Holiday Lights, Handmade Arcade Top Pittsburgh Weekend Events

PITTSBURGH, PA - With Hanukkah wrapping up and Christmas just around the corner, it’s no surprise that holiday-themed events dominate the goings-on around town this weekend. And one of the most celebrated ones is Kennywood’s Holiday Lights.

Nearly two million bulbs illuminate the West Mifflin amusement park, which also is decorated with the tallest Christmas tree to be found in Pennsylvania - 90 feet plus a 10-foot tree-topping ornament.

What's different this year about the display? Thomas Town will be part of the fun for the first time, with the tank engine that everyone lovers escorting riders through the park's winter wonderland. Also, the fences around the area where Kennywood's Steel Curtain is rising for its 2019 debut will be adorned with construction-themed light displays.

Holiday Lights tickets can be purchased online at www.Kennywood.com, with prices starting at $16.99. Children three years of age and younger are free. Parking is also free.

Other weekend highlights:

• The Nutcracker, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.; Dec. 8, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 9, 12 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Benedum Center, Downtown

Journey to a land of enchantment filled with swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers and exciting dances set to Tchaikovsky's glorious score. Five lavish scenes, dozens of dancers and over 150 costumes make The Nutcracker a cherished Pittsburgh holiday tradition.
The Nutcracker tickets start at $28.

• Elf, the Sleepover, Dec. 8, 6 p.m., Carnegie Science Center, North Shore

You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy this annual holiday tradition. Here’s a chance to see”Elf” on the big screen at the science center’s Rangos Giant Cinema, then perform festive experiments to create a hot chocolate concoction, enjoy a late-night snack, breakfast and free admission to the science center on Sunday.
Elf, the Sleepover tickets are $39.

• A John Waters Christmas: Holier and Dirtier, Dec. 8, Carnegie Lecture Hall, Oakland

For those who prefer their holiday entertainment risque, the legendary writer and director ("Hairspray," "Pink Flamingos," "Cry Baby," spreads subversive yuletide cheer and lunacy while posing provocative holiday questions, such as "Is Prancer the only gay reindeer?" There's adult language and content, but you probably already realized that.
A John Waters Christmas tickets start at $25.

• Handmade Arcade, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown

This 14th annual crafts extravaganza will feature more than 200 vendors and also will have an all-ages homemade activity area, a craft corridor with nearly two dozen emerging vendors, a youth maker alley, a framer’s market and DJs providing your favorite music throughout the day.
Homemade Arcade admission is free.

Photo: Kurt Miller via Kennywood.

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