Best Family-Friendly Holiday Events In Pittsburgh
By Jessica Wasik
No matter how you celebrate the season, there are plenty of family friendly holiday events scheduled throughout the coming months to help you and your family get in the holiday spirit. Whether you want to take in a musical performance, create something unique to remember the holidays or cross a few names off your Christmas shopping list, you'll find the perfect activity without ever having to leave the heart of the city. Even better: these events are geared toward family members of all ages! Celebrate the season with these five family friendly holiday events taking place throughout Pittsburgh.
Children's Gingerbread Class
Fairmont Pittsburgh
510 Market St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 773-8903
www.fairmont.com/pittsburgh
Date: Dec. 4, 2016 at 10 a.m.
Craft the most delicious holiday treat at Fairmont Pittsburgh's annual Children's Gingerbread Class. Pastry chef James Wroblewski will share his tips on building the perfect gingerbread house that your child can take home during this two-hour class. Admission is $59 per child and includes one adult admission. Additional adults may join in for an extra $15. The Children's Gingerbread Class also includes an apron, gingerbread house materials and light refreshments. Reservations for this event are required and can be made by contacting Natalie Weiss at (412) 773-8903 or natalie.weiss@fairmont.com.
2016 Peoples Gas Holiday Market
Market Square
23 Market Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 566-4190
www.marketsquarepgh.com
Date: Through Dec. 23, 2016
Kick your holiday shopping off early while supporting local artisans and vendors at the 2016 Peoples Gas Holiday Market. Experience the atmosphere of an authentic German Christkndlmarkts, a beloved European holiday tradition, right in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh through this unique holiday-themed shopping village. Take in the beauty of Market Street that will be illuminated with the splendor of holiday lights as you browse high-quality crafts and gifts and take in various daily performances. Be sure to stop by and visit with Santa Claus to share your Christmas wish-list. Admission to the 2016 Peoples Gas Holiday Market is free.
Polar Express Sleepover
Carnegie Science Center
1 Allegheny Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 237-3400
www.carnegiesciencecenter.org
Date: Dec. 16, 2016 at 6 p.m.
Drift off to dreamland at the Carnegie Science Center's Polar Express Sleepover. Don your favorite PJs and snuggle up for a showing of Polar Express in the gigantic Omnimax Theater. Continue the fun with a visit to the hot chocolate bar complete with liquid nitrogen frozen marshmallows, take a selfie with Santa Claus and participate in take-home arts and crafts. A story time that includes a Polar Express train ticket and sleigh bell will wrap up the evening. This family friendly event is specifically geared toward younger children. Admission is $39 per person.
Related: Neighborhoods With The Best Holiday Lights In The Pittsburgh Area
Holiday Rock n' Rolldies
Heinz Hall
600 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 392-4900
www.pittsburghsymphony.org
Date: Dec. 14, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Hear your favorite holiday songs with a twist at Heinz Hall's Holiday Rock n' Rolldies concert. This all-ages show features performers Eugene Pit & Jive Five, Dee Dee Sharp, Johnny Angel & The Halos, Lou Chrisie and Impressions showcasing their hit classics as well as beloved holiday music. The Rock n' Rolldies show will be held at the beautiful Heinz Hall located in the city's Cultural District. Tickets range from $34.50 to $129.50 and can be purchased by visiting the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's website.
First Night Pittsburgh 2017
Various locations throughout the Cultural District
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 456-6666
www.firstnightpgh.org
Date: Dec. 31, 2016 at 6 p.m.
Pittsburghers agree that the biggest and best way to say so-long to 2016 and welcome in the New Year is at the many festivities and entertainment scheduled for the city's annual First Night celebration. There is fun for all ages at Pittsburgh's largest New Year's Eve party thanks to more than 100 indoor and outdoor activities, live music, one-of-a-kind variety shows, comedy acts and more winter-themed events. Enjoy stunning visual art displays and create your own at one of many craft stations. Stick around for the Penn Avenue holiday parade and 2017 countdown that concludes with a midnight fireworks display. First Night buttons are required for admission and are available for $8 each in advance or $10 at the gate. Children ages 5 and under are free. Purchase your First Night button at the Box Office at Theater Square, located on Penn Avenue or at any participating Giant Eagle store.
