The most wonderful time of year is officially here! There is lots of holiday hustle and bustle. It is easy to feel overwhelmed with the abundance of parties, events, and errands that December brings. We hope to make your busy month a little easier by pulling together a list of the best events in and around Pittsburgh for this month! This is your one stop shop to help you plan and organize which family events you and your loved ones don’t want to miss!
Have an event you would like to have featured in our monthly round up? Submit it here!
December 1st
Dormont Fire Department Holiday Parade
10am-11am Dormont, PA
Celebrate the arrival of Santa to Dormont. Following the parade enjoy the Winter Festival on Potomac Ave.
Penguins on Parade
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
11:30-11:45am
The resident Penguins of the Pittsburgh Zoo want to celebrate with you this holiday season! Come and see them march in their very own parade this holiday season!
Sewickley Santa Parade
Sewickley, Pa
10:30am
Fire trucks, music, and more make up this fun holiday parade.
December 2nd
Annual Tree Lighting Event
Peters Township Parks and Recreation
Venetia, PA
6pm to 7pm
Join in Peters Township’s holiday kick off event. Enjoy the music of the school choir, a visit from Santa, crafts, refreshments and more!
Christmas at the Village
Old Economy Village Ambridge, PA
2pm to 7pm
If you love holidays and history then this event is perfect for you!Walk along a candlelit cobblestone street and visit the historic buildings with interpreters eager to show off wares from the nineteenth century. People looking for last minute gift ideas will find unique handmade items for sale by vendors. Local choirs will be performing. Children’s crafts and activities along with Belsnickel (Pennsylvania Dutch Santa Claus) will be found in the Granary. Food is available for purchase. Open all weekend long!
December 3rd
South Hills Lights Community Chanukah Festival
Hollywood Theater
1449 Potomac Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15216
5:30pm to 7:30pm
This event highlights a giant public Menorah lighting. Also enjoy food, music, laser light show and prizes. Sponsored by the South Hills Jewish Pittsburgh, this event is free and open to all. In light of the recent tradgedy in Pittsburgh the South Hills Jewish wants to highlight light, unity and Jewish pride in Pittsburgh this holiday season!
Light Up the Night
Miracle Mile Shopping Center
Monroeville, PA
5:30 to 7pm
This event will feature the kindling of a large 12 foot glow in the dark Menorah, distributing Chanukah gifts to all in attendance, NEW! Grand Chocolate coin drop from a firetruck and enjoying Chanukah songs from the Gateway 4th grade chorus.
Warm drinks and refreshments will be served.
December 4th
Ohio Township’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Ohio Township Community Center
325 Nicholson Road, Sewickley, Pennsylvania 15143
6:30pm to 8pm
At this event you and your family with enjoy a warm fire and holiday carols on the back patio of the Nature Center until 7:00pm when the tree lights will be lit. One lucky child in attendance will be randomly selected to light up the night!
Santa Claus arrives shortly after 7:00pm. The first 50 kids to visit Santa Claus will receive a custom ornament commemorating the night.
December 5th
Pre-K Logic and Fun
Snapology
Bridgeville, PA
10am to 11am
In this kindergarten readiness class children will learn the fundamentals of matching, opposites, patterns & sorting. This program is designed to encourage your child’s development and their success in school. Give your child a head start and enroll today! Ages 3-5 $30 for 3 week class
Meet Mrs. Claus
Robinson Township Library
1000 Church Hill Rd, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15205
Straight to you from the North Pole Mrs. Claus is making an extra special visit to the library!
December 6th
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Crossroads Ministries
Finleyville, PA
7pm to 8pm
A heartwarming tale involving the Three Wise Men, a ham, scared shepherds, and six rowdy kids.
Nutcracker
Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center
579 Masonic Way, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237
6:30pm to 8:30pm
This holiday classic is brought to life by the Allegro Ballet Academy
December 7th
Christmas Tree Lights in the Park
Clever Park
3830 Clever Rd, McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania 15136
6:30 to 7:30pm
Santa’s Polar Party
X-Cel Gymnastics
Butler, PA
12:30pm to 2pm
SANTA is coming to X-Cel on December 7th, 2018! Children aged 3 1/2 (and potty trained) – Kindergarten will enjoy games, plush snowball fights, story time, bounce castle fun, crafts, cookies and more! Santa’s Polar party will be loaded with Christmas fun for your little one!
