Your Thanksgiving weekend fun guide is here! All the holiday weekend events.

Above image courtesy of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

With Light Up Night behind us, the city is in full holiday mode through the rest of 2024. From the big moments like skating at PPG Place to shopping in Market Square, we’ve got a guide to the whole holiday season right here. And if you’re looking for some events just for this long weekend, check out all the fun right here:

Friday, Nov. 29: “A Very Electric Christmas” at the Byham Theater, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

As a young bird named Max heads south for the winter, he gets blown off course during a snowstorm and ends up lost at the North Pole. He meets caroling worms, dancing poinsettias, Nutcracker soldiers and mischievous mice. The Lightwire Theater story is told through dazzling visuals and moving light characters. Tickets are $39-$59.

Friday, Nov. 29: Beaver Light Up Festival, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

At the Beaver Light Up Festival, the magic of the holidays comes alive. Experience a Nutcracker-themed parade, enjoy festive live entertainment and warm up at the Holiday Spirit tent, offering seasonal drinks. Families can meet Santa and share their holiday wishes, and check out a fireworks display that will light up the night sky. Downtown shops will be open, offering unique gifts and holiday treats. Visitors will be supporting local businesses while enjoying the festive atmosphere in quaint, postcard-perfect Beaver. Find more details here.

Friday, Nov. 29 – Sunday, Dec. 1: Dazzling Nights at Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens

Running through the end of December, this timed walk-through event includes a million lights that transform the landscape at the Gardens into a winter wonderland. Wander through forests aglow, explore pathways of trees wrapped in light and surrounded by dancing fireflies, and immerse yourself in a 70′ long tunnel of light. Don’t miss the nightly “snowfall,” interactive light walkways and 30-foot shimmering Holiday Celebration tree. Tickets can be purchased here, with various packages available.

Friday, Nov. 29 – Monday, Dec. 2: Photos with Santa, Heinz History Center, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Santa will be on hand to visit and pose with families in the museum’s Great Hall, where he’ll sit in a replica of the chair from Kaufmann’s Santaland. Santa will also be present on subsequent weeks, so please check our big holiday guide for more dates. Note that kids ages 17 and younger receive free admission throughout November and December. Adult admission is $20, $18 for seniors. The museum also participates in Museums for All, which offers discounts to families receiving public assistance. Find more details here.

Saturday, Nov. 30: Season’s Greetings Saturdays at  The National Aviary, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Meet Santa Claus and enjoy a fun day full of festive, kid-friendly activities. Learn about African Penguins from an Aviary expert, plus discover how you can help this critically endangered species in the wild. Activities are included with general admission.

Saturday, Nov. 30: Super Science at CLP Main, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

At the main (Oakland) branch of the Carnegie Library, kids in grades K through 5 can experience hands-on science activities and listen to a read-aloud. These Super Science events, which occur at CLP locations across the city, are always free. Find more details here.

Saturday, Nov. 30: Light Up Mars, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join the community of Mars for the annual tree lighting, parade of lights and pictures with Santa. There will also be vendors, crafts, food and drinks.  This holiday celebration is promised to be “out of this world.” Follow their Facebook event for updates on vendors and activities.

Saturday, Nov. 30: Christmas in Guyasuta, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Camp Guyasuta is a Boy Scouts of America camp located in Sharpsburg, and they put on several fun family events every year. “Christmas in Guyasuta” is no exception. Food and drink will be available for purchase, and you can enjoy a climbing wall, a bonfire, a ride-through light display, photos with Santa, and a walk through a luminary trail. The cost is $15 and more details can be found here.

Sunday, Dec. 1: Nutcracker event with West Point Ballet at the Children’s Museum Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

West Point Ballet will perform excerpts from “The Nutcracker.” They will also offer group ballet lessons and a chance to take a photo with performers, free with admission to the museum. There will also be winter-themed crafts throughout the museum for families to enjoy. Find more details here.

Sunday, Dec. 1: Carols, Crafts, and Cocoa at Allegheny River Trail Park, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Join the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus and Allegheny RiverTrail Park for an afternoon of community building and holiday fun. The schedule of events includes crafts, cookies, a visit with Santa, a raffle, vendors and more. This event is a fundraiser, so admission is “pay what you can.” Registration is still encouraged so the organizers can have enough supplies. Please register here.

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