Festive Holidays: A Guide to Holiday Lights in Pittsburgh

By Sonia Panic

The seasons shine bright here in Pittsburgh!

Holiday lights have been around since the 1700s, although not in the same convenient and colorful way we know today. What started as placing burning candles onto the branches of trees has evolved into creating magnificent light shows. Gone are the days of dull golden lights. Today’s holiday lights incorporate music, color and other special effects to make the holiday season even more special. And with the holidays right around the corner, people all over Pittsburgh are creating elaborate displays to show just how excited they are for the festive season.Here are just a few holiday light spectacles happening near Squirrel Hill:
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Friday November 25, 2016 through Sunday, January 8, 2017

The Winter Light Garden will take viewers on a trip through time, covering 200 spectacular years of Pittsburgh History. It will feature a new tunnel of lights designed to imitate a twinkling winter sky and many interactive features for children to enjoy. Visit phipps.conservatory.org for ticket prices and more information.
Kennywood’s Festival of Lights
November 25, 26 & 27
December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 & 23

See Kennywood like never before! The amusement park we know and love will be transformed into a winter spectacular with nearly two million lights throughout the park, performances by local choirs and the tallest Christmas tree in Pennsylvania. While at Kennywood, stop by their 4-D theater and catch a showing of The Polar Express. Visit www.kennywood.com/holidaylights for more information.

Pittsburgh’s 56th Annual Light Up Night
Friday, November 18

Celebrate the kick off to the holiday season in beautiful Downtown Pittsburgh! With so many family friendly activities, it’s hard to pick one. Consider starting the evening ice skating at PPG Place, then watch any of the tree lighting ceremonies happening throughout downtown. Go to www.visitpittsburgh.com for more information.
Oglebay’s Winter Festival of Lights
November 11, 2016 through January 8, 2017

The Winter Festival of Lights has been astounding visitors since 1985 with its 300 acres of beautiful light displays. Take the whole family to Oglebay resort and drive along the epic 6-mile path, oo-ing and aw-ing at the colorful lights. Visit www.oglebay-resort.com for more information.