11 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend (12/13 - 12/15)

The winter holidays just around the corner and holiday activities are in full-swing, giving you plenty of options if you’re looking for something to do this weekend in western Pennsylvania.

Highmark Holiday Pops Performance

Dec. 13 - 22 – Heinz Hall

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is bringing the Highmark Holiday Pops performance back to Heinz Hall for a 10-day engagement. Bring the whole family for an evening of beautiful holiday music presented with a number of special guests – such as The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Broadway star Ashley Brown, the Three Rivers Ringers and Attack Theater. There are lots of shows to catch starting Friday and running all the way through Dec. 22. Tickets start at just $20. Click here for more information.

‘Nutcracker Ballet’

Various times - The Palace Theater, Greensburg

You can join the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra for its wonderful “Nutcracker Ballet” this weekend! You’ll experience Tchaikovsky’s magical score performed by a full orchestra, transporting you on a magical trip to the land of sugarplum fairies, waltzing snowflakes and enchanted toys. Two fencing masters will even be doing all the sword fighting. There are three shows to catch: two on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and one on Sunday at 2 p.m. You can buy tickets here, and they start at just $14.

Yule TV’s Greatest Hits

Friday, 7 p.m. & Saturday, 2 p.m. - The Strand Theater, Zelienople

This is a clever show within a show. It’s a musical cast rehearsing for their Christmas pageant. But when a snowstorm unexpectedly traps them in the theater, they begin to reminisce about and sing songs from a variety of Christmas TV classics. This includes Rudolph, Frosty, The Grinch, even Nestor the Long-eared Christmas Donkey. With tons of humor for kids and adults, this show is a Strand exclusive. You won’t see it anywhere else. Click here for more info!

Jingle Bell Run

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – Stage AE

You’ll want to bring your running shoes for the Jingle Bell Run. The certified 5K and 1-mile holiday-themed race benefits the Arthritis Foundation, and in addition to the race itself, it will feature a coffee and hot chocolate bar, photo opportunities with Santa Claus and even a holiday market. Plus, you and your pup will want to don your best holiday costume for the costume contest. There is one for people and one for dogs. The kids run starts at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K starts at 10 a.m. Like any race, you’ll want to make sure you register beforehand HERE.

Yinzer Yuletide Breakfast

Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – O’Reilly Theater

They’re celebrating what they call “Yinzer Yuletide,” and as part of that, you’ll be able to get breakfast with Santa on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Breakfast is served at 10 a.m. on both days. Make sure your kids have their lists ready to let Santa know exactly what they want to find under the tree this year. And of course, there will be a photo opportunity. After breakfast, there will be a special screening of “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” which kids of all ages are sure to love. It’s $25 for adults and $15 for kids, and kids under 2 get in free. Find more information here.

Beaver County Christmas Extravaganza

Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, Noon to 9 p.m. -Brady’s Run Lodge Park, Beaver Falls

This event has it all: a walk-through light show, horse and pony rides, a chainsaw carver, gingerbread houses, a gift shop and some special guests. The likes of Rudolph and Frosty will even be stopping by. In Santa Land, the kids can say hello to Santa himself and make some special holiday crafts to take home. Admission is $7 and proceeds benefit the Beaver County Children and Youth Services Advisory Board. You can drop by all weekend long.

Reindeer on the Roof

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Hotel Monaco Downtown

The roof in question is that of Hotel Monaco. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, you can buy tickets for just $10 to meet Santa’s real live reindeer up on the roof! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there too. Plus, there will be fun activities for the kids like ornament making, cookie decorating and lots of hot cocoa and cider. There are three different sessions throughout the day to buy tickets for, and you can find more info here.

Art on Tap: Holiday Cheer

Friday-5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Westmoreland Museum of American Art

This is a special winter-themed event that invites you into the museum for all manner of entertainment and confections. There will be special dance ensembles throughout the museum space, a hot cider bar, holiday cookies and a gift-wrapping station. You’ll definitely want to take part in their ugly sweater competition for a chance to win some cool prizes. It starts Friday at 5 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for museum members and $15 for nonmembers.

Sweet Honey in the Rock – 45th Anniversary Tour

Sunday, 7 p.m. - August Wilson African American Cultural Center

At the cultural center on Sunday, you’ll be able to catch Sweet Honey in the Rock on their 45th Anniversary Tour. If you’re not familiar, they are an all-woman African American a capella ensemble that expresses their history through song and sign language. The group educates, entertains and empowers its audiences through unique cultural interpretations that have been captivating listeners for decades. The show is at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $39.

TMT Trio and Jerry Birchfield

Sunday, 6 p.m. - Alphabet City

The Brooklyn and Cleveland-based jazz band TMT Trio is taking the stage alongside visual artist Jerry Birchfield for a unique multidisciplinary experience. TMT, a unique jazz band with no bass, draws from modern jazz and avant rock to create original compositions and reimagine old jazz standards. As always at Alphabet City, the show is free – though they do recommend you register ahead of time. You can learn more here.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs LA Kings

Saturday- 7 p.m., PPG Paints Arena

The Penguins take on the Kings Saturday night at PPG Paints Arena. The Pens are still hovering in the middle of the Metropolitan division and could certainly use a big home win over LA to propel them into the hunt for the playoffs. Amid all the holiday fanfare and joy, there is still something to be said for some intense hockey action. Puck drops at 7 p.m., and you can get tickets here.

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