Today, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and community partners unveiled details of the 2025 Holiday Season in Downtown Pittsburgh, including the much-anticipated return of Highmark Light Up Night®, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™, Santa’s House, and much more. These beloved traditions, along with new holiday attractions, are expected to draw thousands to Downtown Pittsburgh throughout the season, supporting local businesses, artists, and restaurants along the way.
“The holidays bring people of all ages and from all corners of the region together in Downtown to celebrate beloved Pittsburgh traditions, while discovering new, memorable experiences,” said Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “This season also reflects the spirit of transformation that’s energizing Downtown right now. Our restaurants, shops, theaters, and public venues are ready to welcome you with open doors. Whether you're shopping local, dining out, or simply soaking in the lights and atmosphere, Downtown is the place to celebrate the season and support the small businesses that make our community shine year-round.”
GRAND OPENING DAY | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Those who can’t wait for Light Up Night will find some fantastic opportunities for early ‘wonder and light’ at the Grand Opening of the Peoples gas Holiday Market on Friday, November 21. Downtown residents, workers, and visitors are invited to celebrate the official kickoff of the Holiday Season!
Opening at 11 a.m. on November 21, this year’s Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ features chalets brimming with high-quality gifts at 7th Street and Penn Ave in the heart of the Cultural District. The Market will remain open daily through Christmas Eve, with extended hours in the final week.
“This year’s Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ brings a special twist to this cherished tradition,” said Peoples President Michael Huwar. “While Market Square undergoes its transformation, we’re thrilled to help bring the spirit of the season to the Cultural District. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity for families to experience the magic of the holidays in a new setting — filled with festive energy, unique shopping, and joyful moments.”
HIGHMARK LIGHT UP NIGHT® | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Highmark Light Up Night returns for its 64th anniversary in Downtown with spectacular tree and bridge lightings, two stages of live music, craft food vendors, festive shopping experiences, and, of course, supersized fireworks. Light Up Night 2025 takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving starting at 4 p.m.
“Highmark is proud to once again serve as the presenting sponsor of Highmark Light Up Night. This cherished tradition is a cornerstone event that unites our community and truly captures the spirit of the holiday season," said David Holmberg, CEO of Highmark Health. "Through our Highmark Bright Blue Futures program, we are deeply committed to the health and resilience of our community. We strive to uplift all our neighbors, addressing critical needs such as food insecurity, and building healthier, brighter futures for all.”
“Our Xfinity and Comcast Business teams are proud to partner with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership to help people from across our region make unforgettable memories,” said Ricky Frazier Jr., Regional Senior Vice President at Comcast. “Through the Xfinity Riverfront Stage and the Xfinity Fireworks Spectacular, we’re honored to connect our community to the magic of the season.”
LIGHT UP NIGHT HIGHLIGHTS
Tree lightings, illuminated bridges, and supersized fireworks kick off the holiday season with a traditional Pittsburgh bang:
• 5 PM | City-County Building: Tree Lighting with Zambelli Rooftop Fireworks
The City of Pittsburgh’s Official Tree was donated by the Leslie Park Boys and Girls Club in Lawrenceville. It will remain on display with occasional light shows on the front façade of the City-County Building through early January.
• 6 PM | PPG Plaza: UPMC Ultimate Holiday Tree Lighting and American Cancer Society Tribute of Light Celebration
This high-tech, energy efficient, LED-lit holiday tree performs light shows choreographed to music. At more than 66-feet-tall, it features over 100,000 lights and will display musical animation and holiday scenes.
• 7 PM | Stanwix St. & Penn Ave: Highmark Christmas Tree Lighting with Zambelli Rooftop Fireworks
The over 100-ft-tall Highmark Christmas “Tree” adorns the corner of the former landmark Horne’s department store with more than 2,500 eco-friendly LED lights and 2,000 ornaments.
• 8 PM | “Three Scores in Blue:” Lighting of the Sister Bridges Roberto Clemente (Sixth Street), Andy Warhol (Seventh Street), and Rachel Carson (Ninth Street) Bridges
Allegheny County, with support from Shiftworks Community + Public Arts, commissioned Pittsburgh-based artist Shikeith to highlight the iconic Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson Bridges with a light show during this year's holiday season.
• 9:30 PM | Xfinity Fireworks Spectacular with Supersized Zambelli Finale
Following a crowd-pleasing performance by a soon-to-be-announced headline artist, the night will end with a supersized Grand Finale display by the first family of pyrotechnics, Zambelli Fireworks.
