Cirque Christmas, Holiday Pops Top Pittsburgh Weekend Events

PITTSBURGH, PA - There are worse ways to spend an evening than being enthralled by dazzling illusions and breathtaking cirque artists performing to all of your favorite holiday music.

“A Magical Cirque Christmas,” is produced by the same people who brought you Broadway’s smash hit “The Illusionists.” This spellbinding production features husband and wife aerialist team Tyce and Mary Nielsen of Duo Transcend. The finalists on this season’s “America’s Got Talent,” performing the Duo Trapeze and Duo Roller Skating.

This extravaganza comes to the Benedum Center on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

“A Magical Cirque Christmas” tickets start at $33.25.

Other weekend highlights:

• Penguins vs. Boston Bruins, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.; Penguins vs. Los Angeles Kings, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; PPG Paints Arena.

If you need a break from all of the holiday events around town, there are two opportunities to catch your fourth-place Metropolitan Division Penguins in action this weekend. On Friday, they go up against the similarly black-and-gold attired Bruins, who occupy fourth place in the Atlantic Division; on Saturday they’ll take on the Kings, who better get off their thrones and start scoring goals - they are in eighth place in the Pacific Division.

Penguins tickets start at $32.

• Highmark Holiday Pops, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2:30, 8 p.m.; Dec. 16, 2:30 p.m. Heinz Hall, Downtown

It's the most wonderful time of the year—with favorite holiday music, perfect for the whole family. Take a "Sleigh Ride"with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Broadway's Doug LaBrecque, and Santa Claus, too! It's Pittsburgh's favorite holiday tradition.

Highmark Holiday Pops tickets start at $22.

• “A Musical Christmas Carol,” Dec. 15, 12 p.m., 8 p.m.; Dec. 16, 12 p.m., 4 p.m., Byham Theater, Downtown.

Remember Richard Thomas, who played John-Boy Walton on the old ‘70s family drama “The Waltons”? Well, he’s older now and playing Scrooge this weekend in CLO’s production of this Charles Dickens classic. Watch him as he torments Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim before all those darned ghosts make him see the light.

“A Musical Christmas Carol” tickets start at $33.

• Steelers Tailgate, Dec. 16, 12 p.m., Stage AE, North Shore.

Before the Steelers end their three-game losing streak Sunday by beating Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, stop at Stage AE across the street from Heinz Field for this indoor tailgate event. Hosted by WDVE’s Bill Crawford, this event promises free prizes, food and drink specials and a performance by the AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck. Stick around afterward to watch the game on Stage AE’s giant screens.

Steelers Tailgate is free.

Image via YouTube.

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