Pittsburgh does New Year’s Eve as a city-wide street party rather than a bar crawl. Highmark First Night takes over the Cultural District on December 31 — performances across a dozen venues, art installations, a parade, the raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball, and fireworks over Downtown at midnight.
Why it is the family option
This is the rare New Year’s Eve that works with children. There is an early fireworks display for families who are not making it to midnight, and most of the programming is indoors across Cultural District venues, which matters at the end of December in this city. One admission button covers the venues.
The one piece of advice
Stay Downtown. New Year’s Eve is the single worst night of the year to be driving home in Pittsburgh, and being able to walk back to your own front door after the fireworks is the whole difference between a good night and a long one. Rooms and homes Downtown go early for Dec 31.
Make it a full holiday week with the Christmas in Pittsburgh 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 »
