The holidays may be incredibly different from those in the past but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of family friendly activities to do in the ‘burgh and beyond. From virtual events to drive-through light shows, we have rounded up a list of events for you and your family to enjoy.
Paid Events:
Elfburgh Christmas
Hundred Acres Manor – Selects Days until December 22; 6 – 10 p.m.
Elfburgh Christmas is a drive through Christmas display where families can see and listen to Santa’s elves and even meet and greet Santa preparing for the holiday in his workshop while in the comfort and safety of the car.
Zoo Lights Drive-Thru Presented by F.N.B. Corporation
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium – Thursday – Sunday until January 3; 5 – 9:30p.m.
Happening on select nights through January 3, families are invited to drive through the Pittsburgh Zoo at night while guided by a themed audio tour as thousands of environmentally friendly LED lights transform the park into an unforgettable winter wonderland!
The Hip Hop Nutcracker At Home – Harris Theater at Home
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust – Everyday until January 3
Available for purchase for livestream and on-demand at the Harris Theater at Home, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. A unique and joyful event, this evening-length production is performed by an exciting cast of a dozen talented dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. Families can watch the live performance from the comfort of their home at select showings, there is also an option to watch a recording of the performance at any time.
Free Events:
Front Row: Tapestry of Light, A Holiday Celebration
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra – Live Stream on Friday, December 18
Enjoy the magic and excitement of the holiday season with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Tapestry of Light, A Holiday Celebrations. Conducted and performed by Byron Stripling and the talend PSO, this show is perfect for all ages. Streamed live at Heinz Hall on Friday December 18 at 7:30 p.m., viewers will also have the option to view the concert for free at any time after. So gather with friends and family to watch old favorites and discover new surprises; a sensory-friendly version will also be available!
Virtual Stories with Santa
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Tuesdays and Fridays at Select Times until December 22
The Phipps Conservatory is offering free virtual stories read by Santa himself on Tuesdays and Fridays until December 22. Stories include Penguin and Pinecone: A Friendship Story; written and illustrated by Salina Yoon and Snowmen at Night; written by Caralyn Buehner and illustrated by Mark Buehner.
Winter Window Displays at The Terminal
Strip District Terminal – Everyday until December 31
Come enjoy Winter Window Displays from seventeen different local nonprofits this holiday season at The Terminal. Each nonprofit has dreamed up a display to put in the Terminal’s storefront windows that the entire family will love. Warm up with a hot cocoa and take a stroll down the Terminal walkway to see what each non profit came up with!
Crafton’s Celebration of Lights
Crafton Park – Select Days until January 3; 6 – 10 p.m.
Crafton Parks and Recreation Committee is excited to announce the first ever Crafton’s Celebration of Lights benefitting the Crafton-Ingram Food Bank. This is a self-guided audio tour through the sparkling lights of Crafton, highlighting thirteen homes. The tour is completely free with a requested donation of whatever participants can give.
First Night Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust – December 31; 11:00 p.m.
Tune into KDKA TV or CBSN Pittsburgh and ring in the New Year Pittsburgh style with Pittsburgh Today Live news anchors Heather Abraham and David Highfield. In this one hour, TV-only special edition of Highmark First Night, viewers will enjoy music, magic, and more from talented artists in addition to fireworks and the raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball at midnight!
Written for PRESENTE by Rebecca Hansborough
