Downtown Pittsburgh’s 2026 Holiday Season Announced

Downtown Pittsburgh – Today, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and community partners unveiled details of the 2026 Holiday Season in Downtown Pittsburgh, including commemorating two milestone anniversaries: 65 years of Highmark Light Up Night® and 15 years of Peoples Gas Holiday Market™. These beloved traditions, along with new holiday attractions and Grammy-award-winning headliner Daya, are expected to draw thousands to Downtown Pittsburgh throughout the season, supporting local businesses, artists, and restaurants along the way.

“We take the holidays very seriously in Pittsburgh,” said Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “Last year, over 3.1 million people came Downtown for festivities throughout the season, and after a summer full of milestone events including the NFL Draft and the triumphant return of Oktoberfest, aka Prostburgh, in Market Square, we cannot wait to welcome the region back for the holidays. This year, we are doing it bigger and better, just in time to celebrate 65 years of Highmark Light Up Night®. The footprint includes Arts Landing, which will serve as the new home for the Xfinity Holiday Jam where our headliner Daya will perform before a supersized Grand Finale fireworks display!”

“Thanks to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership for bringing Highmark Light Up Night® to Arts Landing. It’s the perfect occasion to kick off Highmark Winter Glow: An Arts Landing Light Experience,” said Kendra Whitlock Ingram, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “Highmark’s generous support will help us animate Arts Landing with this free winter attraction and welcome friends and families to see Downtown in a new light.”

GRAND OPENING DAY | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Those who can’t wait for Light Up Night® can start their holiday shopping early at the Grand Opening of the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ on Friday, November 20, as it makes its return to the newly modernized Market Square.

Opening at 11 am, this year’s Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ features chalets brimming with one-of-a-kind wares from local makers along with beautiful and practical gifts created by artisans from around the world. The Market will remain open daily through Christmas Eve, with extended hours in the final week.

“For the last 15 years, Peoples has had the honor to support Downtown and small businesses through its sponsorship of the Holiday Market,” said Peoples President Michael Huwar. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this anniversary year than returning to a revitalized Market Square for shopping, entertainment, and making new holiday memories.”

Plus, on Grand Opening night starting at 5 pm, prepare for a series of quick-moving games presented and hosted by local favorites, YaJagoff. From bingo to gift-wrapping challenges, contestants will kick off the holiday season in a suitably “yinzer” way.

HIGHMARK LIGHT UP NIGHT® | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Highmark Light Up Night® returns for its special 65th anniversary in Downtown with spectacular tree and bridge lightings, two stages of live music, craft food vendors, festive shopping experiences, and, of course, supersized fireworks. Highmark Light Up Night® 2026 takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving, starting at 4 pm.

“For 65 years, Highmark Light Up Night® has been a cherished tradition that brings people together and showcases the spirit, pride, and resilience of our city,” said David Holmberg, CEO of Highmark Health. “Highmark is honored to continue serving as presenting sponsor of this signature Pittsburgh event. Through our Highmark Bright Blue Futures program, we are investing in programs and partnerships that strengthen our communities, address challenges, and create opportunities for healthier lives across the region.”

“Connection is at the heart of what we do at Comcast, and Light Up Night® brings Pittsburgh together in a way few events can,” said Dan Bonelli, Regional Senior Vice President of Comcast. “We’re excited to once again support this very special tradition and give families and friends more ways to celebrate the season and make lasting memories through the Xfinity Holiday Jam and Xfinity Fireworks Spectacular.”

LIGHT UP NIGHT® HIGHLIGHTS

Tree lightings, illuminated bridges, and supersized fireworks kick off the holiday season with a traditional Pittsburgh bang:

