Museum Shops to Check Out in Pittsburgh for Unique Gift Ideas

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December 4, 2025

Watching Christmas movies and specials with friends and family is one of our favorite holiday activities. These movies have touched our hearts, taught us light lessons, and helped us believe in the magic of the season. When you sit down to watch your favorites this year, make it a holly jolly experience with 11 cocktail recipes inspired by the films and tv programs, including warming beverages and odes to your favorite characters. You can even get the kids involved with simple non-alcoholic options that are fun for the whole family.

11 Cocktails Inspired by Christmas Movies

**Buddy’s Breakfast (Elf)**

Streaming on HBO Max and various days on Freeform

A snowy surface with a cola cocktail in a clear glass adorned with lots of red, green, and white holiday candy sprinkles as garnish on the glass made to remind you of Buddy's breakfast in the move Elf.

Unlike Buddy’s “unusual” breakfast in Elf, you won’t find spaghetti in our Buddy’s Breakfast cocktail. But since Santa’s helpers really do have a culinary passion for maple syrup, what you will find is a lovely sense of elf culture in what we think is the world’s best cup of… rum and coke. Pure maple syrup and a touch of vanilla take the otherwise basic cocktail to another level.

**Melted Snowman (Frosty the Snowman)**

Airing on NBC on Dec. 4 at 8:30 p.m ET and Dec. 9 at 8:00 p.m, during Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas, and streaming on Hulu, Peacock, and Disney+

A Melted Snowman cocktail with an edible face sits in the middle of snow and trees.

Frosty the Snowman warms the hearts of viewers everywhere, just as the sun melts Frosty towards the end of the movie. It’s a traditional animated holiday film and chances are you’ve seen it play on the television since you were little. Bring your own little Frosty right into your home with the Melted Snowman cocktail. The detailed, edible touches make this drink come to life.

**Clarence’s Mulled Wine (It’s A Wonderful Life)**

Airing on E! all day Nov. 27 and on NBC Dec. 24 at 8:00 p.m, streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Xumo Play, and PLEX

Two stemless wine glasses with mulled wine sitting on a snowy surface with pine greens, garnished with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and an orange slice.

Our version of Clarence’s Mulled Wine is just as the guardian angel in It’s a Wonderful Life ordered, “heavy on the cinnamon and light on the cloves.” You may not earn your wings, but you definitely feel a little lighter while sipping on this mulled wine.

**Mean and Green (How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)**

Watch the 2000 movie on Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas, watch the 1966 movie on E!, USA, SYFY, and NBC, or watch both back-to-back on NBC Christmas day at 8:00 p.m, you can stream the original on Peacock or the live-action on Peacock and Amazon Prime Video

A green cocktail in a clear textured glass with dill "whisker "garnish to represent the Grinches hair, sitting on a pile of snow with a green shiny Christmas bulb and pine trees in the background, appropriately titled Mean and Green.

Mean and green. Grumpy and greedy. Sour as a pickle. He’s a mean one, that Mr. Grinch. He’s also painfully relatable for those of us who have a grumpy person we’re trying to lure into the spirit of the season. Our Mean and Green cocktail is here to help. Brighten that grinchy someone’s day with this unexpected, delightfully delicious drink.

**Rudolph’s Red-Nose Punch (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)**

Airing on NBC on Dec. 5 at 8:00 p.m, Dec. 11 at 8:00 p.m, and during Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas

A cocktail glass filled with Rudolph's Red-Nose Punch topped with a cranberry and pretzels on the glass.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose! Now it can be the sippable centerpiece of your holiday. Rudolph’s Red-Nose Punch takes the winter cranberry flavor you love and turns it into a deliciously cute cocktail for all party guests. It’s also easy to make this a non-alcoholic drink by leaving out the vodka and using a pump of raspberry syrup instead.

**Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot Chocolate (The Polar Express)**

Airing on TBS Nov. 27 and 28, TNT Nov. 28 and 29, and AMC all through December, streaming on Hulu, and HBO Max

A clear mug of hot chocolate on a snowy surface with evergreen clippings and dried ancho chili peppers.

