Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker at the Benedum Center is one of those things families here build the whole season around — the kind of tradition where somebody in the party first came as a child and is now bringing children. It runs through December in the Cultural District.
Planning it
Weekend matinees are the family performance and they sell first; weeknight evenings are easier to get and calmer. Dates and casting are published in the autumn — check the current season before you book travel around a specific night.
The Benedum sits in the Cultural District, which means dinner before and a walk after are both easy. Dress up a little. People do, and it makes the night.
Build the evening out
The rink at PPG Place and the Holiday Market are a short walk away, which makes for a complete Downtown Christmas day — skating in the afternoon, the market at dusk, the ballet at night. Dinner options in our Pittsburgh food guide.
Part of our Christmas in Pittsburgh guide.
Where to stay. Rivers & Steel City Homes offers full homes across the Pittsburgh metropolitan area — parking, a kitchen, and room for everyone who travelled in. 2,700+ guests since 2018; book direct and save 5–15% over Airbnb and VRBO. Lock in your dates at riversandsteel.com/search.
More to plan your trip: Things to Do in Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh Food Guide. Ready to visit? Find your stay »
