2021 holiday events that can’t be missed in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — It’s that time of year again. The air is colder, spirits are lifted and there are tons of activities all across the Steel City for you and your family to do!

With the holiday season upon us, Pittsburgh is primed to help visitors celebrate the season through experiences, attractions, shops, restaurants and so much more that help set the region apart. Channel 11 gathered just some of the best and put them in this 2021 holiday guide of events around Pittsburgh.

The annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market takes place downtown, where you can browse outdoor wooden chalets brimming with unique gifts and holiday experiences. You can enjoy live music while strolling through an illuminated market square.

The Ice Rink at PPG Place is a can’t miss experience for everyone! Since 2001, this rink has been a staple attraction in Downtown Pittsburgh during the holidays. Ticketing this year can be done online and pre-paid to guarantee your date and time slot and to avoid long lines. You may also purchase tickets by walk-up.

If you’re looking for places to go during the holiday break or fun activities perfect for families, groups, and date nights, Carnegie Science Center is offering festive experiences throughout November and December. Here’s what’s coming up this holiday season at Carnegie Science Center. Events like the Miniature Railroad & Village, Laser Holiday Magic and Polar PJ Parties are just a few of the many events happening at the Science Center. For more information and to register, visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org or call (412) 237 - 3400.

County Executive Rich Fitzgerald also announced that the county’s holiday drive-in laser show will return to North Park for the 2021 season! The first show will be held on Dec. 1, 2021. The 45-minute light show is synchronized with holiday music and allows families to enjoy the show right from their own vehicle. Tickets may be purchased online at https://alleghenycounty.us/lasershow or by phone at (412) 350-2528.

The Allegheny County 53rd Annual Holiday Music Program will kick off on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 with performances by the McKeesport High School Orchestra and the McKeesport High School Jazz Band. The program includes performances each weekday at 11:30 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. through Monday, December 20.

For those who like to shop, don’t miss the Handmade Arcade at the convention center. It’s an annual event featuring dozens upon dozens of local vendors selling their crafts just in time for the holiday season. Or, if you’d rather explore one neighborhood, check out Lawrenceville’s Joy of Cookies tour where many boutique shops are open for extended hours with free cookies at each stop!

Also, for anyone 21 and older, you do not want to miss the Miracle bar, which is a national Christmas bar pop-up that is known to make an appearance in the city each year.

You can also make your season sparkle at Kennywood’s Holiday Lights. Along with the 100-foot-tall tree, visitors can enjoy light shows around the Lagoon, meet and eat with St. Nick at Dinner with Santa, savor an all-new holiday menu, and enjoy special live entertainment. A Kennywood evening isn’t complete without rides, and – weather permitting – the Jack Rabbit and Gran Prix join the Holiday Lights ride lineup in 2021, the first time a Kennywood coaster will operate in winter!

“There’s no better way to conclude 2021 than with Kennywood’s biggest and best Holiday Lights ever,” says Kennywood General Manager Mark Pauls. “Guests will have a great time walking through our winter wonderland, enjoying some rides and celebrating the most wonderful time of the year together. We have some great gifts to share this season above and beyond Holiday Lights, too – some that may even arrive before Christmas. So, stay tuned.”

There’s still time for individuals, families and groups to take part in a treasured Pittsburgh holiday tradition – the annual Gingerbread House Competition – by creating gingerbread masterpieces and then uploading photos as online entries. The 19th annual City of Pittsburgh Gingerbread House Display and Competition returns in 2021 in a virtual format that will feature an online photo gallery available throughout the holiday season.

Pittsburgh residents and visitors are also invited to celebrate the holidays at The Terminal! With a calendar of exciting events, there are several ways to ring in the season with friends and family in the heart of the Strip District into January 2022! You can click here to see a full list of events.

The holiday season of gratitude and appreciation gets underway at Heinz Hall as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra invites those near and far to enjoy concerts and activities that celebrate this special time of the year. In addition to continuing to offer online streamed concerts, the Pittsburgh Symphony this season will again welcome the community to come to Heinz Hall to enjoy live music and other festivities. You can see a full list of shows by clicking here.

Be sure to visit VisitPITTSBURGH’s website for additional events throughout the holiday season.

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