Saturday in the Square: December 21 at the Holiday Hop

Holiday Hop, The Commoner Corner Pop-Up + a special performance of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker

Join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for a festive extended day of holiday fun at Saturday in the Square! On Saturday, December 21st, Mellon Square transforms into a hub of family-friendly activities and holiday cheer, starting at 12:00 PM.

The Holiday Hop

Kick off the day with a kid-friendly food and fun tour of Downtown Pittsburgh. With over a dozen stops, guests of all ages will enjoy:

• Festive holiday food and drink tastings
• Holiday entertainment
• Storytime sessions
• Craft stations

Be sure to visit the Mellon Square Cocoa Cart, where complimentary hot cocoa will keep spirits warm as you hop from stop to stop. The Holiday Hop is a ticketed event, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Register here!

Evening Festivities

As the Holiday Hop concludes at 4:00 PM, the fun continues with The Commoner Winter Warm-Up pop-up reopening at 5:00 PM. Gather for an evening of seasonal cocktails, mocktails, warm beverages, and tasty snacks for all ages.

Stick around for a chance to capture a special holiday memory! Keep Pittsburgh Dope, the city’s beloved photographer, will offer free holiday portraits under the lights of Aurora from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Pre-registration for professional holiday photos is encouraged. Click here to save your spot!

A Night of Music: Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker”

At Aurora, don’t miss a spectacular one-night-only event showcasing jazz legend Duke Ellington and Pittsburgh artist Billy Strayhorn’s 1960 interpretation of The Nutcracker. A 17-piece big band will take the stage for two performances—at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM—bringing this iconic holiday classic to life. Each performance will feature not only the music but also fascinating stories and commentary about the creation of the work and its deep Pittsburgh roots.

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is proud to collaborate with Chatham University, which will serve as the rehearsal home for this special production. Under the direction of Adam Lee, Chatham’s esteemed music director and lead organizer of the production, the big band is set to deliver an unforgettable evening of music that highlights the historic contributions of these two jazz legends.

Schedule of Events

• 12:00 PM – The Holiday Hop begins (starting at Mellon Square)
• 1:00 PM – Holly Trolley extended hours begin
• 4:00 PM – The Holiday Hop concludes
• 5:00 PM – The Commoner Winter Warm-Up opens
• 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Holiday Photos @ Aurora by Keep Pittsburgh Dope
• 6:00 PM – Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker”
• 8:00 PM – Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker”

Holly Trolley Extended Hours

Enjoy extended Holly Trolley service from 1:00 PM to 8:30 PM, ensuring easy access to all the day’s activities.

Don’t miss this magical day filled with holiday spirit, music, and memories to cherish!

Learn more about Aurora!

With the generous support of The Benter Foundation and Eden Hall Foundation, Aurora is set to be the marquee holiday attraction in downtown Pittsburgh, offering a unique blend of art, light, and festive cheer. Additional support for Aurora comes from the Richard King Mellon Foundation.