• 5 PM | City-County Building: City of Pittsburgh’s Tree Lighting with Zambelli Rooftop Fireworks — The City of Pittsburgh’s Official Christmas Tree for 2026 is a 38-foot Blue Spruce generously provided by a local family in Brighton Heights. The tree, which is Downtown’s only live evergreen, will be on display on the Grant Street Portico of the historic City-County Building through early January. Musical performances, light shows, a craft market, and the Gingerbread House Display accompany the City’s 113th annual tree lighting.
• 5:30 PM | Point Park University Pittsburgh Playhouse: Yuletide! A Holiday Spectacular — Enjoy a special preview of an electrifying new musical that takes spectators on a magical journey through heartfelt humor, music, and dance while acting as a reminder for the true reason of the season.
• 6 PM | PPG Plaza: UPMC Ultimate Holiday Tree Lighting and American Cancer Society Tribute of Light Celebration — This high-tech, energy-efficient, LED-lit holiday tree performs light shows choreographed to music. At more than 66 feet tall, it features over 100,000 lights and will display musical animation and holiday scenes.
• 7 PM | Stanwix St. & Penn Ave: Highmark Christmas Tree Lighting with Zambelli Rooftop Fireworks — The over 100-ft-tall Highmark Christmas “Tree” adorns the corner of the former landmark Horne’s department store with more than 2,500 eco-friendly LED lights and 2,000 ornaments. Plus, look out for a special visit from the Pittsburgh Pirate Parrot during the lighting ceremony.
• 8 PM | Cosmologyscape: A Dream for Pittsburgh, Lighting of the Sister Bridges Roberto Clemente (Sixth Street), Andy Warhol (Seventh Street), and Rachel Carson (Ninth Street) Bridges* — Allegheny County, with support from Shiftworks Community + Public Arts, commissioned artists Alisha B. Wormsley and Kite to highlight the iconic Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson Bridges with a light show, Cosmologyscape transforms the written dreams of Pittsburgh greats Rachel Carson, Andy Warhol, Roberto Clemente, Fred Rogers, Thaddeus Mosley, August Wilson, Helen Faison, and Madame Cardwell Dawson, as well as community members, into visual patterns that will be displayed on the bridges during this year’s holiday season.  *Official lighting will take place at Arts Landing.
• 8:30 PM | Headliner Daya during the Xfinity Holiday Jam at Arts Landing — A Grammy Award winner before the age of 20, synth-pop innovator Daya earned a double-platinum hit with “Hide Away” — her self-empowered debut single, co-written when she was still in high school. Following its success, she teamed up with the Chainsmokers for “Don’t Let Me Down,” a dance anthem that sold more than 10 million copies in America alone. Daya will bring an energetic crowd-pleasing performance to the Xfinity Holiday Jam!
• 9:30 PM | Xfinity Fireworks Spectacular with Supersized Zambelli Finale —Highmark Light Up Night® will end with a supersized Grand Finale display by the first family of pyrotechnics, Zambelli Fireworks.  

Free live music takes center stage with performances across two festive locations:

Highmark Stage (Penn Ave & Stanwix St)

• 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Confluence Theater of Pittsburgh
• 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM | Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers
• 8:15 PM – 9:30 PM | Justin Fabus

Xfinity Holiday Jam (Arts Landing)

• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | DJ Slim
• 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM | Neon Bridges
• 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Daya  

Plenty of fun for the whole family to enjoy with mascot appearances, visits with Santa, KidsPlay activities, and more:  

• The Pirate Parrot and Pierogies will be making rounds at the festival, providing Buccos’ fans and families alike with fun photo ops.
• Fifth Avenue FREEZE dazzles crowds with a shimmering holiday display of a variety of ice carvings of Christmas-themed characters.
• Live Ice Carving on Penn Ave by Rich Bubin presented by Fifth Avenue Place  
  Delight in a live ice carving presentation by Rich Bubin as he creates a replica of a popular Pittsburgh cityscape.
• Holiday KidsPlay, sponsored by the local program partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and in partnership with Fred Rogers Productions, has a new indoor home this year near Market Square (219 Forbes Ave, Second Floor) between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Little ones will enjoy free hands-on crafts, educational games, additional story times featuring special guest readers, visits from beloved Fred Rogers characters, and more every weekend until Christmas.
• Santa’s House brings a bit of North Pole magic to Heinz Hall Courtyard, offering a wonderful opportunity for little ones to share their wish lists with Santa and snap a keepsake photo. All proceeds benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. 

