PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Nothing signals the start of the holidays like Light Up Night in downtown Pittsburgh.

From the skaters at PPG place to the marching bands parading down Penn Avenue, the twinkle of each new bulb is a symbol of the season.

“We get to come down and visit dad at work and get to see all the lights and watch the ice skaters,” Rachel Purcell, of Bethel Park, said.

A crowded Market Square was all aglow in its ornate splendor while street performers turned up the heat.

Ice artists chilled the crowd with their cool carvings at Fifth Avenue Place.

“This is our first time coming down for Light Up Night,” Selena Barefoot, of Penn Hills, said. “We’re having a great time. We had a lot of fun. It was fun seeing the big Christmas tree light up and she was really excited to watch the demonstration of the ice sculptures.”

But the celebration seems to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

“I was the Grinch according to my wife, so I told her I’m in the mood now, so I’m ready for Christmas,” David Stillitano, of Greensburg, said.

Later in Point State Park, the three rivers sparkled with another tradition – the Santa Spectacular capping off a night of family fun and getting everyone in the mood for the magic of the holidays.

RELATED LINKS:
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership: “Light Up Night”
More Holiday Season