to nearby Spirits and Tales for a cocktail, where you can ogle the glow of the whole thing from their 10th floor windows.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
As part of their Dazzling Nights installation, the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden has a full-size Holiday Celebration Tree. Dazzling Nights begins at 5PM each night in December and has a plethora of beautiful light displays along with sweet treats and holiday beverages to enjoy.
Omni William Penn Hotel Tree
You don’t need to be a guest at Omni William Penn Hotel to step into their lobby and see some Christmas magic. One advantage of this Christmas tree display is that it’s indoors. With temperatures in the 20-degree range as we get into December, this is a cozier way to see a Christmas tree.
Story by Emma Riva
Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Beautiful
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