Pop-up Parties and other Celebrations:  

• Highmark’s Goods That Give Pop-up Shop
• Stop by the Highmark area at the corner of Penn Ave. and Stanwix St. this Light Up Night® for exclusive swag that helps feed our neighbors. When you visit the shop, you’ll be asked to donate to local food banks. Once you do, you’ll be eligible for limited-edition pieces inspired by our city and its helping heart.
• Rachel Carson Bridge 100 Year Anniversary Party 
  With support from Allegheny County, celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Rachel Carson Bridge in style with live music, food, special merchandise including an official poster, and more!
• 6th Street Block Party 
  Enjoy live music by Isaiah Smiles while hopping around different restaurants along the popular city corridor.
• BLAST! Party offers an indoor VIP experience on one of the busiest nights of the year in Downtown: At the indoor BLAST! VIP Party, ticket holders can grab signature cocktails, hearty appetizers, and special desserts while they relax and regroup. Located just steps away from the main festivities, this year’s BLAST! Party will be held at The Pittsburgh Foundation offices at 912 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, tickets will go on sale next week at downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays.  

ALL SEASON LONG  

The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ | November 20 – December 24 

The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ returns to Market Square, celebrating 15 years of local charm and international flair. Shop among over 30 vendors, including several provided by Sustainable Pittsburgh for unique items, including handmade ornaments, custom decor, candles, pre-packaged goods, and more!  

Live Music at Market Square Community Stage Presented by Huntington Bank  

Community groups from throughout our region deliver a wonderfully diverse selection of soulful sounds, contemporary covers, and festive renditions of holiday favorites while you shop the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™.  

Holiday Window Display Competition returns, featuring ten Market Square businesses with creatively decorated storefronts. Beginning on Light Up Night®, November 21, visitors are invited to stroll through the square, admire the festive displays, and vote for their favorite window. The winning business will receive a charitable donation to an organization of their choice, making this tradition not only joyful, but meaningful.  

Santa’s House | November 21 – December 24 

Get ready to welcome Santa back to ‘tahn as he returns to his cozy house in Heinz Hall Courtyard. Once again, families will have the wonderful option to visit with either a Black or White Santa. Santa’s House will open November 21 through December 24,* with expanded hours in the final week.  

*Santa’s House will be closed beginning the Saturday after LUN and will reopen on Black Friday.  

Take a keepsake photo with Santa! Help our neighbors in need this holiday season with a $10 suggested donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and receive a free digital photo of your visit to share with friends and family. Please check DowntownPittsburgh.com/Holidays for hours and other details.

Holiday KidsPlay sponsored by the local program partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library | Saturdays and Sundays, November 21 – December 20, and Black Friday 

In a new location in Market Square (219 Forbes Aves), families will find a variety of indoor Holiday KidsPlay activities sponsored by the local program partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Reading Ready Pittsburgh (RRP), and in partnership with Fred Rogers Productions.

Every weekend until Christmas, children can enroll in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL), decorate a Mister Rogers sweater ornament with messages of thanks, make their own ornament, visit with Pittsburgh Pirates mascots, play giant games, and settle in for multiple story time offerings, plus relish in craft-making spearheaded by a rotating lineup of local community partners.

Reading Ready Pittsburgh (RRP) and the City of Pittsburgh are working together to expand Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL), a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five in the City of Pittsburgh, as well as those living in more than 20 additional zip codes in the Pittsburgh area. There are no household income requirements, and enrollment only takes a couple of minutes!   

Selfie Garden | November 21 – December 24  

The beautiful outdoor Heinz Hall Courtyard will once again be transformed into a children’s television dreamland with colorful backdrops and life-sized standees of popular characters from Fred Rogers Productions’ beloved children’s shows and other PBS favorites, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Donkey Hodie and Odd Squad. 

MORE TO DO AROUND DOWNTOWN  

Ice Skating at the UPMC Rink at PPG Place | November 13, 2026 – February 28, 2027 
Take a break from shopping and lace up your skates at the coolest place downtown, surrounded by the iconic Crown Jewel of the Pittsburgh skyline! Celebrating its 26th anniversary, The UPMC Rink at PPG Place will open on Friday, November 13, and remain open daily throughout the holiday season to create magical memories and bright, festive smiles for family and friends. Reserve online skating sessions at therinkatppgplace.com/ 

Sustainable Pittsburgh Chalet at The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ | November 20 – December 24 
Visit Sustainable Pittsburgh’s chalet at the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ for an array of unique eco-friendly offerings from rotating local makers and creators. 

