PDP Unveils 2024 Light Up Night and Holiday Season Festivities

Highmark Light Up Night®, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™, Santa’s House, and much more to return Downtown this month

Downtown Pittsburgh – Today, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and a host of partners unveiled details of the 2024 Holiday Season in Downtown Pittsburgh, including the much-anticipated return of Highmark Light Up Night®, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™, Santa’s House, and much more. The return of familiar favorites with some new holiday attractions continues the memory-making tradition that ensures Downtown Pittsburgh is the best place to be for fun-filled holiday festivities. The 63rd Anniversary of Light Up Night will feature spectacular tree lightings, three stages with live music, craft food vendors, festive shopping experiences, and, of course, supersized fireworks.

Get all the details: DowntownPittsburghHolidays.com

GRAND OPENING DAY | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22

For those who just can’t wait for Light Up Night, there are fantastic opportunities for some early ‘wonder and light’ experiences at our Grand Opening Festivities on Friday, November 22. Downtown residents, workers, and visitors are invited to celebrate the official kickoff of the Holiday Season with the grand opening of the Peoples Gas Holiday Market, The Rink at PPG Place, and a rousing night of Merry Karaoke!

Peoples Gas Holiday Market Grand Opening | 11 AM – 9 PM

The 13th annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ will transform Market Square with wooden chalets brimming with high-quality gifts that offer both international flair and local charm. Jump start your holiday shopping while listening to live music from the Sounds of the Season Stage, delicious food, drinks, and more. Get into the holiday spirit with a hot mug of Glühwein or a delicious seasonal craft ale from Sly Fox! 

Free limited-edition souvenir ornament with a donation! 
As an exclusive for grand opening night, shoppers will receive a limited-edition souvenir ornament from Peoples Gas with a suggested $20 donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. 

Merry Karaoke | 5-9 PM

Nothing screams ‘holidays’ more than Merry Karaoke at the Peoples Gas Holiday Market! Perform a song at this open mic show and get rewarded with a prize from a grab bag of restaurant gift cards, worth up to $500! Hosted by YaJagoff! Media, the event kicks off at 5 p.m. Sign-up to sing at the Holiday Market in Market Square—even if you can’t carry a holiday tune, you’re guaranteed to be a winner!

View the full opening day schedule here: https://downtownpittsburghholidays.com/grand-opening-day

HIGHMARK LIGHT UP NIGHT^® | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Light Up Night 2024 returns on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, with this year’s programming kicking off at 4 p.m.! Festivities will spotlight the City’s unique combination of traditional and contemporary holiday attractions, complemented by excellent live music, including an exciting performance by Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum alt-rock band The Fray, and magical illuminated experiences throughout Downtown.

Tree Lightings, Bridge Lighting & Fireworks

5 p.m. | City-County Building: Tree Lighting with Zambelli Rooftop Fireworks
The City of Pittsburgh’s 109th Official Tree is a 40-foot blue spruce from Springdale features hundreds of oversized ornaments, 90 of which bear the name of a City neighborhood.

6 p.m. | 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 p.m. | Stanwix St. & Penn Ave: Highmark Christmas Tree Lighting with Zambelli Rooftop Fireworks
One of the most beautiful sights Downtown during the holidays, 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.

8 p.m. | “The Three Sisters:” Lighting of the Sister Bridges
Roberto Clemente (Sixth Street), Andy Warhol (Seventh Street), and Rachel Carson (Ninth Street) Bridges
This winter, Allegheny County, in partnership with Shiftworks Community + Public Arts, unveils The Three Sisters, a dynamic light show illuminating Pittsburgh’s Sister Bridges. Created by artists Marques Redd, and Mikael Owunna, the installation draws inspiration from indigenous cultures of Latin and Central America, with each bridge representing a ‘sister’ goddess and staple crop. The light Display will debut on Light Up Night and will run from November 23rd through December 31st.

9:30 p.m. | Xfinity Fireworks Spectacular with Supersized Zambelli Finale
Following a rocking headline performance by The Fray, the night will end with a supersized Grand Finale display by the first family of pyrotechnics, Zambelli Fireworks.

Live Music & Entertainment

This year, musical entertainment for Highmark Light Up Night^® will be presented on three stages! The Highmark Main Stage opens the festivities at 4 p.m. with Pittsburgh-based rock band Meeting of Important People, followed by local music legends Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers at 6 p.m., and Hugo Cruz & The Caminos to round out the evening with their jazz-fusion sound.

Kicking things off on the Xfinity Riverside stage, DJ Arie Cole will be spinning tracks for the “5 at 5” Happy Hour on the 6th Street Bridge from 4 – 6 p.m., followed by soul-rock group The Buckle Downs at 6:30 p.m. Multi-platinum headline act The Fray will close out the evening with a not-to-be-missed show at 8:30 p.m. before the Supersized Zambelli Fireworks Grand Finale.

Meanwhile in Market Square, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market will feature festive live music all day long on the Sounds of the Season Stage with performances from Megan Paullet Duo, Mark Ferrari Duo, Hot Metal, and the Sounds of Chorus Pittsburghstarting at 11:30 a.m.

Find a full schedule of Light Up Night performers will be made available at downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays.