When it comes to Christmas special inspired cocktails, “Yo we got it!” Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot Chocolate is a must for your viewing of The Polar Express. We take hot seriously in this recipe, but not so serious that your mouth can’t handle the heat. This fun drink gives you a warmth in temperature, as well as a little heat on the palate.

**Happy Christmas Boozy Root Beer Float (A Charlie Brown Christmas)**

Streaming on Apple TV, streaming for free on Apple TV+ this year on Dec. 13, and Dec. 14

Two boozy root beer floats I frosted mugs overflowing with frothy root beer on a snowy surface with colorful Christmas ornaments and greenery.

When you’re scrolling through listings of annual holiday specials to watch, surely this classic favorite A Charlie Brown Christmas will come to mind. Set aside time to stream this seasonal favorite with our Happy Christmas Boozy Root Beer Float, inspired by the time-honored cartoon, in hand. It’s a wintry spin on a spiked float with a hint of minty flavor. Modify the recipe for the kids by eliminating the alcohol and adding 2 tsp of 1883 Maison Routin Peppermint Syrup.

**Cousin Eddie’s Trailer Fuel (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation)**

Airing on TNT in November and AMC in December, streaming on Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+

A red can of beer pours into a glass of Cousin Eddie's Trailer Fuel surrounded by snow and trees and garnished with a lime wheel.

Cousin Eddie, with his rusty trailer and his goofy love for his family, stands out in this comedy. His jokes and his grin have inspired a goofy drink that only he would make. We call it Cousin Eddie’s Trailer Fuel. Give a trial run to this sort-of-fancy (by Eddie’s standards, at least) “Beer-garita” that uses margarita ingredients you probably have in your kitchen.

**Ginger Snap Cocktail (Santa Claus Is Coming to Town)**

Airing Nov. 30 on ABC and throughout Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas, streaming on Peacock and Hulu

Two clear glass mugs with a ginger snap colored beverage garnished with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and lemon on a snowy surface with a shiny Christmas bulb and little pine trees in the background.

The classic Christmas special Santa Claus Is Coming to Town portrays Kris Kringle as a ginger. His memorably red mop of hair inspired us to create this Ginger Snap Cocktail, a brew that warms you with its temperature as well as its delicious blend of spices. If the little ones want to join in, match a batch without the rum. It’s perfectly lovely without the spirits.

**Stroopwafel Flip (Miracle on 34th Street)**

Airing on fetv Nov. 27 and 28, FMC Nov. 28 and 29, and on Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas, streaming on Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video

A creamy looking cocktail in a coupe glass with a crushed waffle cone rim on a snowy surface with cone trees and pine trees in the background.

This Dutch-influenced quaff came to us because of the Sinterklaasje song Kris Kringle chants to a little Dutch girl early on in Miracle on 34th Street. This holiday classic makes our watch list every year, perhaps because of its heartwarming message that reminds us, goodness exists in the world if you simply…believe.

**Red Ryder Punch (A Christmas Story)**

Airing on TNT Dec. 3, throughout Dec. 24 and 25 on TBS and TNT, and streaming on HBO Max and Hulu

Red Ryder Punch is a gin based cocktail with the flavor of tangy-tart hibiscus, and a hint of blueberry sweetness. Inspired by Ralphie’s iconic “official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock, and this thing that tells time,” from A Christmas Story, it is a refreshing cocktail that packs a nice punch of flavor.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Chicken and Dumplings

By

Abdul Rafay

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December 4, 2025

A cast iron pot filled with thick chicken and dumplings stew, featuring large herb dumplings, chunks of chicken, diced carrots, celery, and potatoes, seasoned with thyme, set on a dark wooden surface with a blue cloth and antique spoons.

For Bill Fuller, the force behind Big Burrito Group restaurants Mad Mex, Eleven, Casbah, Sobah, Kaya and Alta Via, Chicken and Dumplings is a family tradition, a dish he first had as a child. “My mother was a busy single mom, who didn’t always have the time to get it right, but I loved it, even if her dumplings were chewy and her broth bland.”

