There is a specific kind of December night that only works from inside a warm car: everyone in pyjamas, hot chocolate in the cupholders, a playlist on, and a few miles of light displays rolling past the windows. Western Pennsylvania does this well, and it is the easiest holiday outing there is — no tickets to time, no coats to wrestle onto anyone, no one gets cold.
What to expect
The drive-through displays sit out in the surrounding counties, generally twenty-five to fifty minutes from Downtown, and most run from mid-November through the first week of January. Pricing is usually per car rather than per person, which makes a full vehicle the economical way to go. Weeknights move; weekend queues before Christmas can be long.
Displays, routes and pricing change year to year, so check current-season listings before you drive out.
The case for doing this one first
If you are travelling with small children or with someone who does not do cold, start here. It buys you a genuine holiday night with none of the logistics, and it leaves the group with energy for Kennywood or a downtown day later in the trip.
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 »