Free live music takes center stage with performances across two festive locations:
Highmark Main Stage (Penn Ave & Stanwix St)
o 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Pittsburgh CLO Mini Stars & More
o 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM | Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers
o 8:15 PM – 9:30 PM | Kahone Concept
Xfinity Riverside Stage (Ft. Duquesne Blvd & 6th St)
o 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Slim Tha DJ
o 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM | Justin Fabus
o 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM | To Be Announced
Plenty of fun for the whole family to enjoy with mascot appearances, visits with Santa, KidsPlay activities and more:
• The Highmark Holiday Block Party at Penn Ave and Stanwix Street offers revelers a reprieve from the cold with cozy heaters and a pop-up shop in collaboration with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank.
• Pittsburgh Film Festival is bringing back their All-Ages Short Films screenings at Harris Theater at 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• The Pirates Parrot and Pierogies will be making rounds at the festival, providing Buccos fans and families alike with fun photos ops.
• Fifth Avenue FREEZE dazzles crowds with a shimmering holiday display of a variety of ice carvings including a snowman, Christmas tree, Snoopy, a snowflake and even Rudolph, and a live ice carving show by award-winning master ice carver Rich Bubin of Ice Creations.
• Holiday KidsPlay has a new indoor home this year at the Encore Building between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., where the little ones can enjoy free hands-on crafts, educational games, and more in collaboration with Fred Rogers Productions.
• Santa’s House brings a bit of North Pole magic to Heinz Hall Courtyard, offering a wonderful opportunity for little ones to share their wish lists with Santa and snap a keepsake photo. All proceeds benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
“5 at 5” brings the party back to 6th Street Bridge with DJ, discounts, and happy hour vibes: Back by popular demand, “5 at 5” is once again taking over Roberto Clemente (6th Street) Bridge with $5 drinks and eats from Lawrenceville Distilling, Jackworth Gingerbeer, and La Palapa. Guests can also snag $5 deals on vintage finds and Light Up Night apparel while supplies last, while Slim Tha DJ delivers the music. It’s the perfect happy hour on the bridge—beer, bites, and beats for just five bucks!
BLAST! Party offers indoor VIP experience on one of the busiest nights of the year in Downtown: At the indoor Blast! VIP Party, ticket holders can grab signature cocktails, hearty appetizers, and special desserts while they relax and regroup. Located just steps away from the main festivities, this year’s BLAST! Party will be held at Two Gateway Center– tickets will go on sale next week at downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays.
ALL SEASON LONG
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ | November 21 - December 24, 2025
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ celebrates its 14th season with global and local vendors! Brimming with one-of-a-kind wares from local makers along with beautiful and practical gifts created by artisans from around the world, this Pittsburgh institution has become a beloved holiday tradition for young and old.
Due to ongoing construction in Market Square (scheduled to be completed in Spring of 2026), this year’s market will temporarily relocate to the Cultural District, the city’s destination for holiday entertainment, dining, and shopping. The Market will transform Katz Plaza, Benedum Lot, and the Cultural Trust Oasis with the festive charm and family-friendly magic that have made it a holiday favorite for nearly 15 years.
A Yinzer Wonderland in Market Square | November 21 – December 24, 2025
Starting on Light Up Night, Market Square will transform into a Yinzer Wonderland, a hub of holiday magic full of local flair. Free family-friendly activities will take place on weekends along Graeme Street presented by Space Bar with support from Citizens through the Downtown Placemaking Grant. Highlights include a giant inflatable snow globe, and a dazzling golden Christmas tree, and the “12 Days of Yinzmas,” all set against a backdrop of twinkling holiday lights that bring warmth and cheer to the heart of Downtown.
Adding to the seasonal magic, the Holiday Window Display Competition returns featuring 11 Market Square businesses with creatively decorated storefronts. Beginning on Light Up Night, November 22, visitors are invited to stroll through the square, admire the festive displays, and vote for their favorite window. The winning business will receive a charitable donation to an organization of their choice, making this tradition not only joyful, but meaningful.
Santa’s House | November 21- December 24, 2025
Get ready to welcome Santa back in ‘tahn, as he returns to his cozy house in Heinz Hall Courtyard. Once again, families will have the wonderful option to visit with either a Black or White Santa. Santa’s House will open November 21 through December 24, with expanded hours in the final week.
Take a keepsake photo with Santa! Help our neighbors in need this holiday season with a $10 suggested donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and receive a free photo of your visit with Santa in a keepsake frame, as well as a downloadable file to share with friends and family. Please check DowntownPittsburgh.com/Holidays for hours and other details.
