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Downtown Holiday Market Prepares For Final Weekend

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Many families have traditions that span back decades during the holidays.

Downtown Pittsburgh has been working to add another tradition to their list.

It's hard to believe it has been three years.

"It is, and it's hard to believe this season is almost over. We have had a really good time and we have learned a lot over the last three years, and we are really excited to bring just another anchor attraction to Downtown Pittsburgh," Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership President and CEO Jeremy Waldrup said.

The 3rd Annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market heads into its final weekend adding a twist of European flavor to Downtown Pittsburgh though the eyes of more than 30 local vendors and artists.

"There's one in Toronto and Chicago -- so there's not very many of them here in the States. It has such a uniqueness about it. I think it's a real draw for people visiting Pittsburgh. I have had people from all over the world come through here," Linda Barnicott said.

"I knew that it was adorable. I saw the pictures. I had a lot of good feedback from people that it was very busy and very hopping and everyone loved it," Audra Azoury said.

It's hard to put an exact figure on the number of visitors, but it is in the hundreds of thousands.

"Even though it has been cold, everyone has been happy and festive. It's a really upbeat and happy atmosphere for sure, especially the families and the kids and they are going ice skating and going to see Santa. It's really fun down here," Azoury said.

This weekend, Santa brings some special guests to One Oxford Center.

"We did some arm-twisting. There were some cities vying for this, but on Saturday, he'll be up at Oxford Center with the reindeer. It's going to be a great family experience from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. you can go out there and see them before they head on their big journey later next week," Waldrup said.

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