December 8th
Lunch with The Grinch
Unos Pizza and Grill Homestead, PA
10am to 12pm
Tickets include your meal, treat bag and a visit with the Grinch!
Breakfast with Santa
Church of the Covenant
Washington, PA
9am to 12pm
Proceeds from this event benefit UPMC Children’s Hospital’s Free Care Fund. Come and spend your morning with Santa while enjoying a delicious breakfast!
December 9th
Santa Fun Cruise
Gateway Clipper Fleet
Pittsburgh, PA
1:30pm
Set sail on the three rivers for a spectacular holiday party. There is dancing, face painting, food and more to enjoy on this boat ride. Santa will be there too!
Handprint Holiday Keepsakes
Ton Pottery Millvale, PA
10am to 3pm
This event is an opportunity to have fun while making a special holiday keepsakes. Fun for babies and older kiddos!
December 10th
PJ Plays at Stay N Play
9:30am to 11am
Pittsburgh, PA
Enjoy a story and a craft with this month’s theme is traditions!
Santa Visits
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
6pm to 9pm
This year the beauty of Phipps comes alive with “Let it Glow”. If you are looking for a good night to take in the beautiful scenery make sure to pick a Santa visit night. You can purchase tickets here.
December 11th
Hip Hop Nutcracker
Benedum Theater Pittsburgh, PA
7:30pm
If you are looking to try something new this holiday season consider this contemporary reinvention of the traditional Nutcracker and it’s music.
Dinner with Santa Cow
Chik Fil A
Mcknight Road Location
5pm to 7pm
Take part in this event for a memorable dinner with Santa Cow. After dinner, make an ornament for your Christmas tree, get a photo with Santa Cow, mail a letter to Santa, or enjoy a cup of hot cocoa from the hot cocoa station. Fun family night out. Activities are free of charge
December 12th
Christmas Cookie Decorating and Play
Party Lane
Mars, PA
10 am – 12 pm or 2 pm – 4 pm
$10 / Child
Come play and decorate a Christmas cookie with buttercream icing and lots of sprinkles!
Holiday Tea Party
Moon Parks and Recreation
Robin Hill Center
Enjoy holiday cookies, cocoa and crafts at our cozy holiday tea at Robin Hill Park. Carols and candy are just a few of the fun things you can look forward to as we deck the halls with comfort and joy!
December 13th
Christmas on Main Street
Southpointe Town Center
Canonsburg, PA
5pm to 8pm
This event surely has it all. A one of a kind laser light show, carriage rides, smores, and visits from Queen Elsa and Santa!
Storytime with Santa
Chartiers Houston Public Library
Chartiers-Houston, PA
5:30pm to 6:30pm
Family story time with none other than Santa himself!
December 14th
Cookies with Santa
Baierl Family YMCA
Wexford, PA
6pm to 8pm
Meet Santa in his winter wonderland, play reindeer games and enjoy holiday crafts….and of course cookies! Free event – Open to the community! Sponsored by Hefren-Tillotson
Santa Spectacular Cookie Party
Fun For All
Cranberry, PA
5pm to 9pm
Fun for All is even better this time of year. Holiday lights mini golf, games, cookies, Santa and more await you!
December 15th
Light Up the Holidays
Market District Settlers Ridge
Robinson PA
2pm to 7pm
First the outdoor Holiday Market Village will be open from 2PM-7PM with fun activities for all ages. Market District food samples, gingerbread cookie decorating, hot apple cider and hot chocolate will be available, face makeup artists and so much more! Also DJ Joshua Walker will be playing your holiday favorites mixed up with some modern takes on some classic holiday hits! Things will really “illuminate” at 5PM on the outdoor stages during the Lights Up Stage Experience featuring a speed ice sculptor, several magical character appearances, special effects and more magical entertainment that the whole family will love!
