Pittsburgh Light Up Night To Return With Big Changes

PITTSBURGH, PA — After a year's absence due to the pandemic, Light Up Night will return in November, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership announced Thursday. But the event, which typically draws tens of thousands of people Downtown to kick off the holiday season, will move from its traditional night on the Friday before Thanksgiving.

This year's Light Up Night, which will have Highmark as its new sponsor, will occur Saturday November 20 as part of the event's 60th anniversary celebration. Details will be announced at a later date, but the evening will feature the illumination of the city skyline and the usual array of activities such as tree lightings, live music, craft foods, shopping and fireworks.

The move to Saturday should eliminate the usual maddening Light Up Night rush hour complications associated with Downtown street closures necessary to stage the event. The shift also could help attract more people from suburban communities as it provides families more time to get Downtown.

“We believe the move to Saturday night will allow us to expand on the experiences we can offer the community,” Jeremy Waldrup, the partnership's president and CEO, said in a release.

“We know that this 60th anniversary will provide an especially significant year of holiday spirit. The community is really seeking out immersive experiences that can evoke happiness and joy, and
help you find that wonder you can only get at the holidays and we’re confident they’ll find that in abundance Downtown this year.”

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