5 Christmas Attractions in Downtown Pittsburgh

The festive holiday season is the best time to plan a visit to downtown Pittsburgh. In addition to enjoying great local restaurants, beautiful views of the skyline and bridges, and museums (the Andy Warhol is a must-see), there are a number of holiday events which I recommend checking out if you looking for some holiday cheer.

My favorite thing to do this time of year in the city is ice skating around a colorful synchronized tree show. Special holiday plays and concerts, a European style holiday market, and an annual gingerbread show are a few more festive activities which makes a visit so worth it this time of year.

My first holiday season in the city was a fun time. I have great memories ice skating and being out and about enjoying local holiday traditions. This guide will focus on my top picks in the downtown area. You can also check out my full metro guide for more festive fun around the ‘Burgh.

1. The UPMC Rink at PPG Place

Since 2001, locals and visitors alike have been enjoying skating at PPG Place. While there are numerous ice rinks in the metro region, this one is the most over-the-top. I love skating along with the holiday music, the choreographed light show, and colorful tree as the breathtaking centerpiece. Most of the time, I head out to the North and South Park rinks as admission is much cheaper, but I like to skate here at least once to take in the extra cheerful ambiance.

As a bonus, the rink is located within walking distance to the Peoples Gas Holiday Market and the Spirits of Giving Around the World exhibit. Note that this rink gets really busy almost the entire season, so book in advance to ensure availability. I’ve seen dozens of people in a very long line that wraps around the side of the rink.

The rink opens in mid-November and closes at the end of February. I love that it stays open so late so it transforms from a Christmas to winter activity. You can keep enjoying winter sports all season. There is no better way to work off a ton of holiday calories and have fun at the same time than by enjoying a calorie blasting skating session! When it is too cold to do much else outside, skating is a great alternative.

• Location: 4 PPG Place
• 2025 Dates: Nov. 14th – March 1st
• Pricing: $12 and up
• Find out more about this rink including hours and discount days

2. Spirits of Giving Around the World exhibit

At this annual display, you can see Santas representing cultural traditions throughout the world. I had fun learning various folklore legends while also getting into the holiday spirit. Not only are the lifelike displays beautiful, but so are the accompanying paintings. It’s pretty quick to walk around, but a great add-on if you are skating.

The display is located in One and Two PPG Place lobbies. I recommend strolling over before or after your skating session for a fun and informative lesson in Santa legends worldwide. I loved reading unique stories about holiday traditions throughout the world. It’s always interesting to learn something new!

• Location: One and Two PPG Place Lobbies
• 2025 Dates: Nov. 14th – Jan. 1st. Extended hours on Nov. 14th and 22nd (Light up Night). Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Hours: 6:30am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday
• Admission: Free (no reservations required)

3. Peoples Gas Holiday Market

Almost every major city has some type of holiday market where you can shop for European goodies and handcrafted gifts. Being a Chicago native, the first market I ever attended was Christkindlmarket – as one of the largest and oldest in the US, this one is hard to top.

Pittsburgh’s holiday market is conveniently located just steps from the ice rink, so again another great add-on activity. Highlights include Cinnaroast featuring specialty roasted holiday nuts and Kathe Wohlfahrt featuring handcrafted German glass ornaments and nutcrackers.

The festive lights at night and occasional live entertainment add a little bit of extra holiday pizazz. Most of the time, I like just strolling around enjoying the local vibe and good cheer. You don’t have to buy anything to get into the holiday spirit.

• Location: 28 Market Square
• 2025 Dates: Nov. 21-Dec. 24th
• Hours: 11am-8pm (Mon-Fri), 11am-9:30pm (Sat), 11am-6pm (Sun). Extended hours 12/20-24. See website for details.
• Admission: Free
• Full list of vendors

4. Gingerbread House Competition

I wouldn’t say it is worth going out of your way for, but the 20+ year old Annual Gingerbread Competition is worthy of a quick look if you are in the area. It takes place at the City Council building and is a quick walk from most other attractions. A panel of judges selects the winners, although locals and visitors can vote for their favorite in the People’s Choice category.

While in the vicinity, treat yourself to lunch at Chinatown Inn, the city’s best authentic Chinese restaurant. Also, if you are up for a short half mile walk, take a stroll over to the US Steel Tower. Out front you will find the only authorized replica of the Vatican’s Christmas nativity. The houses are typically displayed until the first week of January.

• Location: 414 Grant Street
• 2025 Dates: TBA
• See last year’s winners

5. The Highmark Tree

This iconic tree which is located on the former Horne’s department store is lit up each November in a massively popular event known as Highmark Light Up Night. Tourists come from all over the metro and western Pennsylvania to watch the iconic tree be lit and enjoy all sorts of entertainment. It was pretty crowded, so I probably wouldn’t attend the opening night ceremony again. That being said, it’s a cool historic site to add to your bucket list.

2025 marks the 64th anniversary of one of the city’s most beloved events. For those who do not feel like putting up with massive crowds (understandably!), simply view the tree before/after skating on the ice rink or enjoying other city attractions. The tree is usually lit the weekend before Thanksgiving and stays up until after New Year’s.

• Location: Stanwix Street & Penn Avenue
• 2025 Date: Tree is lit on Nov. 22nd. Entertainment starts at 4pm. Tree lighting is at 7 with fireworks following.
• Highmark Light Up Night details

Where to park (cheaply)

Finding parking can be a bit of a hassle especially on weekend nights and during busy holiday periods. Unfortunately, it’s also quite pricey. I recommend planning your visit after 6 on Monday-Saturday or on Sunday as street parking is free during these periods. Wolf Street is where I typically end up finding a spot.

Where to eat

There are a number of restaurants within walking distance from the ice rink and holiday market in Market Square. You will find a number of popular chains like Starbucks, Chipotle, and Five Guys, along with a few local restaurants. I would probably recommend Primanti Bros., a running longtime favorite known for their iconic sandwiches topped with french fries and coleslaw.

If your visit falls on a weekend, I recommend brunch in The Terrace Room at the Omni William Penn. The buffet is great and the hotel is decorated beautifully for the holidays.

Winter weather in the ‘Burgh

December temperatures average in the 20’s-30’s at night and the 30’s-40 in the daytime. I actually think the winter weather here is perfect – cold enough to feel like Christmas, but not as cold as the Great Lakes states. Skies are usually overcast and dreary and rain and/or snow are always possible. Bundle up, bring a scarf, gloves, and a hat. If the temps are really frosty, you can warm up with a hot coffee or cocoa at Nicholas Coffee or Starbucks.

Tips for a great experience

Book skating tickets in advance: they often sell out. Weekdays are least crowded with the best skating conditions. Avoid skating when rain is in the forecast. Bring your own skates if possible to save a few bucks. The same goes for events like the holiday market and Santas – avoid weekends if you prefer to skip the crowds.