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Free and Affordable Pittsburgh 12/2: Free Holiday Adventures!

By Rachel Booth

With the Pittsburgh Holiday season in full swing, we've found some really cool events this weekend that won't cost you a dime! On this week's Free & Affordable Pittsburgh segment on Pittsburgh Today Live, we highlight four great events in the area including a Cookie Tour, a Snowflake Festival, and lots more holiday fun. Learn a bit more about each of the things mentioned on this week's show!

Holiday Cookies
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

2011 Joy of Cookies Tour

Various businesses along Butler Street, 39th, 43rd, 44th and Hatfield Streets,
Pittsburgh, PA
Thursday, December 1 - Sunday, December 4, 2011
Hours: Thursday - Friday 10am to 8pm; Saturday 10am to 6pm; Sunday 11am to 5pm
Price: Free
http://www.lvpgh.com/

Everyone needs a little sustenance while shopping during the chilly Holiday season! While browsing through many of Lawrenceville's cool, independently owned shops, galleries & boutiques - many with affordable finds - you can enjoy the 12th Annual Joy of Cookies Tour in Lawrenceville. You'll find free home-baked cookie samples at 34 different locations, as well as recipes for you to take home and enjoy for years to come!

Holiday Lights
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Sewickley Light Up Night & Santa Parade

Beaver and Broad Streets
Sewickley, PA
Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3, 2011
Hours: Friday 6pm to 9pm; Santa Parade - Saturday 10:30am
Price: Free
http://sewickleyyuletide.com/

Just in case you didn't get enough Light Up Night fun in Downtown Pittsburgh, or if you're looking for more of that 'small town' holiday feel, check out Sewickley's Light Up Night festivities! Complete with fireworks, you'll also enjoy live music and entertainment on two different stages. Plus, there's free parking. Head back on Saturday morning for their annual Santa Parade and free horse-drawn carriage rides!

Christmas ornament and holly
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Nationality Rooms Holiday Open House

Cathedral of Learning
4200 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Hours: 12pm to 4pm
Price: Free
http://www.pitt.edu

Picture authentically crafted classrooms from around the world, and then picture them all decked out in traditional holiday fare, with guides in ethnic dress. The Nationality Rooms are truly a unique experience in Pittsburgh, and you can visit for free this Sunday. Enjoy craft demonstrations, and Holiday performances every 15 minutes. Rooms on the first & third floors (27 of them!) will be decked out and ready to delight!

Snowflake Ornament
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Soergel Orchard's Snowflake Festival

Soergel Orchards
2573 Brandt School Rd
Wexford, PA
Friday, December 2, 2011
Hours: 6pm to 9pm
Price: Free
http://www.soergels.com/holiday.html

Head to Soergel Orchards this Friday for an evening full of free holiday fun at their Annual Snowflake Festival. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, enjoy a roaring bonfire, wood & ice carvers, kids toys and activities and visits with Santa himself! Cider and cookies are on the house. Grown-ups can enjoy free gourmet food and wine sampling too! For a small cost, try some homemade Amish donuts and let the kids ride the holiday train!

What We're Talking About In Best Of

Take a look at the Best Of section – In Shopping & Style you'll find Guide to Picking a Thoughtful Host/Hostess Gift -  With the holiday season upon us, and holiday parties in full swing, be sure to check out the many local Pittsburgh shops that have cute and inexpensive gift ideas.

Christmas is right around the corner, so now is the time to sit down with Good 'ol Saint Nick, in our Family & Pets section, you'll find a list of places where Kris Kringle will be meeting kids this season — many of which won't cost you a dime to get in!

Rachel Booth & Heather Walsh are local bargain experts and Co-Founders of Living Pittsburgh.com, Pittsburgh's go-to bargain website for free, affordable & discounted events, activities, products & services. Visit Living Pittsburgh for even more great 'Burgh bargains!

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