If you’re dreaming of a Christmas in Pittsburgh filled with twinkle lights, holiday markets, ice skating, and festive events—but also want a cozy home base to retreat to at the end of the day—you’re in exactly the right place.
At Rivers & Steel City Homes, our Pittsburgh vacation rentals put you close to downtown, the Cultural District, and the North Shore, while still giving you that quiet, “ahhh, we’re home” feeling when you walk through the door. Think: holiday shopping and city lights by day; hot cocoa, soft blankets, and movie marathons by night.
If you’re planning a December trip to Pittsburgh in 2025, here’s your ultimate guide to the best Christmas events, markets, and things to do—plus how to pair them with the perfect neighborhood stay.
Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ & Downtown Holiday Lights
If you only do one “classic” holiday thing in Pittsburgh, let it be Downtown at Christmas.
From late November through Christmas Eve, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ transforms the heart of the city into a European-style Christmas village. Wooden chalets line the streets, twinkle lights hang overhead, and the air smells like cinnamon, chocolate, and hot pretzels.
Why it’s a must-do:
- Shop for handcrafted gifts from local makers and international artisans
- Listen to live music and holiday performances
- Snap festive photos under the lights and visit Santa with the kids
- Pair it with dinner in the Cultural District for the perfect holiday date night
R&S Tip: Stay in one of our homes in Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, or Highland Park for an easy trip downtown—close enough for a quick rideshare, far enough to escape the hustle when you’re ready to recharge.
Ice Skating at the UPMC Rink at PPG Place ⛸️
Nothing says “Christmas in Pittsburgh” like skating beneath the towering Christmas tree at PPG Place. The UPMC Rink is open through the winter season, and December is when the holiday magic is at its peak.
What to expect:
- An outdoor rink surrounded by the iconic glass towers of PPG Place
- A huge, sparkling Christmas tree in the center of the rink
- Nearby cafés and restaurants for hot cocoa, cocktails, or a cozy meal afterward
Make it magical:
Spend the afternoon skating, then head back to your Rivers & Steel City home for pajamas, a warm drink, and your favorite holiday movie—no crowded hotel lobby, no noise from the room next door. Just your people, in your own space.
Handmade Arcade Holiday Market: Shop Small, Shop Local
If you love supporting local artists and makers, the Handmade Arcade Holiday Market at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center is your happy place.
Why guests love Handmade Arcade:
- 275+ independent makers and small businesses
- Unique gifts: jewelry, art prints, candles, clothing, toys, home décor, and more
- Interactive demonstrations and creative activities
- Indoors—so it’s perfect for cold, snowy December days
This is the event if you want to skip big-box shopping and fill your suitcase with one-of-a-kind, Pittsburgh-made gifts.
R&S Tip: Our Northside and East End homes make getting to the Convention Center a breeze. You can spend the day shopping, drop your bags “home,” and still head back out for dinner or a show.
CHEERSPORT – Pittsburgh: Big Bows, Big Smiles, Big Energy 🎀
December also brings major cheer energy to the city with CHEERSPORT – Pittsburgh at the Convention Center. If you’re traveling with a cheer squad, team, or family group, you’ll want space to spread out.
Why Rivers & Steel is perfect for cheer families:
- Multiple bedrooms so everyone can sleep soundly (early call times = essential sleep!)
- Full kitchens for pre-competition breakfasts and quick snacks
- Living rooms big enough for last-minute routine walk-throughs
- Laundry available at many properties—because uniforms will get glittery
Instead of juggling multiple hotel rooms, you can keep the whole group together under one roof, with room to breathe and decompress between sessions.
Animeverse Fest: A Colorful, Cozy Winter Escape 🎮✨
Not every December trip has to be all sleigh bells and carols. If you or your teens love anime, cosplay, gaming, and pop culture, Animeverse Fest at the Convention Center is the perfect pre-holiday adventure.
Expect:
- Cosplay contests and photo ops
- Vendor booths with art, collectibles, and merch
- Panels, guest appearances, and gaming areas
How to make it extra fun:
Come “home” after a long day at the con, change into comfy clothes, and turn your Rivers & Steel City living room into a late-night hangout—takeout, video games, anime marathons, and zero judgment about how many bags of snacks you bought.
Build Your Perfect December Weekend in Pittsburgh
Here’s how a Christmas weekend in Pittsburgh might look when you stay with Rivers & Steel City Homes:
Day 1 – Arrival & Holiday Lights
- Check into your cozy Pittsburgh rental (hello, fully stocked kitchen and soft bedding).
- Head downtown to explore the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ and nearby holiday window displays.
- Grab dinner in the Cultural District, then back “home” to unwind.
Day 2 – Skating & Shopping
- Start with coffee at a neighborhood café near your R&S home.
- Go ice skating at PPG Place, then warm up with hot cocoa or mulled wine.
- Spend the afternoon at Handmade Arcade or another market, gathering gifts and souvenirs.
- Evening in: cook a simple dinner, play board games, and soak up the quiet.
Day 3 – Big Event Day (Cheer, Anime, or Just Exploring)
- If you’re in town for CHEERSPORT or Animeverse Fest, head to the Convention Center.
- If not, explore the Strip District, North Shore, or Mount Washington for views, bites, and photos.
- Return to your Rivers & Steel City home to pack, relax, and plan your next visit.
Why Book with Rivers & Steel City Homes for the Holidays?
When you stay with Rivers & Steel City Homes, you’re not just booking a place to sleep—you’re choosing a home base that fits how you actually travel:
- Thoughtfully designed spaces in real Pittsburgh neighborhoods
- Easy access to downtown, the Convention Center, stadiums, and the Cultural District
- Room for families, friend groups, and teams to stay together
- Kitchens, laundry, and living rooms that make longer stays feel effortless
Whether you’re here for Christmas markets, cheer competitions, anime weekends, or just a cozy December getaway, we’d love to host your holidays.
Ready to Plan Your December 2025 Trip to Pittsburgh?
🎄 Browse our Pittsburgh vacation rentals:
Explore our homes in Highland Park, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, the Northside, Squirrel Hill, Aspinwall, and beyond to find the perfect fit for your group.
🎁 Book early for December:
Holiday weekends, market dates, and event weekends at the Convention Center book up quickly—especially for larger groups—so securing your stay early is the best gift you can give future-you.
✨ Make this Christmas in Pittsburgh one to remember.
Lights downtown, skates on the ice, shopping bags full of handmade treasures—and a warm, welcoming home to come back to every night. That’s December with Rivers & Steel City Homes.
December Hockey in the Burgh: Why the Penguins’ 2025 Holiday Stretch Is a Big Deal
December in Pittsburgh usually means three things: cold weather, holiday lights, and a whole lot of hockey. For the Penguins, December 2025 isn’t just another month on the calendar—it’s a stretch that could shape their entire season.
Between a hefty homestand at PPG Paints Arena and big matchups against Western Conference contenders and old rivals, this month is loaded with measuring-stick games, marquee stars, and playoff-style vibes long before April.