Pittsburgh December Holiday Events: 10 You Can't Miss

PITTSBURGH, PA - December traditionally is a time for reunions with family members, exchanging gifts with friends and loved ones and taking in any number of holiday-related entertainment options.

There is no shortage of events to keep people around Pittsburgh from being bored this month. Patch found these 10 that promise plenty of pleasant, memory-making moments before the holiday season ends and you’re facing the bleakness of January:

• The Nutcracker, Nov. 30- Dec. 27, 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.

• Holiday Lights, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and nightly from Dec. 26 through Dec. 30, Kennywood.

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. Tickets for Holiday Lights 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.

• Miracle on 34th Street, Nov. 30-Dec. 16, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Midland, Beaver County.

When an old man by the name of Kris Kringle gets a job working as Santa for Macy's Department Store, a young girl and her mother begin to suspect there is more to Mr. Kringle than meets the eye. This classic holiday story reminds people to keep the child in all of them alive and well.
Miracle on 34th Street tickets are $20.

• Christmas with Chris, Dec. 5 and 6, Kelly Strayhorn Theater, East Liberty

The Vault Records singer and songwriter Chris Jamison, perhaps best known for his 2014 third-place finish on NBC’s “The Voice,” performs with special guest Matt McAndrew for two evenings of holiday magic.
Christmas with Chris tickets start at $40.

• 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.

• Kenny G: The Miracles Holidays & Hits Tour, Dec. 10, Palace Theater, Greensburg

In a recording career that spanning 23 albums over nearly three decades, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G has grafted elements of R&B, pop and Latin to a jazz foundation solidifying his reputation as the premiere artist in contemporary jazz. Expect to hear his rendition of many holiday classics.
Kenny G tickets start at $48.

• A Magical Cirque Christmas, Dec. 13, Benedum Center, Downtown

The producers of Broadway’s smash hit “The Illusionists” have brought together some great entertainers for a spellbinding new holiday production. Experience the magic of Christmas with dazzling illusions and breathtaking cirque artists, performing to all your favorite holiday music.
A Magical Cirque Christmas tickets start at $33.25.

• Highmark Holiday Pops, Dec. 14-23, 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.

• Elf The Musical, Dec. 26-Dec. 30, Heinz Hall, Downtown

Based on the classic movie, Elf The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Elf The Musical tickets start at $31.

• Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, Dec. 31, Downtown

Culminating with the city's countdown to midnight and raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball, the six-hour First Night Pittsburgh celebration sprawls downtown's renowned 14-block Cultural District — inside theaters, galleries, and unique spaces and along city streets on outdoor performance stages.
Acclaimed national artists and Pittsburgh's vibrant artist community ring in the new year for revelers with live music, dance, theater, visual arts, comedy, magic, kids' activities, and a signature parade along with two Zambelli Fireworks displays, at 6 p.m. and midnight.
First Night admission buttons go on sale Dec. 3.

Nutcracker image via YouTube.

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