Family Friendly Activities

Starting at 4 p.m. head over to The Highmark Holiday Block Party at Penn Ave and Stanwix Street, where revelers can warm up by the fire pits or on the light-up dance floor to a silent disco. Swing by Harris Theater at 3:30 and 4:35 p.m. for a wonderful lineup of All-Ages Short Films from Pittsburgh Film Festival. The Pirates Mini-Fest is making its much-anticipated comeback with appearances from the Pirates Parrot and Pierogies, holiday-themed face painting, balloon artists stations, inflatables, backyard games, prizes and even Pierogi Races! Nearby, you can grab a free Coke Zero and snap a photo with the Coca Cola Santa. Plus, anyone who visits Santa will get a limited-edition Coca Cola polar bear–while supplies last! 

Head inside Fifth Avenue Place for the Fifth Avenue FREEZE! Discover a shimmering holiday display of a variety of ice carvings including a snowman, Christmas tree, Snoopy, a snowflake and even Rudolph! Plus, audiences can once again marvel at a live ice carving show by award-winning master ice carver Rich Bubin of Ice Creations.

Escape the cold and head indoors at 600 Liberty Ave for Holiday KidsPlay between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., where the little ones can enjoy free hands-on crafts, educational games, and more. Then head over to Heinz Hall Courtyard to snap whimsical photos at the Selfie Garden with life-size cut-outs of favorite characters and scenes from Fred Rogers Productions. For a visual feast, stroll through the 22nd annual Gingerbread House Competition Display in the grand lobby of the City-County Building. This dazzling array of deliciously decorated creations was previously voted one of the nation’s best displays by USA Today!

New this year, Tech25 is programming Smithfield United Church and Strawberry Way from 5:30 – 9 p.m. on Light Up Night. In partnership with the Buhl Foundation, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Smithfield United Church, and other community organizations, the event aims to celebrate Smithfield United Church’s historical role as a community hub and to enhance downtown Pittsburgh’s safety and engagement. The evening will feature projection mapping art, an organ recital, youth sports tournaments, a workforce resource fair, and outreach programs focused on anti-violence.

Light Up Night Parties

6th Street Bridge Party featuring “5 at 5” Happy Hour Discounts from 4-6 PM! 

New this year, the party is heading to the Roberto Clemente (6th Street) Bridge! Fun and dancing begins at 4 p.m. and lasts throughout the evening. Between 4 and 6 p.m., find $5 drinks from Trace Brewing and Lawrenceville Distilling, $5 mouthwatering eats from artisan food vendors and $5 deals on gifts and Light Up Night apparel, while DJ Arie Cole delivers the music. It’s the perfect happy hour on the bridge—beer, bites, and beats for just five bucks!

Blast! VIP Party: 6:30 – 9:30 PM

The BLAST! VIP Party will once again provide an oasis for ticket holders with signature cocktails, hearty appetizers, and special desserts while they relax and regroup right across from the hustle and bustle of one of Downtown’s busiest nights of the year. This year’s BLAST! Party will be held at Two Gateway Center– tickets will go on sale at downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays.

ALL SEASON LONG

The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ | November 23 – December 24, 2024

The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ celebrates its 13th season with global and local vendors! Brimming with one-of-a-kind wares from local makers along with beautiful and practical gifts created by artisans from around the world, this Pittsburgh institution has become a beloved holiday tradition for young and old. Music will also fill the air at the Sounds of the Season Stage with live performances from singer/songwriters, bands, and small local groups delivering holiday favorites during the week over lunchtime, weekday happy hours, and throughout the day on weekends! 

Santa’s House | November 29 – December 23, 2024 

Get ready to welcome Santa back in ‘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. Just let Santa’s helpers know which you prefer. Santa’s House will be open November 29 through December 23, with expanded hours in the final week.

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 photo of your visit with Santa in a keepsake frame, as well as a downloadable file to share with friends and family. Please check DowntownPittsburgh.com/Holidays forhours and other details.

The Black Market at the Peoples Gas Holiday Market | December 5-8 & 12-15, 2024

This highly anticipated pop-up holiday shop returns for two weekends to showcase and support Black-owned businesses in Downtown Pittsburgh. This year, you can find the Black Market at the Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Market Square! Brought to you by BNY.

Holiday KidsPlay | Saturdays and Sundays, November 23 – December 23, and Black Friday

In a new location at 600 Liberty Ave, you’ll find a variety of indoor Holiday KidsPlay activities in partnership with Fred Rogers Productions and the Pittsburgh Pirates! Decorate a Mister Rogers sweater ornament with messages of thanks, make your own ornament, visit with Pittsburgh Pirates mascots, play giant games, and settle in for story time, plus a range of other hands-on activities that offer creative playtime and a chance to warm up this holiday season. 

Selfie Garden | November 23 – December 23

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.

Aurora: Illuminating the Holiday Magic of Mellon Square 

Throughout the season, discover new public art and installations around the neighborhood, including light displays, murals, and more. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, with support from the Benter Foundation, is bringing a new light display and holiday experience to one of Downtown’s most iconic urban parks. The 25′ light display, “Aurora,” is designed by Pittsburgh-based artist Joshua Challen Ice and features hundreds of diamond-shaped panels that change colors when the wind blows or when people touch them. Learn more about this project and other public art in Downtown this season at downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays.

Live Music on the Sounds of the Season Stage in Market Square | November 22 – December 24

A wish on many peoples’ list is for more live performances, and they’ll be roaring back for the holidays at the Sounds of the Season Stage in Market Square! Singers/songwriters, bands, and small local groups from communities throughout our region will provide a wonderfully diverse selection of soulful sounds, contemporary covers, and festive renditions of holiday favorites. We’ll also celebrate a cross-section of Pittsburgh’s international communities with holiday tunes from around the world reflecting African, Latin American, and European influences. Live performances during the week over lunchtime, weekday happy hours, and throughout the day on weekends!