Winter in Pittsburgh can be dreary and grey. And you can only stay inside with a seasonal depression lamp for so long. Sometimes you need to get out of the house! So, we’ve got you covered with a cultural calendar full of Pittsburgh winter events that will give you a reason to put on your coat and get out of the house as the temperatures drop!
Pittsburgh Winter Events to Brighten the Season
#notwhite collective: Sister Soul Spectrum
Kelly Strayhorn Theater, Running until December 15
How is the #notwhite collective, a group of multi-disciplinary women artists with the goal to make their stories visible and relatable to everyone, seen or passed over? They explore this question in Sister Soul Spectrum. This exhibition features photography, painting, mixed media, and beyond to explore identities and ideologies ranging from personal history to cultural heritage.
Associated Artists of Pittsburgh 110th Annual Exhibition
SPACE Gallery, Running until January 12
Marking its return to downtown Pittsburgh, the first home of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Exhibition in 1910, this longest-running juried display in the nation celebrates the area’s talented and diverse creatives who make a connection to Pittsburgh’s identity and community through art and athletics.
Collections in Black: A Celebration of Black Comic Book Culture
August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Running until January 12
Black art and creation are not often synonymous with the comic book world. This collection highlights Black collectors, artists, writers, and creators’ significant contributions to the art form, from the Golden Age of comics to today. Featured are notable innovators such as Jackie Ormes and Matt Baker, contemporaries like Shawn Martinbrough and John Jennings, and the esteemed Larry Stroman and Todd Johnson, co-creators of Tribe Comic, called “the most successful independently published Black comic books.”
Kim Bond: We Are Not Alone
707 Gallery, Running until January 12
Do you believe in aliens? In life beyond that on our planet? Local artist Kim Bond has delved into the crossover of a welcoming earth with the paranormal for more than 40 years through multiple mediums, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and writings. From spacecrafts to extraterrestrials set against relaxing natural imagery like Niagara Falls, Lake Erie, and the Colorado Mountains, Bond envisions a safe and harmonious utopia for walks of life.
Nearing Each Other
Carnegie Museum of Art, Running until January 26
Organized by Cynthia Stucki, curatorial assistant at Carnegie Museum of Art, Nearing Each Other showcases the work of six Pittsburgh-based artists utilizing various art forms. Some in the show use watercolors, photography, some textiles, and more media and materials to touch on both past and present. The show demonstrates what can come from artists occupying and living in the same city.
Pittsburgh Builds Bridges
The Frick, Running until March 30
Pittsburgh is known for many specialties, including fries on sandwiches, steel, and its numerous bridges. Saudi-born artist Ebtehal Badawi’s current exhibition draws on the latter to ask, “How do you build bridges between people?”, encouraging a conversation around inclusion and connection.
Nick Diffatte in Offbeat: A Comedy Magic Show
Liberty Magic, November 6 to December 1
Humor meets illusion with comedic skits, juggling, and more in Nick Diffatte’s Offbeat, where you’ll have trouble deciding whether you want to “ooh” and “ahh” in wonder, or let the laughter take over.
35th Holiday Train Display
Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum, November 11 to January 14
Friday nights offer a special Steam Twilight event, where the museum turns down the lights to transport you and your loved ones to the summer of 1952 and an early fall evening in 1949 as railroad travel is becoming popular again — but no matter when you visit during the coming months, the Holiday Train Display is a must-add to your winter activity list.
Three Rivers Film Festival
Multiple Locations, November 13 to 20
An artfully curated week filled with various independent features. They range from dramas to documentaries, the Pittsburgh area’s largest and oldest film festival returns.
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan
Byham Theater, November 16
For more than five decades, Cloud Gate, a top contemporary dance theater from Asia, has shared history and ancient movements, like Qi Gong, internal martial arts, modern dance, street dance, and ballet, through contemporary performances involving the folk and classic music genres to audiences worldwide.
Billy Collins
Carnegie Music Hall, November 18
The day after this talk for the locally renowned Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures series, Billy Collins, former United States Poet Laureate and New York Times bestselling author of 2013’s Aimless Love, releases his newest collection of poetry, Water, Water, “focused on the joy and mystery of daily life.” Get an early taste of his new lyrical poems, which focus on everyday life’s odd and familiar irony, beauty, and exclusivity.
MJ the Musical
Benedum Center, November 19 to December 1
Hee-hee! Slide downtown like a Smooth Criminal to experience MJ, the Tony Award-winning musical that brings the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour to new audiences around the country, as it makes its Pittsburgh premiere. Looking past simply dancing and music, MJ showcases the brilliant mind that made Michael Jackson a global phenomenon.
Pittsburgh Shorts
Harris Theater, November 21-24
If feature-length movies seem like too much of a commitment, Pittsburgh Shorts, starting after the conclusion of the annual Three Rivers Film Festival, offers a collection of stand-out short films. The event also features a script competition and coinciding with a Filmmaker Conference.
Home Alone
Heinz Hall, November 22 to 24
As eight-year-old Kevin defends his home against burglars after he is accidentally left alone on Christmas Eve, you can feel safe and sound during this comedic rendition of the 1990s hit.
Glow Ball
Oakland, November 22
This gala kicks off the third annual GLOWLAND, an intersection of light and art that turns Oakland into an illuminated wonderland for three weeks. It employs sound, sight, and movement for an unforgettable evening of illumination, food, and libations.
Autumn Dinner Series
Canopy Cafe, November 23
Say goodbye to fall with this multiple-course dining experience featuring seasonal autumn flavors like squash and apple.