Fuller took that family staple and perfected it, finding the perfect combination of tender dumplings and thick, supple broth of which his wife–a Chicken and Dumplings fan herself–approves. These days, he’s cooking for a new generation of Fuller; his daughter. “Three generations of the most important women in my life all love Chicken and Dumplings,” says Fuller.

Print

Chicken and Dumplings

Author: Bill Fuller

Description

This comforting dish features tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich broth.

Ingredients

Scale

3 or 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
chicken stock (recipe below)
2 cups onions, diced
5 to 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 cups carrots, diced
1 cup celery, sliced into half moons
1 cup celery root, peeled and diced
2 lb Red Bliss or small Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Dumplings (recipe below)

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Instructions

Place chicken in large pot. Cover with chicken stock and bring just to a simmer. Cook until chicken is just done. Remove, and cool.
Add all vegetables and thyme to stock. Season well with salt and pepper, and add more stock if necessary. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook until vegetables are done.
While vegetables are cooking, remove chicken meat from bones and shred or dice large. Add to pot when vegetables are cooked.
Spoon in dumplings while keeping pot at a simmer. When completed, simmer for a few minutes. If broth becomes too thick for your taste, add a little more stock. (Personally, I like it thicker.) Also, check seasonings: salt and pepper make a world of difference in a simple dish like this.
Scoop out two bowls, and eat in front of the fireplace with some Champagne and crusty bread.

Notes

For perfect dumpling dough, give the butter and eggs time to warm to room temperature before preparing the dumplings.

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Chicken Stock

Author: Bill Fuller

Description

A slow-simmered stock made with chicken, vegetables, garlic, and herbs creates a deep, flavorful base.

Ingredients

Scale

5 lb chicken necks and backs (a whole chicken or various pieces and parts work well enough)
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 carrot, peeled and copped
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 heads garlic, split crossways
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
Lots of sprigs fresh thyme

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Instructions

Place chicken (organs are good too, but not livers!) in stockpot with onions, carrots and celery.
Place garlic and herbs in pot. Cover with cold water to 1 inch above ingredients and place pot on stove. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a minimal simmer*.
Skim fat and foam immediately. Cook 2 hours at a low simmer, skimming fat and foam regularly. When done, skim fat and strain through a coarse mesh strainer. Strain again with a fine mesh strainer.

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Dumplings

Author: Bill Fuller

Description

Soft, pillowy dumplings made with eggs, butter, and flour add heartiness to the broth.

Ingredients

Scale

6 eggs, room-temperature
1/4 lb butter, softened to the point that it is partially melted (one stick)
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Whisk eggs lightly to break yolks. Add butter and incorporate well. There may still remain little pieces of butter in the eggs. Add flour and seasonings, and stir in gently. Do not over-work the dough. It should be soft and sticky, a little thicker than a batter but not as tight as a soft dough.
Place a small amount of dumpling dough onto a spoon and scrape two or three dumplings into the simmering pot with another spoon. When the dumplings float, allow them to cook a minute or two more. Remove and taste. If the dumpling falls apart, add a little more flour and stir it in gently. If the seasonings need to be adjusted, add salt and pepper.
Continue to scrape dumplings into pot. I like to make them the size I get when I scrape 4 or 5 off a large tablespoon. Bring back to a simmer and cook for a few minutes.

Recipe by Bill Fuller, Big Burrito Restaurant Group
Styling by Quelcy Kogel
Photography by Adam Milliron

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50 Holiday Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Your Festive Sweet Tooth

By

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December 3, 2025

Sugar cookies shaped like snowflakes on a black background!

The holidays are officially here, meaning so is the season of indulgence! Cozy cookie swaps, show-stopping cakes, and playful treats keep your plate full of sweets when the holidays hit. Whether you crave the comforting warmth of classic chocolate chip cookies, citrus‑infused confections, or more traditional holiday pastries, we’ve got you covered. This collection of 50 holiday dessert recipes is your ultimate guide to curing any sweet tooth, impressing guests, and filling your kitchen with the irresistible aromas of the season. Get ready to bake, share, and savor every sugary bite!