BNY Merry Marketplace | November 21-23, November 28-30, December 4-7
This unique indoor marketplace in the Encore (100 7th Street) will bring together local and international vendors offering an expanded selection of high-quality goods, from handcrafted jewelry and artisanal spices, to distinctive home decor and unique gifts!
The Black Market at Merry Marketplace | December 11-14 & December 18-21
This highly anticipated pop-up holiday shop returns for two weekends in December to showcase and support Black-owned businesses in Downtown Pittsburgh. This year, you can find the Black Market in the indoor Merry Marketplace space at the Encore (100 7th Street)!
Holiday KidsPlay | Saturdays and Sundays, November 22 - December 21, and Black Friday
In a new location at the Encore (646 Ft. Duquesne Blvd), families will find a variety of indoor Holiday KidsPlay activities in partnership with Fred Rogers Productions! Decorate a Mister Rogers sweater ornament with messages of thanks, make your own ornament, visit with Pittsburgh Pirates mascots, play giant games, and settle in for story time, plus a Saturday craft times with a rotating lineup of local community partners that offer creative playtime and a chance to warm up this holiday season.
Selfie Garden | November 21 - December 24
The beautiful outdoor Heinz Hall Courtyard will once again be transformed into a children’s television dreamland with colorful backdrops and life-sized standees of popular characters from Fred Rogers Productions’ beloved children’s shows and other PBS favorites, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Donkey Hodie and Odd Squad.
MORE TO DO AROUND DOWNTOWN
Spirit of Giving Around the World (aka Santas of the World)
This enchanting display of 16 life-size Santas captures a whole world of Christmas folklore and fantasy. The exhibit comes alive in the lobbies of One and Two PPG Place with a collection of original paintings, each depicting holiday celebrations from around the world. Open November 14, 2025 – January 1, 2026.
23rd Annual Gingerbread House Display & Competition
This beloved Pittsburgh tradition has dazzled thousands of visitors for the past two decades at both PPG Place and the historic City-County Building. In 2025, the people of Pittsburgh, the surrounding Allegheny County communities, and beyond are once again invited to build their own edible house as the competition and display returns this holiday season! All eligible houses will be on display on Light Up Night and in the City-County Building through early January.
Ice Skating at the UPMC Rink at PPG Place
Take a break from shopping and lace up your skates at the coolest place in downtown surrounded by the iconic Crown Jewel of the Pittsburgh skyline! Celebrating its 25th anniversary, The UPMC Rink at PPG Place will open on Friday, November 14 and remain open daily throughout the holiday season to create magical memories and bright, festive smiles for family and friends. Reserve online skating sessions at therinkatppgplace.com/
Pittsburgh Crèche
Visit Pittsburgh’s larger-than-life nativity scene that models the scene of Christ’s birth and is a replica of the Crèche once found outside of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This Crèche, which measures roughly 64-feet-wide by 36-feet-long and features 20 life-sized figures, has been connecting Pittsburghers and visitors with the meaning and joy of the Christmas season for over 25 years. Open to the public November 22, 2025, to early January 2026.
Downtown Holiday Shopping
Shop Downtown and put the Holiday back in your Holiday shopping. With more than 100 distinctive retailers in the Golden Triangle, you’ll find everything you need for everyone on your gift list, and you’ll be supporting the local economy! Here are some opportunities to get your holiday shop on.
Black Friday
Avoid the wild rush of malls and put the holiday back in your holiday shopping. With holiday sights, live music, and free family activities around every corner, spending Black Friday in Downtown means more family memories and less stress. And enjoy a special bonus day of Holiday KidsPlay activities, Santa’s House, live music, craft foods, and more.
Small Business Saturday
This well-known national initiative encourages people to come out the day after Black Friday and support their local economy by shopping at small businesses in the community. With over 150 small businesses in the Central Business District, Downtown Pittsburgh is a great place to show your support for the local economy. You’ll find small businesses offering men’s and women’s apparel, home goods, jewelry, and more for everyone on your list.
Downtown Holiday Dining
Dining in Downtown Pittsburgh creates indelible memories, and you’ll find culinary creations to suit every palate—and price point. From casual eateries to the city’s finest restaurants, there are plenty of great places Downtown to escape the cold and comfortably enjoy a smorgasbord of flavorful foods. Take advantage of the many inviting outdoor dining opportunities offering heated spaces to make for the coziest of culinary experiences. Enjoy the wide variety of cuisines from restaurants, many of which have winterized outdoor spaces, located throughout Downtown.
DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH HOLIDAY WEBSITE: DOWNTOWNPITTSBURGH.COM/HOLIDAYS
