HUGE thank you to all the local businesses who made this trip possible! Kennywood, The Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh, Visit Pittsburgh, Gateway Clipper and The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

Home for the Holidays

As we hear the clippity-clop of of horse shoes strolling down Fifth Avenue and the sounds of Christmas music ringing loudly, it’s obvious the magic of the holiday season permeates through every inch of the city of Pittsburgh. It’s full of festive attractions, twinkling lights, spectacular events and family traditions.

The holidays are always such a busy time of year- the shopping, baking, decorating, wrapping, the list goes on. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not bah-humbugging Christmas!

In fact, quite the opposite!

This year, my family and I took a pledge to take time out and spend it a little time together. While we may not have slowed down the pace, we certainly created tons of memories. We were on a mission to experience some of the best holiday attractions Pittsburgh has to offer- all in one weekend!

Grab a hot chocolate and get ready to explore. I want to help you and your family get the most out of a weekend in Pittsburgh during the holiday season, too!

Fifth Avenue Place | 120 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15222

Cost: FREE
Holiday fun happening through December 24th

We began our weekend in Pittsburgh with a quick stop in Fifth Avenue Place on Friday night. While they have tons of unique boutique shops and dining options, my mission was to stop at the Visit Pittsburgh headquarters to grab some information and a map of downtown. I didn’t have time to shop, but will have to venture back down to check out their selection of Pittsburgh-themed treasures and unique gifts.

 

The Nutcracker |The Benedum, 237 7th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Cost: Tickets starting at $27
December 5th – December 28th

On Friday night, we made it to the opening performance of The Nutcracker at the Benedum. It was a first time experience for all of us and we were floored by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and their festive production.

To be honest, I was a little nervous bringing my six-year-old son to the ballet… but he was engaged throughout almost the entire 2-hour performance!

I loved the magical illusions and subtle Pittsburgh-themed surprises during the performance- characters entering the stage through a Kauffman’s story book and the magnificent backdrop with a view from Mt. Washington.

 

Holiday Market |23 Market Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Cost: FREE

 

Everyday from November 21st through December 23rd, shoppers and visitors can delight in the 3rd annual People’s Gas Holiday Market in Market Square located right next to PPG Plaza. The European-style wooden shops are inspired by the Christkindlemarkt in Nuremberg, Germany. Each vendor offers something unique. At night the streets are glowing with warm holiday lights and the 30’ high electronic sphere tree.

Of course, we had to stop inside Santa’s house for a picture with the big guy himself!

The pictures are free with a donations to support Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. We’re pretty sure he was the real Santa because he knows our Elf on the Shelf… he ate dinner with him and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole.

 

The Creche | 600 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Cost: FREE
On display through January 7th

Just a hop, skip and jump away from PPG Plaza and Market Square, The Creche is located next to the USX Tower Plaza on Grant Street. It’s the world’s only authorized replica of the Vatican’s Christmas Creche at St. Peter’s in Rome! It’s truly an inspiring sight to be seen. Inside the 42 foot high stable, there are twenty life-sized figures. The sight is open for 24 hour viewing and free to the public.

 

PPG Place Plaza | 1 PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Cost: FREE (skating and rental additional cost)
Ongoing

Get ready to lace up your skates and circle around the the 65-foot towering tree in the middle of PPG Plaza’s outdoor skating rink. Who knows, you might even see Santa! On Saturdays, you can enjoy free horse drawn carriage rides. We only had to stand in line for about 5 minutes and the ride lasts for about 15 minutes. It’s a tad chilly but there are heavy blankets available to cover up with.
Once the ride was over, we moved indoors to thaw out inside the Wintergarden. We purchased some hot chocolate and a cookie the size of my son’s head and explored the gingerbread house and train exhibit. There’s also a 32-foot tree and the “Spirit of Giving Around the World” exhibit with themed life-sized Santas and original paintings.

Also, please note… Free parking every Saturday and weekdays after 4pm!

 

Kennywood Holiday Light Show | 4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin, PA 15122

Cost: $16.99/person
November 28th – December 21st; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Through December 21st Kennywood will be holding their Holiday Light Show every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5-9pm. We ventured to the Waterfront (about a 15-20 minute drive from downtown) to check it out. They have holiday characters walking around the park, live music, and lights galore. They even have a few rides open including 8 kiddieland rides. We caught the choreographed light/music show around the lagoon a couple of times- it plays every 30 minutes and each show lasts about 10 minutes. The Parkside Cafe is even transformed into a huge model railroad display!

 

Wyndham Grand Downtown Pittsburgh | 600 Commonwealth Pl., Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Cost: Rates vary, rooms starting at $200/night

Sure, we could have driven home after the Holiday Lights at Kennywood, but I can’t tell you how exciting it was to come back and stay the night in the amazing Wyndham Grand Hotel. Not only do they have the most spectacular beds to jump on (according to my son), but they also have incredible views of the city and uber impressive amenities.
We stayed in the Double Jr. Suite on the 21st floor. With two separate living areas- a sleeping area with two full size beds and a separate seating area (includes a full size sofa bed), there was plenty of room for activities. Each area had separate televisions, climate controls and, most importantly, stunning views. Other amenities included free Wi-Fi and wired high speed internet access, refrigerator and wet bar, coffee maker, pay per view movies, a task desk with ergonomic chair and a speakerphone with voicemail.
Bring your swimming gear because the 4th floor has a swimming pool with a marvelous view! Their fitness area is open 24 hours and is located next to the pool.

 

Station Square | 125 W Station Square Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Cost: FREE

Station Square is a 52-acre indoor shopping center and there are tons of dining options nearby. We had to stop in to ride the trackless train! For $1, the train will take passengers around the mall for a spin. Parents are welcome to ride, too! Although we didn’t visit him, Santa is available for pictures free of charge.

 

Gateway Clipper Santa Cruise | 350 W Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Cost: $25/adult, $12/child
Weekends through December 21st

On Sunday morning, after we visited Station Square, we walked down to the docks of the Gateway Clipper to board the Santa Fun Cruise. The cruises last about 2 hours and children have the opportunity to meet Santa and holiday characters. Food and drinks are available at the snack bar and various toys and trinkets were available for purchase. While there are not too many days like it in December, it was nice enough to hang out on the top deck where we could take in amazing views of the city.

Starting a Family Tradition

With it’s diverse culture and rich history incorporated in such an astounding way, I’m proud to call Pittsburgh home. It truly is an incredible place to raise a family, or simply even visit with family.
Whether you’re a Pittsburgh native or an out-of-towner, I hope you’re inspired to spend some quality time with your family this holiday.

“The best of all gifts around a Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” – Burton Hills

a Rafflecopter giveaway