Best time to go to Pittsburgh, PA

New Year's Eve 2024-2025

Parties, fireworks, river cruises, holiday lights, and plenty of activities to close out the year with a blast

Dates: December 31

New Year's Eve
NYE from Mt. Washington, Pittsburgh
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Pittsburgh has no shortage of year-end events to usher in the New Year in style. Explore the most popular celebrations across the city and plan your perfect holiday getaway.

Highmark First Night

The top choice is the iconic Highmark First Night celebration, which annually transforms the entire Cultural District neighborhood into the New Year's Eve playground. The festivities feature near a hundred different events, including music, comedy, parades, and kid-friendly activities. The evening's climax is the Countdown to Midnight, accompanied by the raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball and fireworks. All that will cost you only $10 and kids under five get free admission!

Dining & nightlife options

Aside from the central celebration, the city offers tons of parties rocking downtown on December 31. Some of the hottest places for dining and nightlife include Howl at the Moon Pittsburgh, Il Tetto, Revel, and Roost. Other great spots include Rivers Casino and Federal Galley in Pittsburgh's North Shore and Caribbean restaurant Kaya in Strip District. For the ultimate satisfaction, opt for dining or dancing cruises with the Gateway Clipper Fleet, South Shore. And for a group of friends, the best option could be Pittsburgh NYE Bar Crawl.

Family-friendly offers

Some wonderful celebrations for the entire family occur beyond downtown. Check out Noon Year's Eve at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, or head to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for the Phipps for Year's Eve. Both establishments also host mesmerizing holiday lights displays which are usually on until early January.

So don't wait long—make reservations and have yourself a great end of the year night in Pittsburgh.

Last updated: by Olha Savych