Nutcracker, Musical Christmas Carol Top Pittsburgh Weekend Events

PITTSBURGH, PA - One of the city’s most revered holiday traditions returns this weekend with the opening performances of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker.”

Most of you know the story by now: It’s Christmas Eve in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh when a mysterious gift sparks an amazing adventure. Expect to see swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers and exciting dances set to Tchaikovsky’s memorable score.

“The Nutcracker” will be performed Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 12 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Benedum Center, Downtown.

Other weekend highlights:

• Handmade Arcade, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec.7 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

An estimated 12,000 people are expected to flock to the convention center for the city's largest independent craft fair. You'll be able to find plenty of handmade holiday gifts from more than 250 vendors.

• Steel City Con, Dec. 6-7, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monroeville Convention Center.

For the last Steel City Con of the year, expect to see an impressive array of people who once were famous. Among them: actresses Neve Campbell, Denise Richards and Carmen Electra and actors Sean Astin, Mark Paul Gosselaar and Dustin Diamond. Also on hand will be the usual assortment of comic book dealers.

• A Musical Christmas Carol, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 7, 12 p.m., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Dec. 8, 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., Byham Theater, Downtown.

Another annual holiday event that’s fun for the entire family is the Pittsburgh CLO’s musical rendition of this Charles Dickens classic. Join Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and enjoy the production’s usual dazzling special effects and holiday charm.

• Joy Of Cookies Cookie Tour, Dec. 6-8, various times and locations, Lawrenceville.

This is a free and family-friendly even is a self-guided tour that allows you to stroll through the neighborhood, checking out each shop and sampling cookies at your own pace. Just grab a map and go!
Each shop has its own hours. While the tour is generally 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, check the map for each stop’s location and hours.