It’s that week between Christmas and New Year’s Day and you’re not quite sure what to do.
Short of getting in the car to browse Target’s sad-looking ravaged Christmas section, here are some things to do to keep the holiday spirit in high gear!
Check out the Heinz History Center’s ‘A Very Merry Pittsburgh’ exhibit
Take a step back in time when Downtown Pittsburgh was full of retailers, festive window displays and so much holiday cheer at the Heinz History Center’s “A Very Merry Pittsburgh” exhibit.
Learn about regional, religious and secular holiday season traditions like the polar bear plunge, Diwali, Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night and so much more.
A rotating presentation of images shows how Pittsburghers once celebrated the season. Check out window display artifacts from Horne’s, Kaufmann’s, Macy’s and Chicago’s Marshall Field’s.
‘A Very Merry Pittsburgh’ returns to Heinz History Center for 2023
Heinz History Center’s “A Very Merry Pittsburgh” exhibit is back this holiday season.
See the Steubenville Nutcracker Village
Seriously, if you haven’t been to Steubenville, what are you waiting for? Even the “Today” show featured these life-size nutcrackers!
There are now more than 200 placed in a few-block section around Fort Steuben. You can walk around them or drive through — or a mixture of both.
Take some selfies with your favorite nutcrackers!
Visit the Steubenville Nutcracker Village in 2023
The world’s largest collection of life-size nutcrackers is on display in downtown Steubenville, Ohio, during the holidays!
Check out 2 million lights at Kennywood
This has become Western Pennsylvania’s best holiday tradition — Holiday Lights at Kennywood!
There are more than 2 million lights throughout the park — from synchronized light displays to animated displays and more!
Plus, you have to see the massive train show inside the Penny Arcade.
Kennywood Park’s Holiday Lights is back for 2023!
Experience Western Pennsylvania’s favorite amusement park — at the holidays!
Get to Phipps
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Winter Flower Show is a magical place for the holidays. The Pittsburgh conservatory and botanical gardens features an array of holiday trees, topiaries, designs and lights.
Floral displays include amaryllis, orchids and more than 20 varieties of poinsettias. Back this year is the magnificent and peaceful Winter Light Garden, complete with lighted orbs, trees, fountains and a tunnel of lights.
Tickets are by reservation, so purchase online before going. Can’t make it before Jan. 1? Phipps continues the holiday magic through Jan. 7.
Holiday Magic: Visit Phipps’ Winter Flower Show and Light Garden in 2023
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Winter Flower Show returns for 2023.
See the Christmas rooms at Kraynak’s
Take a ride to Hermitage, Pennsylvania, to check out the beautifully decorated Christmas rooms at Kraynak’s.
The holiday display celebrates 60 years in 2023.
The Christmas display is open through Dec. 31.
60 years of Santa’s Christmasland at Kraynak’s
If Kraynak’s Santa’s Christmasland doesn’t get you into the spirit, I’m not sure what will.
Drive around to look at lights
There are so many light displays to see in people’s yards! Grab a peppermint cold brew coffee at Sheetz, turn on your Christmas playlist and go drive around looking at lights.
Or, check out a professional display.
Or do both!
Western Pennsylvania drive-thru lights displays 2023
From resorts and parks to the neighborhood Clark Griswold, there are plenty of drive-thru lights displays.
Go Downtown! See the Pittsburgh gingerbread and Horne’s tree, go ice skating at PPG Place
While the Holiday Market at Market Square is closed, there’s still so much to do in Downtown Pittsburgh!
See the gingerbread displays at the City-County Building (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Jan. 1), check out the Horne’s tree, the Point State Park tree and go ice skating at PPG Place.
Plus, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” has performances through Dec. 28, and “Who’s Holiday” is at the Greer Cabaret Theater through Dec. 31.