Christmas Lights in Pittsburgh 2024-2025

Visiting Christmas light displays in Pittsburgh has been a beloved tradition for thousands of families. The festive lights, which illuminate the city's iconic bridges, parks, and neighborhoods, transform the city into a dazzling winter wonderland during the holiday season. From the shimmering rivers to the bustling downtown, the Steel City offers a variety of breathtaking light displays and seasonal attractions. Visitors can explore the Golden Triangle area, where the sparkling streets of Stanwix and Gateway Center lead to festive highlights like the towering Christmas tree at PPG Place and the charming Peoples Gas Holiday Market. Don't miss the quirky World's Largest Pickle ornament at EQT Plaza, adding a unique touch to Pittsburgh’s holiday cheer!

The Rink at PPG Place (November 15, 2024–March 2, 2025)

The UPMC Rink at PPG Place has been a holiday staple in downtown Pittsburgh for 20 years. Nestled between glass skyscrapers, the rink opens on November 15, 2024, featuring festive holiday lights and a 65-foot (19.8 m) illuminated tree. A key event is the American Cancer Society Tribute of Light Celebration, held the weekend before Thanksgiving. Visitors can honor loved ones by purchasing tributes, with proceeds benefiting cancer research. The celebration includes performances and concludes with public skating at 7 pm.

Admission prices are $12 for adults (13-49), and $11 for children (0-12), seniors (50+), military, and first responders. Each session lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes. To avoid long waits, online ticket reservations are recommended. The rink's holiday hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday from 11 am to 11 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm, with extended hours during special holidays.

Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show and Light Garden (November 16, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Phipps Conservatory’s Holiday Magic brings vibrant cheer to Pittsburgh with dazzling indoor and outdoor displays. Opening on Saturday, November 16, this annual event transforms the glasshouse into a festive wonderland. The Winter Flower Show showcases 21 varieties of poinsettias, orchids, and amaryllis, while whimsical holiday decorations, such as a unicorn topiary and gnome-decorated trees, captivate visitors. Outdoors, the Winter Light Garden illuminates the grounds with vivid colors and sparkling snowflakes, creating a magical atmosphere.

New features for this year include a fairy-tale castle and swans gliding around a twinkling orb tree. The Garden Railroad: Movie Magic display offers an interactive touch of Hollywood. Phipps emphasizes sustainability by using energy-efficient LED lights and renewable energy, making the event as environmentally friendly as it is beautiful.

Pittsburgh Zoo Lights (November 15. 2024–January 12, 2025)

Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience at the Pittsburgh Zoo is an exciting new holiday attraction, blending elements of the Zoo’s former Asian Lantern Festival and Zoo Lights into a sparkling winter wonderland. Presented by UPMC Health Plan, this festive event features over a million eco-friendly LED lights illuminating whimsical animals, colossal Christmas-themed lanterns, and fantastical creatures like unicorns and ice dragons. Visitors can choose between a walk-through or drive-through experience.

The route, which takes approximately one hour, is full of mesmerizing light displays, from snowflakes and candy canes to an enchanting Secret Forest. Visitors can enjoy wintry activities, holiday treats, and even meet Santa and his live reindeer.

Prices for Wild Illuminations vary, with adult tickets ranging from $24 to $34, and child tickets from $21 to $31 when purchased in advance. There is also a Flex Ticket option at $35 per guest, and groups of 15 or more can enjoy a flat rate of $23 per person. Children under 24 months attend for free, and a $2 membership discount is available for plan-ahead tickets. Operating hours are from 5:30 pm to 10 pm, with the last entry at 9 pm.

Kennywood Holiday Lights (November 15.2024–January 1, 2025)

Kennywood’s Holiday Lights is set to shine brighter than ever, offering more dates and over 3 million twinkling lights throughout the park. For the first time, visitors can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends Clarice, Bumble, and Sam the Snowman, creating magical holiday memories. New features include a synchronized light show over the lagoon, fresh decorations, and festive food and drink options. Families can enjoy classic rides, explore a model train display, and send letters to the North Pole. The park will be open from 5 pm to 9 pm on most evenings.