Breakfast with Santa
Morning Glory Inn
Pittsburgh, PA
9am to 10:30am
Take a walk through the winter wonderland courtyard, have a home cooked breakfast and warm up with our famous hot cocoa bar. There will be a Gingerbread house will be set up with a cookie making station to divulge your sweet tooth. Also take some time to visit the letter writing station for Santa before you get a chance to talk to Santa yourself!
Raffle baskets will be available with proceeds going to Toys for Tots. You may purchase raffle tickets or bring a toy donation.
PJs and Pancakes
Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South
Bethel Park, PA
9am to 11am
What could be better than breakfast with Santa? Well going to breakfast in your jammies of course! Santa has requested everyone wear their PJs and join him at the Crowne Plaza hotel for a visit and some great food!
December 16th
Holiday Lights Dinner with Santa
Kennywood Park
West Mifflin, PA
3:30pm to 4:45pm
Enjoy dinner and then enjoy an up close and person visit with Santa. And what makes it even more fun is you are doing inside Kennywood Park that has been transformed into a holiday light wonderland!
Ever After Winter Princess Ball
800 N Negley Avenue Pittsburgh PA
4:30pm to 6:30pm
This is Ever After Event’s first Winter Ball! Your prince and princesses will enjoy dancing, crafts, singing, games, make overs and more!
December 17th
Holiday Family Singalong
Every Little Soul Music
10:15am
Greensburg, PA
This event is geared toward your younger children ( babies, toddlers, preschoolers). You will enjoy singing and dancing your favorite holiday toons as a family!
Toddler Time
Skyzone
Canonsburg, PA
10am
Everyone knows that toddlers have more energy than anyone! What better way to let them burn it all off than to have free reign over the trampoline park. Skyzone offers a special toddler time for children 5 and under!
December 18th
Disney Holiday Celebration
Sarah Heinz House
Pittsburgh, PA
5:30pm to 8:30pm
The Sarah Heinz House encourages you to “Be their guest” at this very special Disney Holiday celebration. Lots of fun activities will be there including a bounce house, cookie decorating, pcitures with Santa and live performances from the traditional “Silver People”. Tickets can be purchased at the front desk.
Pajama Party: Jingle All the Way
Row House Cinema
Pittsburgh, PA
9pm to 10:45pm
Row House’s Annual Pajama Party invites you to attend by wearing your PJs to a viewing of Jingle All the Way with Arnold Schwarzenegger! Wear your jammies and recieve $1 off at the concession stand. Additionally, Row House will be collecting new blankets on behalf of Bethlehem Haven, a service that supports homeless women and those at risk for homelessness. If you bring a blanket you will receive a voucher for a free small popcorn on your next visit.
December 19th
Tumbling Toddlers
Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Cetner
Washington PA
9am
This toddler class (ages 2-4) will help expose your child to tumbling and basic gymnastic skills. Register for a 5 week class or ask about drop in rates!
History Explorers: Art of the Everyday
Heinz History Center
Pittsburgh, PA
10:30am to 11:30am
Do you have a child who loves art! Do they love creating their own masterpieces? Then this event may be for you. Children ages 5-8 can explore Pittsburgh stories through games, art, cooking, making and other hands on activities. This session will be inspired by Pittsburgh born artist, Burton Morris. Children will be able to create their own holiday-themed piece of art!
December 20th
Story Time with Chick-Fil-A
Beaver Valley Mall
Monaca, PA
10:30am
Spend your morning enjoying this special storytime event! Enjoy a story and craft time all culminating in a special treat from Chik Fil A!
Little Learners Club House
Carnegie Science Center
Pittsburgh, PA
A newer expeirence at the Science Center, the Little Learners Clubhouse, is geared toward your children 6 and under. Located on the 4th floor of the Science Center. Children and their families will enjoy a tree house inspired playground, water table, books, gardening and more!
December 21st
A Christmas Story
Comtra Theatre
Cranberry, Township, PA
The movie a Christmas Story is a holiday classic! This musical is based on the movie. The plot is set in the 1940s, and follows 9 year old Ralphie and his quest for the perfect Christmas gift, an Official Red Ryder carbine action 200 shot Range Model air rifle.
