Six of our favorite ways to see holiday lights in the Pittsburgh area

Photo: Dave DiCillo
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IIf you’re looking to shine this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place. From Kennywood’s lights to decor and the downtown Holiday Market, we’ve curated some of our favorite ways to enjoy the season’s lights — Pittsburgh style.
Kennywood holiday lights
In addition to strolling through more than 2 million twinkling lights, as well as gazing at the tallest Christmas tree in the state, There’s plenty to do at West Mifflin’s popular amusement park. Visitors can add a buffet dinner that includes a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus or purchase a Speedy Pass, which allows guests to make up to five virtual ride reservations. Speaking of rides, a number of the park’s attractions, including Jack Rabbit, the Merry-Go-Round, Kangaroo and Noah’s Ark, will be in operation during the holiday event, weather permitting. Every night Santa arrives in Thomas Town, where he takes pictures with all the good little boys and girls. There’s also a tree lighting ceremony around the lake and a touring holiday band, as well as a dance party on the Kineville Stage. Plan to go hungry – and thirsty. Festive foods such as turkey legs, cobblers, fresh cakes and hot drinks are available at the Lagoon Holiday Shops, while the Beer Garden offers seasonal brews, hot desserts and other specialty drinks.
Holly Jolly Hunt
If you’re looking to have a good time, and love a good competition, You won’t want to miss Holly Jolly Hunt. An app-based scavenger hunt that you can play anywhere of your choosing, Holly Jolly Hunt lets you and your friends explore the town and search for holiday-related items, both traditional and non-traditional. Participants will take photos through the app to score points for their scavenger hunt team and perform fun holiday challenges – sometimes to comedic effect. Your score will appear on the leaderboard compared to other teams across North America.
- Ticket price: from $20 per group (up to 10 people)
- Duration: varies
- Get tickets
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium Lights
Enjoy the wonders of the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium without leaving your car; Which is long awaited Zoo lights drive thru forOur visitors stay in the comfort of their car as they take a guided tour through thousands of environmentally friendly LED lights. What’s new this year is the slower pace, Experience walking through the zoo lights, Which includes Christmas entertainment, photo opportunities, holiday snacks and music. Santa Claus will also be ready to listen to last-minute wishes.
- Ticket price: $40 per member vehicle, $45 per non-member vehicle for Drive-Thru; $18 per adult and $15 per child for the walking tour
- Duration: 30 to 45 minutes drive-thru; Time varies for touring
- Get tickets For Drive-Thru, Get tickets To walk through
Pittsburgh holiday lights tour
Whether you’re new to the city or just looking to get to know it again, tPittsburgh holiday lights tour It is a great way to enjoy the city center in all its dazzling and dazzling glory. Starting at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, this small, family-friendly (and dog-friendly!) group is guided by an expert, with quick stops to see the lights and decorations at some of Pittsburgh’s historic buildings, including the U.S. Steel Tower, Heinz Hall and the Omni William Penn Hotel. The grand finale of the tour ends in the Market Square, where participants can enjoy the tour Popular gas holiday market And warm up with some hot chocolate.
Magic holiday! Winter Flower Show and Illuminated Garden at Phipps Conservatory
Phipps Conservatory in Auckland is a beautiful place any time of year, but especially during the holidays. On November 17, Holiday magic! Winter flower display and illuminated garden She returned to the conservatory with the theme “Green of the Season.” Visitors to the Winter Flower Show will find new displays featuring holiday trees decorated in jewel tones, detailed props and the Winter Garden’s signature floral arrangements, including amaryllis, orchids and 21 species of poinsettias. Outside, the Winter Light Garden is a wonderland, with a 7-foot tree decorated in warm white lights. A floral color scheme of hot pink, blue and silver in planter boxes around a frosty tree composed of LED orbs; A winter solstice-inspired display with glowing ring frames and whimsical gnomes made from dried plant materials. Kids (and adults too) won’t want to miss the Winter Light Garden’s new “Singing Tree” that reacts to your carols.
- Price: Tickets range from $21.95 to $27.95 for adults, $13.95 to $15.95 for children, and $19.95 to $25.95 for seniors.
- Duration: varies
- Get tickets
Dream of Christmas in Pittsburgh
Book your group on a private, behind-the-scenes walking tour of some of Pittsburgh’s most beautiful ornate estates. Led by a professional local guide, A Dream of Christmas in Pittsburgh Tourwhich begins at St. Mary of Mercy Church on Stanwix Street, and includes stops at the city’s glass castles, also known as the six-building PPG Industries complex, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market at Market Square and the Fourth Avenue Historic District.
- Price: From $216.95; Price varies depending on group size
- Duration: two hours
- Get tickets