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Merry Magic — Pittsburgh Style
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items As a mom, I know it is my job to make sure the holiday season is magical for my kids. Here are a few things that I do to turn up the holiday magic and create lasting traditions!
Sections
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Family Friendly Activities
Treats
Adult Activities
Family Friendly Activities
Every year, I make hot cocoa in to go cups and head over to Clinton to see their light display! It never disappoints!!
Christmas Light Up Celebration
As my kids have gotten a little older, I started bringing them to the holiday market downtown to shop among local vendors! Expert tip: Santa is here, too!!
Peoples Gas Holiday Market
Having worked in the Steel Building for years, it isn’t Christmas without a stop to see the Crèche.
In 1996, the Christian Leaders Fellowship displayed a Nativity scene near Gateway Center on city property. In 1998, the City of Pittsburgh decided s...
The Pittsburgh Creche
Noted as one of the most “Hallmark movie-like” places in Pennsylvania, if you’re in the Pittsburgh region during December, make plans to attend the Canonsburg Old Fashioned Christmas.
Canonsburg's Old Fashioned Christmas
Experience holiday lights like you never have at the Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens. Walk through elaborate light displays with your family and friends creating lasting memories!!
Dazzling Nights : immerse yourself in the wonder of the holidays
Looking for a fun night with friends or a romantic activity? Take a spin at the PPG rink around a giant Christmas tree. Maybe grab dinner in Market Square, shop at the village, then hit the ice to make memories!!
The Rink at PPG Place
Always dreamed of watching the ball drop to ring in the new year? Attend First Night Pittsburgh and experience a New Year’s Eve party like none other!!
First Night Pittsburgh 2025 | New Year's Eve Guide | Visit Pittsburgh
A long standing tradition for many is the Phipps holiday display. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the holiday season, Phipps Conservatory style! Festive displays and lights will not disappoint!! Snag a family photo for your Christmas cards and spen...
Phipps Holiday Magic: Winter Flower Show and Light Garden | Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens | Pittsburgh PA
Tired of the standard Pittsburgh winter activities? Check in out Glowland — an outdoor light and music display in the Oakland area.
GLOWLAND | Pittsburgh's Premier Winter Festival | Visit Pittsburgh
Another Pittsburgh area tradition is heading over to Kennywood for the holiday lights. Follow the yellow arrow over the river and through the towns til you arrive at the most beautiful displays of lights!!
Holiday Lights | Kennywood
Take a walk on the wilder side and experience the zoo lights throughout the holiday season.
Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lanterns Experience - Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Experience the holidays throughout the world as you set foot in the nationality rooms at Pitt! Travel country to country and see how each different group celebrates the season with breathtaking displays.
Nationality Rooms
Create lasting memories and an annual tradition when you step into Clara’s world at The Nutcracker. Spend an evening downtown having dinner followed by the ballet, returning home and finding yourself with visions of sugar plums dancing in your head!!...
The Nutcracker - Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Treats
Grab some of these cups to fill with hot cocoa as you drive around looking at holiday lights.
Holiday Disposable Drinkware Hot Cups - Red/Green - 16oz/8ct - up&up™
How fun and festive are these marshmallows?!?! Grab a bag for your hot cocoa board!!
Great Value Holiday Variety Marshmallows, 2.54 oz, 12 Count
As winter approaches, I purchase one of these large cans of hot cocoa mix. It’s an easy and convenient way to welcome home cold sled riders and the perfect way ti stay cozy while driving around looking at lights!
Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix Canister, 76.5 oz.
Known for their burnt almond torte, Prantls Bakery purchased the famous Kaufmann’s Thumbprint recipe when the Arcade Bakery closed. These thumbprints are roughly 2 1/2 inches high and beyond decadent. Surely a treat to impress when incorporated into ...
Pittsburgh Bakery - Prantl's Bakery, Pittsburgh's Premier Bakery - Order Today
Holiday cookie platters from pastry chef Rachel Walto are available from DiAnoia’s Eatery, made with a mix of cookies, like Pignoli Nut Cookies and Italian Rainbow Cookies (both of which are also available by the dozen), Anise Biscotti!
DiAnoia's Eatery - Best Italian Restaurant in Pittsburgh
Oakmont Bakery is a staple in Pittsburgh and doesn’t disappoint around the holidays. Adding some of their specialty cookies to your cookie tray will definitely brighten it up and make it more festive!!
Oakmont Bakery
Another local bakery that is a staple is Bethel Bakery. With two locations in the south hills, you can surely find what you’re looking for!
Bethel Bakery - the cake place in Bethel Park PA - Bethel Bakery
Adult Activities
Pop up bars have become an expectation of Pittsburghers for the holiday season. They’re festive, they’re fun, and they are here for a brief moment. Don’t miss your chance to try Wigle Whiskey’s holiday offerings! I know I’ll be making a stop!
Wigle Whiskey Distillery | Wigle Whiskey | Pittsburgh, PA
Looking for a fun place to stop after work? Have friends visiting that you haven’t seen in a while? Look no further! Sipping Santa is your holiday destination! This popup bar offers drunk beverages in unique glassware!
Sippin Santa
Another fun stop at a pop up is Miracle on 7th. Downtown Pittsburgh is sure to impress with these festive destinations!! Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy a beverage with friends as you celebrate the season!
Miracle on 7th