50 Holiday Dessert Recipes

Spiced Cranberry Tart

A festive showstopper, this Spiced Cranberry Tart features a silky cranberry-orange curd in a an oat crust and topped with pomegranate seeds.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

A plate of Halloween cookies on a black background

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies spice-kissed fall treats with a surprise cheesecake center wrapped in soft pumpkin-spiced dough.

Apple Crisp

A nostalgic dessert of tender tart-apple slices baked under a buttery, crunchy pecan-oat crisp topping. Maybe keep vanilla ice cream on hand for this one.

Spiced Mascarpone Cranberry Cake

Half a cranberry cake with cranberries and powdered sugar on top.

A rich and warm spice cake that layers creamy mascarpone with tart cranberries and citrus notes for a festive, winter-ready dessert.

Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Indulge in this creamy sweet potato cheesecake where autumn spices meet a crisp gingersnap crust for a dessert that’s both comforting and beautiful.

Dutch Apple Pie with a Twist

A slice of Dutch Apple Pie sits on a white plate. Dutch Apple Pie recipe

Take your classic apple pie up a notch. This version layers sour‑cream–sweetened apples spiced with fresh ginger under a pecan, brown‑sugar crumble topping.

Dark Rum Blondies

Chewy, buttery blondies get a festive upgrade with dark rum and a decadent rum‑butter frosting, perfect for holiday indulgence.

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

Three slices of pumpkin cheesecake on brown plates are arranged on a multicolored surface, each slice topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Savor forkfuls of velvety pumpkin cheesecake in a buttery, crisp gingersnap crust that upgrades the pumpkin flavor you love.

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

A green plate full of Martha Stewart cookies in chocolate chip and white chocolate strawberry varieties.

A batch of irresistibly soft, chewy chocolate‑chip cookies. Martha Stewart brings us inspiration thanks to a generous helping of brown sugar and the right butter-to‑sugar balance.

Pumpkin Blondies

Decadent pumpkin blondies spiced for fall and studded with chocolate chips, finished with a dreamy cream‑cheese frosting.

Samoas® Blondies

These blondies combine chewy chocolate, toasted coconut, and a drizzle of caramel for a dessert that tastes just like your favorite Samoas cookie in bar form.

Dirty Blondies with Chocolate, Hazelnut & Coffee

A chewy blondie with both milk and semisweet chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, a hint of coffee, and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt for a grown‑up treat.

SunButter® Blondies

A nut‑free crowd-pleasing bar that swaps in creamy sunflower-seed SunButter and layers in dark chocolate and crunchy pumpkin, sunflower, and black sesame seeds.

Chocolate Brownies with Lime Glaze

Chocolate brownies with a powdered sugar lime glaze

This flavor combination is unique yet addicting. Deeply chocolatey brownies get a zesty lift from a bright and tangy lime glaze.

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

A moist, two-layer pumpkin cake meets a smooth, cream‑cheese–spiked filling that’s irresistible with every bite.

Chocolate Crémeux

Chocolate Cremeux - pudding served in four glasses with chocolate chunks spread across the wooden table alongside three spoons

For the true chocolate lovers out there. A silky, custard-like chocolate cream that melts on the tongue. It’s richer than a pudding but denser than mousse.

Mom’s Iced Christmas Sugar Cookies

A few holiday themed Iced Sugar Cookies sit on a metal tin tray with ribbon and ornament bulbs around the try.

Nostalgic and festive, these iced sugar cookies are soft cutouts that get dressed up with colorful frosting and sparkling sprinkles for a true holiday classic.

Strawberry Rhubarb Thumbprint Cookies

This recipe is simply cheerful. We’re filling crisp thumbprint cookies with bright and tangy strawberry‑rhubarb jam and colorful sprinkles.

A close-up of rosemary decorated sugar cookies with green icing and powdered sugar.

Learn a timeless recipe that’s as fun to bake as it is delicious. We scent these melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies with orange and vanilla.

Lemon Curd Bars

Lemon bars on a black tabletop, covered in powdered sugar

These lemon‑curd bars feature a tangy, zesty filling that sits atop a rich, buttery shortbread crust, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Crackly Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies crackle on top as they bake, delivering a sweet and chewy bite that’s coated in sparkling sanding sugar.

