Pittsburgh Holiday Season 2017: 10 Can't-Miss Events

PITTSBURGH, PA - With the holidays now in full swing, there’s no shortage of events and activities to keep people busy and entertained until the new year begins. Here are 10 of them that promise to be as popular as a mall Santa:

• Holiday Lights, Every Friday through Sunday through Dec. 23 and nightly from Dec. 26-30, 5-9 p.m., Kennywood

The event illuminates the storied family amusement park with nearly two million lights, including those on Pennsylvania's tallest Christmas tree. It's 90 feet tall and has a 10-foot tree-topping ornament.
Holiday Lights tickets start at $15.99. Children three years of age and under are free. Parking also is free.

• Jackie Evancho Hits and Christmas, Dec. 1, 8 p.m., Palace Theater, Greensburg

The young soprano from Pittsburgh with the stunning voice won runner-up on season 5 of America’s Got Talent and launched her music career, signing with Columbia Records, shortly thereafter. Since her appearance on the show that made her famous, Jackie has established herself as a legitimate force within the classical crossover genre.
Jackie Evancho Hits and Christmas tickets start at $38.

• The Nutcracker, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, Dec. 1-27, various times, Benedum Center, Downtown

Complete with flurrying snow, a colossal Christmas tree and magic tricks galore, this holiday spectacular features over 100 dancers, 150 costumes and Tchaikovsky’s exultant score. Since its 1892 premiere, The Nutcracker has held a special place in holiday traditions all over the world.
The Nutcracker tickets start at $28.

• Winter Flower Show and Light Garden, 5-11 p.m., Phipps Conservatory, Oakland

The magic is brought to life in signature Phipps fashion with artful LED lights, detailed props, decorated fir and pine trees, amaryllis, orchids and more than 2,000 poinsettias.. Adding to the festive atmosphere, in our Outdoor and Discovery Gardens, our biggest, best Winter Light Garden yet will sparkle with luminous orbs, trees, fountains, and a tunnel of lights designed to imitate a twinkling winter sky.
Winter Flower Show and Light Garden tickets start at $11.95.

• A Musical Christmas Carol, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Dec. 8-23, various times, Byham Theater, Downtown.

The holidays would not be the same without Pittsburgh CLO's “A Musical Christmas Carol.”
The CLO has taken the spirit of the season, wrapped it in favorite yuletide melodies and tied it with all the holiday magic and wonder of childhood. Starring Broadway's Patrick Page as Scrooge.
A Musical Christmas Carol tickets start at $11.95.

• Holiday Magic Laser Show, various times through Dec. 30, Carnegie Science Center, North Shore

This holiday laser show is perfect for the whole family. Featuring traditional holiday tunes from across generations to contemporary artists performing their personal favorites, this matinee laser show is guaranteed to be a hit with all ages. Songs include Andy Williams’ “Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “The March,” from “The Nutcracker and Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” Holiday Magic Laser Show admission is $7.

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical Dec. 20-22, 7 p.m.; Dec. 23, 2 and 8 p.m. and Dec. 24, 2 p.m., Heinz Hall, Downtown

Dr. Seuss' beloved holiday tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, has become a perennial holiday classic! Max the Dog is your narrator as the Grinch's fiendish plan to steal Christmas from the holiday-loving Whos unfolds. However, the Grinch soon discovers there's more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical” tickets start at $30.

• Cirque Dreams: Holidaze, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m; Dec. 30, 2 p.m., Benedum Center, Downtown

A specially themed holiday show, Holidaze sees various Christmas ornaments magicked to life as the seasoned troupe of 30 performers from over 12 different countries combine their talents into 20 acts, transforming themselves into costumed characters and perform astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season with spectacle, imagination and whimsical joy.
Cirque Dreams: Holidaze tickets start at $77.

• Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, Dec. 22, 3 p.m., 8 p.m., PPG Paints Arena, Uptown

This Trans-Siberian Orchestra show concerns a runaway girl who takes refuge in an abandoned theater on Christmas Eve, and meets the Ghosts of Christmas, and learning her own worth in the meantime. The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve was the band's first made-for-television film back in 1999 and now they are taking it on tour again around the country as a live concert.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve tickets start at $53.73.

• Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, Dec. 31, Cultural District, Downtown

This six-hour celebration culminates with the city's countdown to midnight and raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball. The activities sprawl through the Cultural District inside theaters, galleries, and unique spaces and along city streets on outdoor performance stages. Acclaimed national artists and local artists 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.
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh admission buttons are $10. Kids 5 and under are free.

Photo: Kurt Miller via Kennywood.