Christmas is nearly upon us, with many festivities already in full swing. In the holiday spirit I’ve compiled a list of eight cool Christmas traditions that no ‘burgher should miss.
1. The PPG Place tree and skating rink
Every holiday season PPG covers over the Tomb of the Unknown Bowler in favor of a giant Christmas tree amidst a skating rink. A visual improvement by anyone’s standards, you too can be picturesque for $6-7 a ticket and $3 to rent skates. See PPG’s website for hours and other pricing options.
2. The old Hornes tree
A traditionally-decorated faux tree erected along two sides of what is now a Highmark office building. Though Highmark deserves a good deal of credit for preserving this venerable landmark, it will always be the Hornes tree to me.
3. Light Up Night
On November 16th the holidays kicked off with a night of downtown events and light. About.com has a good summary of what went on this year. The night concluded at 9 with a fireworks display.
4. Hartwood Celebration of Lights
An enormously popular (and thus crowded) drive-through Christmas lights show with various inventive displays. Suggested donation for a car is $12, which goes towards local charities that provide winter necessities to those in need. The official website has more details.
5. Carnegie Museum trees and nativity
During the holidays the Carnegie Museum of Natural History plays host to about a half dozen Christmas trees. Each tree is decorated in a different theme, which change each year. A large and elaborate nativity scene is displayed as well.
6. Pittsburgh Zoo Polar Nights
Once known as Zoo Lights, the Pittburgh Zoo & Aquarium now holds a more scaled back event called Polar Nights.
7. The Nutcracker and A Musical Christmas Carol
The Nutcracker Ballet has been a staple of Pittsburgh Christmas pageantry, and rightly so, for as long as I can remember. Definitely worth seeing at least once. Another holiday-themed show is the CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol.
8. Phipps Conservatory seasonal displays
Phipps Conservatory always has a wide variety of holiday-themed plantings. Take the in-laws and score culture points.Have a Christmas tradition I missed? Have a good Hanukkah or Kwanzaa tradition? Make sure to share it in the comments.
By
Chris on Dec, 5 at 9:43 pm
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December 6th, 2007 at 11:49am
What about the holiday music at Heinz Chapel? Pittsburgh really does have a lot of holiday stuff going on.
December 28th, 2007 at 9:29pm
[...] conclude by mentioning that, as promised, Christmas decoration isn’t lacking. The standard Christmas tree has been displaced by an [...]