Thanksgiving Feast
Nemacolin, November 28
For those who wish not to prepare their Thanksgiving feast this year, let the experienced culinary team at Nemacolin take the reins. Stay for the weekend or make a short day trip just for the food. A photographer and digital photo are even included to make the occasion last a lifetime.
A Very Electric Christmas
Byham Theater, November 29
The start of the feel-good holiday season will get even more colorful during this engaging performance suited for the entire family. Your favorite holiday tunes create the backdrop for this heartwarming tale following little bird Max as he attempts to make his way south for the winter and winds up separated from his family after a snowstorm.
A Celebration of Billy Strayhorn and Gene Kelly
Kelly Strayhorn Theater, November 30
Did you know that the Kelly Strayhorn Theater is named after Pittsburgh legends, jazz pianist Billy Strayhorn and actor and dancer Gene Kelly? Their lives are explored in this vibrant annual fundraising concert.
The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley
City Theatre, November 30 to December 22
In this amusing companion piece to last year’s Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, an uninvited guest reminds the Darcys and Bennets of the importance of forgiving and forthrightness during the holiday season.
Modern Calligraphy & Ornament Letting for Beginners
Threadbare Cider House, December 5
Elevate your stationery, gift tags, holiday cards, and more with handwritten lettering. This festive, seasonal workshop designed for beginners will ensure your presents and mailings stand out this upcoming giving season and beyond.
Handmade Arcade Winter Marketplace
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, December 6 to 7
While you may be someone who likes to get their holiday shopping done before December rolls around, it’s worth waiting for Handmade Arcade’s annual Holiday Market, where over 250 markers and artists come together to offer you unique wares and products for everyone on your list.
The Nutcracker
Benedum Center, December 6 to 27
The Sugar Plum Fairies are calling you to journey into the Land of Enchantment with Marie and the Nutcracker Prince, as stunning costumes, scenery, and of course, captivating dancing are set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.
Wrap It Up!
Brookline, December 7
Steel City Craft Emporium is a boutique, art gallery, gift shop, and craft show rolled into one. They’ll be joining Brookline’s Light Up Night to help you find that special something for all the special someones on your holiday shopping list.
Louis, Louis
Calvary Episcopal Church, December 7
French music of the late 17th century and early 18th century, key influences in the creation of the French opera — air de coeur and ballet de coeur, which appeared at court and in the plays of Molière — are brought to modern-day ears, sharing oft-unheard melodies by soprano Pascale Beaudin, backed by talented instrumentalists utilizing the violin, viola, and lute families.
Jingle Bell Run
North Shore, December 7
Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell… Run! Or walk, or stroll, or jingle all the way with family, friends, or co-workers. This 40th anniversary of the 5K fundraiser has the goal to end arthritis.
A Christmas Story: The Play
O’Reilly Theater, December 7 to 22
Don’t worry, you won’t poke your eye out during Pittsburgh Public Theater’s on-stage rendition of the 1983 cult classic starring Ralphie Parker and his quirky attempts to receive a Red Ryder 200 shot BB gun for Christmas. In fact, your eyes will be thoroughly secure and amazed.
Story Saturdays: Me and the Boss
Carnegie Museum of Art, December 7
Once a month, the Carnegie Museum of Art offers an in-person afternoon story session followed by a hands-on, creative activity for little ones under 12. December’s book selection is Me and the Boss: A Story About Mending and Love by Michelle Edwards and illustrated by April Harrison, about siblings’ relationship which grows stronger after a trip to the library.
Leif Enger
Carnegie Music Hall, December 9
Called a “reminder of why we read fiction to begin with” by the San Francisco Chronicle, Leif Enger’s most notable work, Peace Like a River, inadvertently published on 9/11, explores the power of faith and family. Earlier this year he returned with the novel I Cheerfully Refuse, again offering beauty, hope, and wisdom through a magical, musical, narrative. He discusses and signs this most recent release during the 2024-2025 Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures.
Highmark Holiday Pops
Heinz Hall, December 13 to 22
Is it even a holiday season in Pittsburgh without a Highmark Holiday Pops concert? A Sensory Friendly performance takes place on December 14.
Penny Arcade: Kids Comedy Show
Arcade Comedy Theater, December 14
Do you have a silly billy on your hands? Let them indulge in that humorous, imaginative side during this hands-on watch-and-play comedy show for kids between 4 and 8 years old. It’s time to get goofy!
21+ Night: Solstice Party
Carnegie Science Center, December 13
In this latest iteration of Carnegie Science Center’s adult after-hours event, those of legal drinking age are invited to ring in the chilly season with a snowy soirée. It features games, entertaining and educational activities, warming drinks, and a holiday costume contest.
Justin Timberlake
PPG Paints Arena, December 14
He’s brought sexy back, and now he’s bringing it to Pittsburgh this winter during his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour. While he may remind you not to think about the immediate future, don’t forget to snag your tickets early.
Love Actually
Heinz Hall, December 19
Even if you don’t believe this hit 2003 rom-com is a Christmas movie, you can still enjoy the film as it’s accompanied live by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra — made better than an at-home viewing.
The Glamour Gala
August Wilson African American Cultural Center, December 29
Art and fashion intersect at the first-ever Glamour Gala, celebrating the two creative outlets through an art auction, live performances, vendors, and a fashion show featuring a collection of Pittsburgh’s finest designers. Don’t forget to dress to impress for this formal event that benefits the city’s Youth Enrichment Association.
Story by Jordan Snowden / Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
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