Pumpkin Cookies

These pumpkin cookies mix fall spices and pumpkin puree into a cake‑like cookie, then finish with a tangy cream‑cheese icing and a milk‑vanilla glaze.

Gluten-Free Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

a cup of tea and some cookies on a table.

These delicate, gluten‑free shortbread cookies use almond flour and citrusy Earl Grey tea. Perfect alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

Ube Sweet Soy White Chocolate Cookies

Ube Cookies surrounded by holiday decorations

A grown-up fusion of nutty purple yam and dessert decadence. These cookies are full of sweet white chocolate and earthy ube.

French Meringue Cookies

Try baking something new this year like these feather‑light cookies that use whipped egg whites and a hint of vanilla or almond.

Rosemary Butter Cookies

These Rosemary Butter Cookies blend sweetness with a delicate hint of fresh rosemary, creating a festive, aromatic treat that stands out.

Gingerbread Cookies

These Gingerbread Cookies bake up warm, spicy, and lightly molasses-sweetness. It’s a classic, nostalgic holiday treat that fills the kitchen with cinnamon-and-ginger scent.

Cherry Pistachio Sandwich Cookies

A plate of pistachio sandwich cherry cookies on a piece of glassware

Bursting with sweet cherry filling and the delicate crunch of pistachios, these sandwich cookies bring a playful pop of color.

Baklava

Baklava layers crisp, buttery phyllo dough with spiced nuts and a sweet, syrupy finish. Bake up a rich, flaky dessert that brings indulgence to any holiday dessert table.

Judy’s Lady Locks

Small white cookies, lady locks, on a dark brown background

Judy’s Lady Locks showcase the charm of old-fashioned pastry making, offering a crisp shell and creamy filling that come together in a simple, timeless cookie.

Bisco-Chai-tos (A Chai Twist on Biscochitos)

A plate full of biscochitos with chai seasoning on top in the shape of yucca flowers.

These Bisco‑Chai‑tos infuse the classic New Mexico biscochito with warm chai spices of cardamom, ginger, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Chinese Five Spice Cookies

Obsessed with Chinese Five Spice? These cookies combine those spices with lush molasses for crumbly and delicious product.

No Chill Sugar Cookies

No‑Chill Sugar Cookies come together in minutes and bake into cookies with crisp edges — no refrigeration necessary.

Sea Salt Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Soft, chewy chocolate-chunk cookies with golden-brown edges and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Pistachio Wreath Cookies

Festive pistachio-studded wreath cookies with a buttery, cardamom-tinged dough and sweet glaze — a pretty, holiday-ready treat.

Orange Cranberry Swirl Cookies

Zesty, cranberry-and-orange pinwheel cookies swirl bright citrus and tart berries into sweet dough.

Italian Wedding Cookies

These melt-in-your-mouth almond cookies finish with a snowy coating of powdered sugar icing.

Blue Corn Macarons

Make macarons even more elegant with these airy blue-hued sandwich cookies that use nutty blue cornmeal and feature a creamy vanilla-bean ganache.

Green Chile Biscochitos

These tender, cinnamon-anise cookies get an unexpected lift from roasted green chiles, creating a uniquely sweet-spicy spin on the usual Biscochito.

Buckeyes

Classic Buckeyes are creamy peanut-butter balls coated in just enough in chocolate so a peek of peanut butter remains.

Italian Rainbow Cookies

Each vibrant layer of these Rainbow Cookies bursts with almond flavor, jam, and chocolate, making every slice irresistible.

Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies Recipe

Stacks of homemade Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies on a green table.

Soft, spiced gingerbread rounds hug a creamy cinnamon‑buttercream center for a cozy holiday sandwich cookie.

Purple Barley Cookies

Purple barley flour transforms classic chocolate chip cookies into a subtly nutty, colorful twist on a favorite treat.

Peppermint Crisp Sugar Cookies

Two baking trays hold a few brownish sugar cookies with peppermint topping.

With a tender sugar cookie bottom, a swirl of creamy peppermint‑dulce topping, and a sprinkle of candy crispness, these cookies deliver wintery cheer.

Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies

An aerial view of five cinnamon rolls on a piece of parchment paper next to a bowl of cinnamon with a spoon in it.

We swirl cinnamon‑sugar filling into buttery sugar cookie dough to create cookies that taste just like cinnamon rolls.

Peanut Butter Cookies

A classic Peanut Butter Cookie with sumptuous peanut flavor.

These Peanut Butter Cookies blend creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and butter into rich dough that bakes up crisp-edges and soft-centers.

Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies

A small pile of Lemon Ricotta Cookies sit on leaves of greenery with lemon peels scattered throughout.

These Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies mix creamy ricotta and bright lemon zest into tender, cake‑like dough and glaze the tops with tangy lemon icing.

Peach Cookies

We sandwich peach jam between tender sugar cookies and dust them with colored sugar, creating cookies that look like tiny, edible peaches.

On a brown plate sits little cookie cups with a swirl of icing and cinnamon on top of them.

Each cookie cup holds a dollop of tart lemon curd and a swirl of creamy icing — delivering sweet, tangy, and rich in a single bite.

Cuccidati, Sicilian Fig Cookies

With every slice, these fig‑packed cookies deliver a blend of chewy fruit, crunchy nuts, cozy spices, and buttery pastry.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Rudolph’s Red-Nose Punch

By

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December 1, 2025

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose! Now it can be the sippable centerpiece of your holiday celebration.

Rudolph’s Red-Nose Punch highlights the the winter cranberry flavor you love. The, it turns it into a deliciously cute cocktail for all party guests. It’s also easy to make this a non-alcoholic drink by leaving out the raspberry vodka and using a pump of raspberry syrup instead. Gather ’round the television with the family to watch this wonderful holiday classic over a glass of sparkly punch.

**Where Does Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Come From?**

The story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer originated in a children’s book from 1939. It’s a tale about being proud to stand out from the crowd and finding your own hidden talent, like Rudolph’s red nose. Other reindeers initially mock him for it, but in the end, he saves the day. Gene Autry’s 1948 song about Rudolph warmed so many hearts that then the classic television film based on it came out of that in 1964. The addition of original songs like The Island of Misfit Toys were part of what made the film such memorable holiday staple!Print

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Rudolph’s Red-Nose Punch

Author: Kylie Thomas

Description

Holiday cheer for all!

Ingredients

Scale

1 32 oz bottle cranberry juice
2 cups ginger ale
2 cups raspberry vodka
Cranberries for garnish
Broken pretzels for garnish

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Instructions

Pour chilled cranberry juice, ginger ale, and raspberry vodka into a punch bowl.
Mix ingredients until combined.
Make a small slice in the cranberry (but don’t cut all the way through) and place it onto the rim of a glass.
Take two broken pretzels and balance on the back of the cocktail glass.

Bake up a batch of Chai Snickerdoodles for a perfect movie snack accompaniment.

Recipe by Kylie Thomas
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Laura Petrilla

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Melted Snowman

By

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December 1, 2025

Frosty the Snowman melts the hearts of viewers everywhere, just as the sun melts Frosty towards the end of the movie. It’s a traditional animated holiday film and chances are you’ve seen it annually on the television since you were little. Bring your own little Frosty right into your home with the Melted Snowman cocktail. The detailed, edible touches make this drink come to life. Just add a black top hat and you might just bring your own snowman to life.

About Frosty the Snowman

Frosty the Snowman is a classic Christmas movie. But a lot of people might not know that it originates from a Christmas song written by Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson, and first recorded by Gene Autry and the Cass County Boys. The 1969 film has now become a Christmas staple because of its heartwarming story about a snowman afraid of melting and the children who help him go to the North Pole to keep him cold. But this cocktail will keep you warm through any winter night!

Melted Snowman Recipe

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Melted Snowman

Author: Kylie Thomas

Description

Bring your own little Frosty the Snowman into your home with this cocktail.