Holidays in the Highlands
Seven Springs
Seven Springs, PA
5pm to 9pm
There is lots to do at Seven Springs during the Holiday in the Highlands. Events include a magical holiday village, holiday light display, Seven Springs Express Train, carolers, face painting, crafts, snow tubing, and even a bonfire. This is a great way to spend a fun filled Friday night!
December 22nd
Holiday KidsPlay
Downtown Pittsburgh
Heinz Hall Courtyard at corner of Liberty Ave and Sixth Street
11am to 7pm
This event was developed to reflect Fred Rogers’ philosophy of generosity and kindness as an essential part of the holiday season. The Carnegie Science Center, Children’s Museum, Heinz History Center, and WQED all partnered together to create a super special family fun experience. The event is held under heated tents, so you don’t need to worry about the weather while you enjoy making ornaments, play games, visit with Daniel Tiger and more! All visitors will also receive a coupon for a free kids meal at Moe’s!
Skate with Santa
UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
Cranberry, PA
2pm to 4pm
Skating is a great winter activity. But at this event you can combine skating with a visit from Santa and a viewing a Christmas movie!
December 23rd
Bowling with Santa
Princess Lanes
Pittsburgh, PA
1pm to 3pm
Santa likes to bowl too! Enjoy some time at the lanes plus pizza, and even reindeer food making.
Skating with Santa/Holiday Food Drive
Baierl Ice Complex
Warrendale, PA
1pm to 2:45pm
Admission to this event is free! But everyone who visits is asked to bring non perishable food items to help those in need this holiday season. Helmets are required.
December 24th
Shadracks Christmas Wonderland- Drive Thru Light Show
6pm to 10pm M-F Sat and Sunday 6pm to 10pm
The bigger than life holiday light display takes over the entire Butler Fairgrounds. Set to the music of all your holiday favorites, the synchronized light displays are truly magical!
December 25th
Christmas Day Buffet
Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South
Bethel Park, PA
The excitement of Christmas day is enough, so why not take a break from the kitchen and let the culinary team at Crown Plaza prepare your holiday meal for you! There are multiple seating times available. Adults $32, seniors 65+ $30, Children 6-12 $23, Children 5 and under eat free! Call 412-833-5300 for reservations.
December 26th
Family Fun Days
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
11am at 2pm
Looking for a super fun and education way to spend time with your children during winter break! Then look no more, family fun days provide a variety of engaging education activities while having fun and making holiday memories.
Science of Slime- Holiday Workshop
Snapology
Bridgeville, PA
9am to 12pm
This event is for your school aged children 5-14. Looking for something fun for the kids to do during winter break, do your kids love slime (what kid doesnt!) then this might be just the event you are looking for. During the vent kids will learn the science of slime and the chemistry behind it, super cool!
December 27th
Winter Mini Camp
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
10am
This event is geared toward campers 5-9 while they are on their winter break. They can come and spend one or two days learning about animals and winter!
December 28th
History Play: Moon Mania
Heinz History Center
Pittsburgh, PA
10:30am to 12pm
This workshop is geared toward children 8-11. During this session children will enjoy a fun exploration of the Destination Moon exhibition and even become space explorers through fun hands on activities.They will create their own art, and even train to become an astronaut.
December 29th
Holiday Bird Count
North Park
North Park Rose Barn
Thousands of volunteers go out to complete the winter bird census. Be a part of documenting the bird species of our area!
December 30th
Holiday Train Open House
Rochester Area Heritage Society
Rochester, PA
11am to 3pm
This model railroad open house is fun for all ages!
December 31st
Noon Year’s Eve
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
Pittsburgh, PA
11am to 1pm
Party like its New Years! but just a little bit early so your kiddos don’t have to stay up late. And what better way to celebrate it than with your animal friends!
Harmony’s Silvester New Years Celebration
Downtown Harmony
6pm
This celebration high lights the traditions of the german roots of this historic town. Even enjoy fireworks at 6pm.
