Still trying to squeeze in some holiday magic before Christmas arrives?
Good news: Pittsburgh has no shortage of festive fun — and even better, most of it doesn’t end on Dec. 25.
Whether you’re hosting family, entertaining kids or just trying to get into the spirit yourself, here are a few last-minute activities worth checking out in the final days before Christmas. And if your schedule’s already full? Don’t worry. All of these continue into the new year — except one.
1. Ice skating at PPG Place
Glide beneath the glass castle at the UPMC Rink at PPG Place, where the glowing Christmas tree and glass towers set the perfect holiday scene. It’s the most beautiful rink in North America — officially — and a must-do for locals and visitors alike.
2. Pittsburgh’s Gingerbread House Display
Head to the City-County Building to see one of Pittsburgh’s sweetest traditions. The annual Gingerbread House Display is filled with dozens of imaginative creations from schools, families and community groups. Admission is free, and it’s open through early January.
3. Holiday Market in the Cultural District
Though Market Square is under construction this year, the Pittsburgh Holiday Market has a temporary home in the Cultural District along Penn Avenue. Stop by for last-minute gifts, handmade ornaments and seasonal snacks.
Note: This is the one event that wraps up on Christmas Eve — don’t miss it.
4. Carnegie Trees & Neapolitan presepio
The Carnegie Museum of Art’s Hall of Architecture is filled with towering, ornately decorated trees — a Pittsburgh tradition since the 1960s. While you’re there, see the Neapolitan presepio, a handcrafted 18th-century nativity scene with intricate details and hundreds of figures.
5. Holiday Laser Show at the Carnegie Kamin Science Center
Skip the cold and take in a colorful, high-energy holiday laser show set to classic and contemporary tunes. Shows run multiple times daily in the Buhl Planetarium and continue after Christmas.
6. Kennywood’s Holiday Lights
With more than 3 million lights, Kennywood transforms into a full-blown winter wonderland. Stroll through the park, ride the carousel, or just sip cocoa while soaking in the atmosphere. Holiday Lights continues through Jan. 4.
Can’t fit it all in before the big day?
That’s OK. With the exception of the Holiday Market, all of these events extend beyond Christmas. So if the pre-holiday rush has you tied up, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy Pittsburgh’s festive season well into the new year.
It's Christmas 365 