Pittsburgh Holiday Events 2026

Annual events below run every holiday season; exact 2026 dates get confirmed by venues in the fall — we'll update this page as they're announced.

The big five

Kennywood Holiday Lights

Millions of lights across the park, rides running in the cold, and the novelty of a roller coaster in December. The region's signature holiday event — 2026 dates: Fri Nov 13, 2026 through Sun Jan 3, 2027 (select days). Go on a weeknight to skip the crowds.

Phipps Winter Flower Show

The conservatory's annual winter transformation. Beautiful, warm inside (a genuine selling point in December), and the best photo op in the city that isn't the skyline. 2026–27 dates not yet announced — Phipps typically announces in late September, and we'll update this page when they do.

Pittsburgh Zoo Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience

The zoo after dark, done in lights — a holiday lantern show with over a million lights. Great for families and genuinely fun for adults too. 2026–27 dates not yet announced; last season ran late November through early January.

Ice skating at PPG Place

The downtown rink under the castle-like glass towers. 2026–27 season: Nov 13, 2026 through Feb 28, 2027, with skate rentals on site; go early evening when the lights come on.

Peoples Gas Holiday Market

European-style market stalls downtown — gifts, food, hot drinks — back in Market Square for 2026. Fri Nov 20 through Thu Dec 24, 2026. Pair it with the skating rink a few blocks away for a full evening.

Also on the calendar

• Downtown Light Up Night — the city's official holiday kickoff, typically late November. Fireworks, performances, the tree lighting.
• Andrea Bocelli, Dec 21 at PPG Paints Arena — the holiday-season arena show; see the concert calendar.
• Steelers home games Dec 6 (SNF vs. Texans) & Dec 20 (vs. Ravens) — December football is its own holiday tradition. Game-day guide here.

Visiting for the holidays?

Downtown hotels put you walking distance from the rink, the market, and Light Up Night.