A dozen things to do this holiday season

By Trista Thurston

If you’re anything like me, this time of year, you’re starting to wonder what you will do with your free time now that the weather is less forgiving for traditional outdoor activities. Especially if you have little ones who will be out of school, in no particular order, here is a list of a dozen holiday-related activities to add to your calendar this season to make merry and keep spirits bright (and occupied) through the winter doldrums. Did I miss one? Let me know!

1)Visit the Crèche at the Steel Building

The Pittsburgh Crèche is a lifesize nativity scene located in the outside courtyard of the U.S. Steel Tower downtown. The crèche is available annually during the winter season, from November’s Light Up Night to Epiphany in January. It is the only authorized replica of the nativity scene in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

2) Skate at PPG

First opened in December 2001, the seasonal outdoor skating rink, UPMC Rink at PPG Place, is a classic family favorite every season. In the center of the rink is a beautiful illuminated tree. The 60-foot-high structure is decorated with more than 103,200 lights. The rink is also larger than the noteworthy Rockefeller Center ice rink.

Buy tickets online ahead of your visit and check hours at pgplace.com/directory/ the-rink/. Tuesdays are family nights, and one kiddo gets in free with each adult ticket. Tickets are $10-12, and skate rentals are $5-6. Lockers are available for $1.

3) Visit the International Santas exhibit

While you’re in the area for skating, make sure to stop inside PPG for its annual “Spirits of Giving From Around the World” exhibit in the Wintergarden. There are 16 versions of life-size Santas from various holiday traditions throughout different countries. Best of all? This cultural celebration is free!

4) Take in a concert

There are many festive concerts in Pittsburgh this season. On Dec. 16, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra will perform at PPG Paints Arena during their winter tour. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s take on the classic “The Nutcracker” runs Dec. 9-28 at The Benedum. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Highmark Holiday Pops show features all the holiday favorites and is at Heinz Hall Dec. 15-23.

5) See the trains at the Science Center

Visit all of the sights of Western Pennsylvania in one convenient location at the Carnegie Science Center’s Miniature Railroad and Villiage. It’s the largest train display in the area. The railroad celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019 and shows realistic scenes that feature the Pittsburgh region’s rich and diverse history up until 1940. New models are added yearly to the village.

Though open year-round, it’s a holiday tradition for many families. According to the website, the original creator, Charles Bowdish, made a small display with trains and model buildings of downtown Brookville to honor his brother’s wedding on Christmas Eve, 1919. As news spread, Bowdish opened the show for the public, and it remained a holiday feature until December 1954, when it was relocated to the Buhl Planetarium. It’s been at the Science Center since 1992.

6) Enjoy the Phipps Flower Show

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ annual Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden run through Jan. 7. This year’s theme is “Season’s Greetings,” and new displays, such as holiday trees adorned in jewel tones and signature floral delights, including amaryllis, orchids and 21 varieties of poinsettias will be illuminated for all to see. The Winter Light Garden fills the outdoor and discovery gardens with lights in vivid shades for an adventure outside, too.

Also on display is the new Garden Railroad: Pennsylvania Through the Four Seasons. Miniature recreations of the four seasons, as experienced in Pennsylvania, will honor the state with distinct features and landscapes.

Read more and get tickets at phipps.conservatory.org/calendar/detail/ holiday-magic.

7) Ring in the New Year at First Night

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh allows visitors to explore the Cultural District like never before. Last year’s event allowed attendees to enjoy free art and entertainment in the many theaters, galleries and one-of-a-kind spaces with outdoor stages, public art installations, visual arts galleries, a parade and fireworks.

This year’s schedule is still TBD, so visit firstnightpgh.trustarts.org for more information.

8) Check out outdoor light displays

The region is home to lots of beautiful and detailed outdoor light displays, including those found at Ogleybay and the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

The classic drive-through Festival of Lights at Ogleybay is available nightly from dusk to midnight, including holidays, until Jan. 7. Each car costs $30, so pack up the kids and friends and drive over! Six miles of lights await. The website suggests avoiding the lines if you visit Monday through Wednesday and beating the rush by arriving early, between 5 and 6 p.m. Get more information at oglebay.com/ lights-drive.

The Botanic Garden’s Dazzling Lights begins Nov. 24 and runs through Jan. 1. A field of 2,000 illuminated flowers dance with light. Walk through a tunnel of giant stars. A light show around the Lotus Pond dances in time to music. This is a walk through the property, so dress warm and wear proper shoes. Tickets must be purchased in advance at dazzlingpittsburgh.com.

9) Take in a show at Little Lake

This season, Little Lake Theatre in Peters Township has “the perfect holiday show, good for families,” said managing director Patricia Knapp. Running Nov. 30 through Dec. 16, Irving Berlin’s

“White Christmas” is based on the beloved, timeless film. The heartwarming musical adaptation features 17 Irving Berlin songs brought to life with live musicians. Purchase tickets online at littlelake.org/whitechristmas, at the box office or by calling 724-745-6300. Adults are $25, and children 18 and under are $15. Shows are selling out quickly, so get your tickets fast!

10) Shop unique gifts at the Downtown Holiday Market

Market Square becomes a festive celebration each season, with more vendors than ever this year. Stroll through an illuminated Market Square at the eleventh annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market, with wooden chalets offering one-of-a-kind gifts and holiday experiences filled with international flair and local charm. Check out the list of full-time and visiting vendors at downtownpittsburghholidays.com/holiday-market, as well as the entertainment schedule.

11) See the splendor of the Carnegie Museum of Art’s trees

Since 1961, the museum has decorated the Hall of Architecture with massive Fraser fir trees yearly. The Women’s Committee of the Carnegie Museum of Art hand-makes ornaments to fit the theme, which this year is “Wintry Days and Frosty Nights.” The exhibit runs through Jan. 7. Learn more about the seasonal offerings, including musical offerings amid the Carnegie Trees, at carnegieart. org/series/welcome-this-winter-2023.

12) Grab hot chocolate and Potato Patch fries at Kennywood Holiday Lights

Yes, Kennywood in the wintertime is still a blast! See the park in a whole new light – two million of them, in fact. The tallest Christmas tree in the state will also be on site. There are exciting rides and memorable entertainment, like visits with Santa, model trains and more. Grab your tickets at kennywood.com/discover-the-park/plan-your-visit/holiday-lights.

Hopefully, something on this list delights and inspires! Happy holidays to you and yours this season.