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz Kahlua
2 oz whipped cream vodka
2 oz cream
Can of whipped cream
2 chocolate chips
1 orange sprinkle
7 white pearl sprinkles

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Instructions

Combine Kahlua, whipped cream vodka, and cream in a shaker with ice.
Strain into a glass.
Add about ¼-inch whipped cream to the top of the drink, enough to keep the chocolate chips afloat.
Place chocolate chips and sprinkles onto the top of the cocktail to make the face of your melting snowman.

Make some Gluten-Free Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies for a tasty movie snack.

Recipe by Kylie Thomas
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Laura Petrilla

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Holiday Events to Fill Your December in Pittsburgh

By

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December 1, 2025

The Pittsburgh orchestra conductor dances with Santa at a holiday event.

As the first snowflakes begin to come down and the city lights up with red and green, December in Pittsburgh kicks into gear with an endless stream of holiday events. Swinging jazz nights, jaw-dropping musical theater, cheerful brunches with Santa, and festive community concerts make sure joy, warmth, and holiday spirit is around every corner. So, gather your friends for an evening out, plan a family‑friendly day trip, or head to an intimate date night that fills your December with magic.

Pittsburgh Holiday Events in December

A Christmas Story: The Play

December 4-21, O’Reilly Theater

You’ve seen the movie, now see Ralphie and the rest of the Parker family right on the stage. You’ll follow all the fun and laughs that come from Ralphie’s dream of getting a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. It’s the perfect performance for the whole family.

The Nutcracker

December 5-28, Benedum Center

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without a trip to see The Nutcracker. This classic ballet follows the story of a young girl who receives a Nutcracker doll as a present, allowing her to travel to winter wonderlands in her dreams. The Nutcracker saves her from the evil Mouse King and escorts her back home just in time for the holidays.

A Merry Morning with Santa

December 6, Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center

Enjoy a festive morning with a visit from Santa and a breakfast buffet complete with a hot cocoa bar. Kids can enjoy crafts, stories, a gift bag, and make their own reindeer food. Plus, everyone can hop on the free shuttle to the Schenley Ice Rink at the end of the morning to continue the fun.

Cookies with Santa Claus

December 7, Fairmont Pittsburgh

A holiday buffet, cheerful décor, and warm, indoor fun await all families at the Fairmont. Each child gets a photo with Santa, supplies for cookie decorating, Christmas crafts, and a gift box of house-made cookies to take home. Guests can savor breakfast favorites along with hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and a cash bar.

Make the Yuletide Gay

December 8, Sixth Presbyterian Church

Get together to show off your LGBTQIA+ pride in the season where it matters most. Join Queens Crys Matthews, Heather Mae, and Flamy Grant as they share their holiday favorites as well as original songs. It’s your way to have a home away from home this year.

A Very Yinzer Christmas

December 8, Benedum Center

This special show supports Band Together Pittsburgh, helping fund its inclusive music programs for individuals on the autism spectrum. Take in the festive attitude as more than 25 of Pittsburgh’s musicians perform Christmas tunes and beyond on the Benedum stage.

Holidays and Hops

December 12, Attack Theatre Studios

In partnership with Trace Brewing, this all-ages dance performance puts a new spin on the holidays. Set to an eclectic mix of music like jazz and techno, these dancers make you feel like a kid again with their imagination. Think socks as skates, empty packages as boom boxes, and much more.

Highmark Holiday Pops

December 12-21, Heinz Hall

Another one of our favorite Pittsburgh traditions is back. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, and various special guests fill Heinz Hall with all your favorite sing-along holiday songs. Don’t forget your photo with the brilliant tree lighting up the lobby, too.

A Musical Christmas Carol

December 13-23, Byham Theater

This Pittsburgh CLO production follows the journey of grump Ebenezer Scrooge, guided by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. There’s nothing quite like seeing this story in a theater setting with outstanding special effects and a joyous group of actors.

Holiday Brass Spectacular

December 16, Heinz Hall

Experience the bold, bright sounds of a full brass ensemble that brings both classic favorites and surprising new arrangements to life. Who wouldn’t enjoy an evening of soaring melodies and joyful childhood rhythms? This concert is a must for those who love the sound of horns in Christmas songs.

Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert

December 19, Pittsburgh Playhouse

There’s no way to have a frown on your face in the presence of a big‑band jazz ensemble. Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra re-imagines traditional tunes with the influence of jazz-masters. Whether you’re a longtime jazz fan or just looking for some live music, the evening offers uplifting energy and top‑tier musicianship.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

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Ginger Snap Cocktail

By

Keith Recker

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December 1, 2025

The classic Christmas special Santa Claus Is Coming to Town portrays Kris Kringle as a ginger. His memorably red mop of hair inspired us to create this Ginger Snap Cocktail, a brew that warms you with its temperature as well as its delicious blend of spices.

Ginger Snap, Inspired by Santa Claus is Coming to Town

If the little ones want to join in, match a batch without the rum. It’s perfectly lovely without the spirits.

Enjoy!

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Ginger Snap Cocktail

Author: Keith Recker

Description

A brew that warms you with its temperature and spices.

Ingredients

Scale

8 cups apple cider
4 inches fresh ginger, sliced
4 cinnamon sticks
8 cloves
4 star anise
1 lemon, cut into wedges and de-seeded
1/4 cup honey
1 dried ancho pepper
1 cup Kingfly spiced rum
4 Biscoff cookies, crushed into fine dust

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Instructions

Place the crushed Biscoff cookies in a saucer.
Use one lemon wedge to moisten the rims of 4 mugs.
Place the moistened lip of each mug in the cookie dust and coat generously. Set aside.
Place all ingredients except the rum in a saucepan. Warm slowly on the stove until it begins to boil. Turn off heat.
Add rum and stir.
Carefully ladle the brew into mugs. Sip slowly and enjoy!

Recipe by Keith Recker / Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Laura Petrilla

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Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot Chocolate Cocktail

By

Lindel Hart

-

December 1, 2025

When it comes to a Christmas special inspired hot chocolate cocktail, “Yo we got it!” Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot Chocolate is a must for your viewing of The Polar Express. We take hot seriously in this recipe, but not so serious that your mouth can’t handle the heat. This fun drink gives you a warmth in temperature, as well as a little heat on the palate.

Why is This Hot Chocolate Cocktail “Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot”?

The double dose of tequila and ancho chilis with Mexican chocolate will warm your soul. Let yourself sing along with one of Tom Hanks’s seven character voices as the conductor. It’s really an ode to the song “Hot Chocolate” that he sings in The Polar Express. It’s hot, hot, hot! You can also make this hot chocolate cocktail a mocktail by omitting the tequila, and you’ll still have a delicious hot chocolate.

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Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot Chocolate Cocktail

Author: Lindel Hart

Description

Enjoy this hot chocolate well past Christmas.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups whole milk or heavy cream (for a richer drink)
4 fingers or wedges of Mexican chocolate, available online or in the Mexican section of your supermarket
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp ancho chili powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup tequila blanco
4 cinnamon sticks or 4 whole dried ancho chilis for garnish

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Instructions

Combine the milk, chocolate, brown sugar, cayenne, chili powder, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking until the chocolate dissolves. It may take five minutes or longer.
Watch to make sure the milk doesn’t boil over. Pour two ounces of tequila into each of four mugs and add the hot chocolate when it’s heated through.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a whole dried chili.

Also great to sip while watching one of many versions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Read our story on Dickens with this Spiked Hot Chocolate recipe here.

Recipe by Lindel Hart, adapted from Punch Drink
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Laura Petrilla

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Red Ryder Punch

By

Justin Matase

-

December 1, 2025

Red Ryder Punch is a gin based cocktail with the flavor of tangy-tart hibiscus, and a hint of blueberry sweetness. Inspired by Ralphie’s iconic “official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time,” from A Christmas Story, it is a refreshing cocktail that packs a nice punch of flavor. If you drink it without a straw, there’s thankfully little risk of shooting your eye out.

What Makes this Punch Red?

One of the things that gives this cocktail its color might surprising you. This punch isn’t red from any artificial flavoring. Instead, we’ve used over-steeped Reishi Blueberry Hibiscus tea to get a bright, festive shade of scarlet in your glass. Plus, that tea is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients to balance out the booze.

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Red Ryder Punch

Author: Justin Matase