Light Up Night and all the Downtown holiday fun: Here’s your guide for 2025

Downtown Pittsburgh is kicking off the 2025 holiday season with the Peoples Gas Holiday Market opening Friday, Nov. 21, and Highmark Light Up Night on Saturday, Nov. 22. 

We’ve got all those details, plus info on Santa’s House, KidsPlay and more Downtown fun. 

“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.”

HOLIDAY MARKET

With ongoing renovation happening at Market Square (scheduled to be completed in Spring of 2026), the Peoples Gas Holiday Market is set up this year at 7th Street and Penn Ave. in the Cultural District. You’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts made by local makers and items from around the world, all displayed in adorable chalets. The Market will be open daily from Nov. 21 through Dec. 24, with extended hours in the final week. (Click here for details on the hours and a list of vendors.) 

LIGHT UP NIGHT 

The 64th anniversary of Light Up Night will include the tree lighting and bridge lightings, plus two stages of live music, food vendors, shopping and, as always, Zambelli fireworks. The fun begins at 4 p.m. on Nov. 21, which is the Saturday before Thanksgiving. 

Free live music will happen all evening at two locations.

Highmark Main Stage (Penn Ave & Stanwix Street)

• 4 – 5:30 p.m., Pittsburgh CLO Mini Stars & More
• 6 – 7:45 p.m., Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers
• 8:15 – 9:30 p.m., Kahone Concept

Xfinity Riverside Stage (Ft. Duquesne Blvd & 6th Street)
4 – 6 p.m., Slim Tha DJ
6:30 – 7:45 p.m., Justin Fabus
8:30 – 9:30 p.m., The Calling

Other festivities include: 

5 p.m.: The Lighting of the city’s official tree (donated by the Leslie Park Boys and Girls Club in Lawrenceville) at the City-County Building with Zambelli Rooftop Fireworks. The tree will remain on display with occasional light shows on the front façade of the City-County Building through early January.

6 p.m.: The UPMC Ultimate Holiday Tree Lighting and American Cancer Society Tribute of Light Celebration at PPG Plaza. This LED-lit holiday tree, which is more than 66 feet tall, performs light shows choreographed to music and will display musical animation and holiday scenes.

7 p.m.: The Highmark Christmas Tree Lighting with Zambelli Rooftop Fireworks at Stanwix St. & Penn Ave. This “tree,” which is more than 100 feet tall, is displayed on the corner of the former Horne’s department store. It sparkles with more than 2,500 eco-friendly LED lights and 2,000 ornaments.

8 p.m.: The lighting of the Roberto Clemente (Sixth Street), Andy Warhol (Seventh Street), and Rachel Carson (Ninth Street) Bridges. This light show by Pittsburgh-based artist Shikeith is a gorgeous addition to the city’s holiday celebration. 

9:30 p.m.: Xfinity Fireworks Spectacular with Supersized Zambelli Finale. Right before it, catch the final performance of the night by the platinum selling rock band ‘The Calling,” known for their #1 hits “Wherever You Will Go” and “Our Lives,” will coincide with a supersized Grand Finale of Zambelli Fireworks.

LOTS OF FAMILY FUN

Don’t miss: 

• The Highmark Holiday Block Party at Penn Ave and Stanwix Street, where you can warm up with cozy heaters and a pop-up shop in collaboration with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank.
• The 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 for selfies with the whole family.
• Fifth Avenue FREEZE features 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 the North Pole to Heinz Hall Courtyard, letting little ones share their wish lists with Santa and snap a keepsake photo. All proceeds benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Grownups will also enjoy the popular “5 at 5” party, back again this year at the 6th Street Bridge. You’ll find music with Slim Tha DJ, $5 drinks and eats from Lawrenceville Distilling, Jackworth Gingerbeer, and La Palapa. Check out $5 deals on vintage finds and Light Up Night apparel while supplies last.

And the BLAST! VIP Party offers indoor fun for ticket holders, including signature cocktails, appetizers and special desserts at Two Gateway Center. Tickets will go on sale next week right here.

ALL SEASON LONG

Yinzer Wonderland in Market Square, Nov. 21 – Dec. 24
Free family-friendly activities at a section of Market Square will take place on weekends along Graeme Street, including 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.

The Holiday Window Display Competition is back, featuring 11 Market Square businesses with creatively decorated storefronts. Beginning Nov. 22, stroll through the square, check out the displays and vote for your favorite window. The winning business will receive a charitable donation to an organization of their choice.

Santa’s House will welcome kids from Nov. 21 through Dec. 24  (details and info on expanded hours the final week right here) at Heinz Hall Courtyard. Visit with either a Black or White Santa. You can take a keepsake photo with Santa ($10 suggested donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank), which comes in a keepsake frame and as a downloadable file.  

The indoor BNY Merry Marketplace will be open Nov. 21-23, Nov. 28-30 and Dec. 4-7 at the Encore (entrance at 100 7th Street). You’ll find local and international vendors offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and artisanal spices to home decor and unique gifts. And the Black Market at Merry Marketplace will be open Dec. 11-14 and Dec.18-21, showcasing Black-owned businesses in Downtown Pittsburgh. 

Holiday KidsPlay will be open on Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 22  through Dec. 21, and on Friday, Nov. 28. at the Encore (entrance at 646 Ft. Duquesne Blvd), families will find a variety of indoor 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. Also, Saturday craft times offer a rotating lineup of local community partners that offer creative playtime and a chance to warm up this holiday season.

And the Selfie Garden will be open Nov. 21 through Dec. 24 outdoors at Heinz Hall Courtyard with colorful backdrops and life-sized standees of popular characters from Fred Rogers Productions’ 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): See 16 life-size Santas from global Christmas folklore in the lobbies of One and Two PPG Place, including original paintings depicting holiday celebrations from around the world. Nov. 14 – Jan. 1.

23rd Annual Gingerbread House Display & Competition: Build your own edible house and see others at this competition and display on Light Up Night and in the City-County Building through early January.

Ice Skating at the UPMC Rink at PPG Place: Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the UPMC Rink at PPG Place will open Nov. 14 and remain open daily throughout the holiday season. Reserve online skating sessions here. 

Pittsburgh Crèche: Pittsburgh’s larger-than-life nativity scene, a replica of the Crèche once found out­side of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, features 20 life-sized figures. Open to the public Nov. 22 through early January.