Pittsburgh Crèche | November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027 

Visit Pittsburgh’s larger-than-life nativity scene that models the scene of Christ’s birth and is a replica of the Crèche once found out­side of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This Crèche, which measures roughly 64 feet wide by 36 feet long and features 20 life-sized figures, has been connecting Pittsburghers and visitors with the meaning and joy of the Christmas season for over 25 years. Open to the public November 20, 2026, to early January 2027. A $25 donation per visit is strongly encouraged to support the ongoing maintenance of the exhibit. Each purchaser will be entered into a daily lottery drawing for prize offerings. 

24th Annual Gingerbread House Display & Competition | November 21, 2026 – January 8, 2027 

This beloved Pittsburgh tradition has dazzled thousands of visitors for the past two decades at both PPG Place and the historic City-County Building. The competition returns for a 24th year as houses created by the people of Pittsburgh, the surrounding Allegheny County communities, and beyond will be on display in the Grand Lobby throughout the holiday season! 

Highmark Winter Glow: An Arts Landing Light Experience | November 21 – January 10, 2027    
Wander in the glow of the season at Highmark Winter Glow: An Arts Landing Light Experience. Explore a vibrant seasonal destination where light, art, and atmosphere create moments of warmth, wonder, and discovery in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh. Free and open to all. 

Black Friday | November 27  

Avoid the wild rush of malls and put the holiday back in your holiday shopping. With holiday sights, live music, and free family activities around every corner, spending Black Friday in Downtown means more family memories and less stress. And enjoy a special bonus day of Holiday KidsPlay sponsored by the local program partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Santa’s House, live music, craft foods, and more.  

Small Business Saturday | November 28  

This well-known national initiative encourages people to come out the day after Black Friday and support their local economy by shopping at small businesses in the community. With over 150 small businesses in the Central Business District, Downtown Pittsburgh is a great place to show your support for the local economy. You’ll find small businesses offering men’s and women’s apparel, home goods, jewelry, and more for everyone on your list. 

Downtown Holiday Shopping Trail by Handmade Arcade | December 4  
Selected as a winner of the 2026 Citizen’s Downtown Placemaking Grant, Handmade Arcade’s shopping trail connects Handmade Arcade’s Holiday Market at the Convention Center to the Holiday Market in Market Square. Patrons will get the chance to shop at featured small businesses that sit between these two Holiday locations while following the trail map. 

Menorah Lighting | December 4  

On December 4 at 5 pm, join Mayor Corey O’Connor and community leaders in lighting the giant 12-foot Menorah located in front of the City-County Building. The Menorah serves as a beacon of light, symbolizing freedom and peace for all.  The celebration includes live music and Chanukah refreshments of latkes and donuts. 

Downtown Holiday Shopping | All Season Long  

Shop Downtown and put the Holiday back in your Holiday shopping. With more than 100 distinctive retailers in the Golden Triangle, you’ll find everything you need for everyone on your gift list, and you’ll be supporting the local economy!  

Downtown Holiday Dining | All Season Long  

Dining in Downtown Pittsburgh creates indelible memories, and you’ll find culinary creations to suit every palate—and price point. From casual eateries to the city’s finest restaurants, there are plenty of great places Downtown to escape the cold and comfortably enjoy a smorgasbord of flavorful foods. Take advantage of the many inviting outdoor dining opportunities offering heated spaces to make for the coziest of culinary experiences. Enjoy the wide variety of cuisines from restaurants, many of which have winterized outdoor spaces, located throughout Downtown.   

DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH HOLIDAY WEBSITE: DOWNTOWNPITTSBURGHHOLIDAYS.COM

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership maintains a website with updated information about the events and activities occurring throughout Downtown Pittsburgh this holiday season. Visit the site for schedules, maps, and much more about Highmark Light Up Night®, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™, Holiday KidsPlay sponsored by the local program partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Fred Rogers Selfie Garden, Santa’s House, Downtown shopping & dining, and more.