PITTSBURGH — The cancellation of Light Up Night is among changes being made to the 2020 holiday season in downtown Pittsburgh because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Pivoting efforts towards a reimagined holiday season, we’re excited to bring back other returning traditions and new surprises that can be hosted safely,” an announcement said.
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The Peoples Gas Holiday Market will return for a ninth year, though it will be reconfigured with social distancing in mind. It is scheduled to open on Nov. 27.
“Yeah its disappointing,” said Susan Thompson. “Anything that was lit up was always a huge hit.”
Hotels and retailers will also feel the pinch this season without the event.
“You get into the millions of dollars of loss when you have an event like that cancelled,” said Jerad Bachar, president and CEO of VISITPittsburgh.
Another change coming is “Santa Zoom: Live from the North Pole,” replacing the traditional Santa’s House in Market Square with a unique experience offering a live chat with Santa while providing a digital keepsake for families. Open daily between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it will be free with a minimum $5 suggested donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
This year would have been the 60th year of Light Up Night.
CLICK HERE for more information.
The annual gingerbread house competition will return for this holiday season, but it will be virtual. Organizers said if you want to enter, you can upload photos of your creation HERE and a panel of judges will then choose from the uploads. An online gallery will be created starting Friday, Nov. 20 that will showcase all of the entries.
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