A 38-foot blue spruce donated by a Brighton Heights homeowner will serve as Pittsburgh’s official Christmas tree in 2026.
The Department of Public Works’ Forestry Division selected the tree, which will be moved to the City-County Building in November. It will be illuminated during Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night on Saturday, Nov. 21, as part of the city’s 113th annual Christmas tree tradition.
The tree lighting is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the City-County Building portico.
City festivities along Grant Street will run from 4 to 7:30 p.m. and include live music, a light show, fireworks, food trucks, artists, activities and the annual gingerbread display. The city says the event marks the 65th year of Light Up Night.
Pittsburgh’s official Christmas tree was first erected at the City-County Building construction site in 1915. The live evergreen is displayed on the building’s front steps and decorated with large ornaments, including the city’s Coat of Arms, designed by Wendell August Forge, and 90 ornaments bearing the names of Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
After the holiday season, the spruce will be turned into mulch for the CitiParks system.
