Emily Fritz | A&E Editor
With Night of Lights behind us, there is only one way forward: through the holiday lights and baked sweets! Whether you’re sticking around after finals or just sampling the holiday cheer between now and then, there is plenty to do around the city.
Theatre & Music
Nightmare Before Christmas
Heinz Hall is making the transition from spooky to sugarplum fairies with Danny Elfman’s classic score. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will play along to a live screening of the film on Nov. 16-17 at 7 p.m.
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
Set two years after Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” this romance, directed by Kyle Haden, will run at City Theatre from Nov. 25 to Dec. 17.
A 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol
Join the Red Masquers for their 2023 holiday production at Genesius Theater from Dec. 6 to 9. General admission is $20, seniors are $10 and student admission is $5.
A Christmas Story: The Play
Dubbed a “laugh-a-minute” show for ages 9 to 99,” this screen-to-stage adaptation is not for the “Fra-GEE-lay” at heart. Catch this classic at the O’Reilly Theater any weekend in December. Tickets start at $35.
Holiday Lights
Phipps Conservatory Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show
“Marvelous metallics, twinkling trees and fantastic floras” are a staple at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Experience this dazzling array of frosted foliage from Nov. 15 through Jan. 9. Tickets can be purchased online at $17.95 with a student discount.
Zoo Lights Drive-Thru
See the Pittsburgh Zoo glow with tidings of good cheer from Nov. 24 through Dec. 30. Adorned with over 150 animal lights and new displays, festive music and holiday treats, this unique opportunity to see the zoo after-hours is a must-do. The event is priced at $45 per vehicle.
Glowland
Nestled in the heart of Oakland, this array of holiday fun lasts from Nov. 20 to Jan. 2. This year features Quebec-based art installation, EXPOsure alongside a silent disco, a drone show and a music festival.
Outdoor Activities
Ice Skating at PPG Place
Ice skating is a classic rite of passage for the winter months. Join the DU hockey team on Sunday, Dec. 3 for skating lessons and hot chocolate. The skating rink will remain open until Feb. 26, with regular pricing at $11 for admission and $5 for skate rental.
Holiday Lights Mini Golf
Fun Fore All Family Fun Park is hosting an interactive holiday light display until Jan. 3. Weather permitting, guests will pay $15 to play one course or $20 for both courses. The display has been named best holiday lights display by KDKA since 2017.
Visit a Tree Farm
Shadyside Nursery, Allison’s Christmas Trees, Hozak Farms, Grupp’s Christmas Trees and Pine Hill Farms Christmas Tree Farms boast the best firs in the ‘hood. Prices and sizes vary by location.
Holiday Markets
People’s Gas Holiday Market
The 12th annual People’s Gas Holiday Market will be available to help you finish your holiday shopping lists this season until Dec. 24 in Market Square. Donate to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and receive a free gift!
Handmade Arcade Holiday Market 2023
The David L. Lawrence Convention Center is hosting over 275 talented artists and crafts people at the largest holiday market of the season! From hands-on homemade activities to community art projects, Dec. 1 and 2 will include Friday night happy hour, followed by early bird shopping the next morning and general admission beginning at 11 a.m. Free timed tickets are available on Eventbrite.