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12 Days of Holiday Fun in Downtown 🎄 🛍

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Downtown is full of fun events for the whole family, all season long! Explore holiday sights, shop local businesses, take fun family photos, and make new family traditions in the city as you count down to Christmas.

#DowntownPittsburgh 📸 by @four_one_two

Tuesday, December 14:

Stop by EQT Plaza in the Cultural District to see the World’s Largest Pickle Ornament! This three-story high Heinz pickle balloon is a sight to relish. Don’t forget to tag #PickleOrnamentPGH in your pickle pics!

Wednesday, December 15:

Discover beautiful sights and pieces of architecture while viewing all of the festive holiday lights and decorations throughout the city on the Holiday Lights Tour with Walk The Burgh Tours. See Downtown’s many trees, a unique gingerbread house display, a replica of the Crèche from Vatican City, and much more!

Thursday, December 16:

Shop small in the transformed Market Square at the Peoples Gas Holiday Market! Find wooden chalets full of high-quality gifts from international vendors. While you’re shopping, enjoy music from local talent all week long on the BJ’s Sounds of the Season Stage.

Friday, December 17:

Your heart will grow three sizes as Arcade Comedy Theater presents a cast of improvers and comedians for How The Grinch Got Roasted

Saturday, December 18:

It’s your final chance to win $500 in Downtown retail & restaurant gift cards from the Downtown Elf Hunt! Search for 22 elves hiding in your favorite small business around the neighborhood for a chance to win $500 in Downtown Restaurant & Retail Gift cards, plus receive special mystery gift cards with select purchases!

Sunday, December 19:

Explore the Holiday Kidsplay Selfie Garden in Heinz Hall Courtyard, where families can capture fun photos with character cutouts and colorful backdrops from your favorite children’s TV series including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, Peg + Cat, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood from Fred Rogers Productions, and more! Presented by Xfinity.

Monday, December 20: 

Visit the North Pole this season without needing a train ticket! The Carnegie Science Center is bringing The Polar Express in 3D to The Rangos Giant Cinema. Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, the movie stars Tom Hanks and offers viewings in 3D.

Tuesday, December 21:

Visit with Santa and his elves live from the North Pole with Santa Zoom in Market Square, presented by BJ’s! The experience is free with a suggested $5 donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. At the end of your visit, receive a downloadable photo with Santa, powered by Xfinity.

Wednesday, December 22:

Still looking for those last-minute items on your gift list? Shop around Downtown using the Downtown Holiday Gift Guide to find perfect gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting small businesses (and not worrying about last-minute online shipping). Don’t forget to use your Downtown Edge Card for extra savings. Still need a card? Stop by PG&H, right outside of the Peoples Gas Holiday Market, to pick one up!

Thursday, December 23:

As snow settles on the Steel City, join Marie in the Land of Enchantment with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater’s The Nutcracker. See five fanciful scenes, over 150 unique costumes, and more! 

Friday, December 24:

Skate in the heart of the city at the UPMC Ice Rink in PPG Place. Pre-order your tickets to skip the line! 

Continue the Celebration:

Holiday Kidsplay Selfie Garden | Open until December 28

National Aviary Holidays in the Garden | December 26 – 29

Miracle on Liberty Pop-up Bar | Spreading cheer until December 31

First Night | December 31

Jingle Bar

Ways to Stay Warm Downtown

View the Downtown dining directory and shopping directory for the full list of offerings Downtown. 

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