December in Pittsburgh is basically a contest between holiday lights and live music—and honestly, music is winning. If you only want the big-ticket shows (arena nights, major tours, and holiday classics), here are the ones to circle on the calendar.
The biggest shows (date night + friend night approved)
Dec 2 – PVRIS (White Noise 10 Year Anniversary Tour) @ Roxian Theatre (7:00 PM) www.livenation.com.au
Moody, electric, scream-in-the-car-after energy. Roxian is perfect for a “big show without the arena chaos” night.
Dec 5 – Dexter and the Moonrocks @ Stage AE (Doors 7:00 PM) PromoWest Productions
One of those high-energy Stage AE nights where you’ll be grateful you wore comfy shoes.
Dec 6 – Kip Moore (Solitary Tracks Fall Tour) @ Roxian Theatre (7:00 PM) www.livenation.com.au
Country crowd + big singalongs + winter concert vibes done right.
Dec 9 – 105.9 The X Kick Ass Christmas Show (Highly Suspect) @ Stage AE (Doors 7:00 PM) PromoWest Productions
This is the “let’s go OUT-out” one. Loud, fun, and very Pittsburgh.
Dec 9 – Straight No Chaser (Holiday Tour) @ Benedum Center (7:30 PM) Trust Arts
Perfect if you want festive + funny + ridiculously talented vocals in a gorgeous theater.
Dec 11 – Mannheim Steamroller Christmas @ Benedum Center (7:30 PM) Trust Arts
A full-on holiday tradition. Classic December “treat yourself” show.
Dec 17 – Allen Stone + Ripe (The Get Sweet Tour) @ Roxian Theatre (6:00 PM) www.livenation.com.au
Soulful, upbeat, feel-good energy—great for a midweek reset.
Dec 18 – Trisha Yearwood @ Heinz Hall (7:30 PM) Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
A big night in the Cultural District—dress it up a little and make it a whole evening.
Dec 18 – From Ashes To New (New Disease Tour) @ Roxian Theatre (6:00 PM) www.livenation.com.au
If you want heavy, loud, and cathartic—this is your pick.
Dec 20 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ PPG Paints Arena (2:30 PM or 7:30 PM) PPG Paints Arena
The ultimate holiday spectacle. If you do one “December tradition” show, make it this one.
Quick local tips (so the night stays fun)
- Matinee = easier parking + earlier bedtime (looking at you, TSO 2:30). PPG Paints Arena
- Weeknight shows feel smoother (less “where are all these people coming from?” traffic).
- Layer up: it’s never the venue that gets you—it’s the walk back to the car.
Where to stay (so you don’t end the night with an icy drive)
If you’re coming in from out of town—or you just want a cozy concert weekend—book a warm, comfortable home base with Rivers & Steel City Homes (and make the night feel like a mini getaway instead of a logistics exercise).