If you only get one day in the city at Christmas, spend it Downtown. Everything is within a few walkable blocks, and Pittsburgh punches considerably above its size on this particular day out.
The UPMC Rink at PPG Place
The plaza at PPG Place becomes an outdoor ice rink from November into late February, ringed by the glass spires with a tree in the middle. It has been voted the most beautiful outdoor rink in the country, and standing in it at dusk you stop arguing with that. Skate rental on site. Go at dusk, when the lights come on and the glass starts throwing everything back.
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market
The wooden-chalet European market runs from late November through Christmas Eve. The Market Square renovation is complete and the square is open again, so the market is back in its proper home after spending construction in the Cultural District. Mulled wine, roasted nuts, and a hundred stalls of things you had not planned to buy.
Light Up Night
The season officially opens with Light Up Night, traditionally the Saturday before Thanksgiving — fireworks, the tree, and Downtown genuinely shoulder to shoulder. Confirm this year’s date before booking around it; it is announced in the autumn.
Make a night of it
Skate, walk the market, eat somewhere good from our Pittsburgh food guide, and if you have the group for it, add the Nutcracker at the Benedum a few blocks away in the Cultural District.
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 »
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