guides

Holiday Lights in Pittsburgh

Your Guide to Christmas Lights and Holiday Illuminations in and around Pittsburgh 2023

By Emily Papa, Macaroni KID Publisher December 15, 2023

Watching Holiday Lights in Pittsburgh while listening to Christmas carols is absolutely one of our favorite family holiday traditions. Are you looking for some of the best kid-friendly locations in and around the Pittsburgh West area to see holiday lights and find the magic illumination in the dark?  With Western PA having so many great holiday lights displays for the whole family, especially right here in Pittsburgh, you can plan a new trip every weekend through the New Year! Below you will find some of our favorite holiday lights for kids and families in Pittsburgh happening all season long! Click on the links below to quickly jump to the Pittsburgh area you are looking for Holiday Lights in!

SOUTH HILLS | ROBINSON | CITY | NORTH | EASTWORTH THE DRIVE

If you're looking for some FREE family fun, check out our noteworthy Griswold Lights Displays to find some of the best Christmas houses and neighborhood light displays in the 'Burgh!





Holiday Tree Lighting and Light Up Nights in the South Hills of Pittsburgh

🌟 Canonsburg's Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration
🌟 Christmas Market & Light Up Night
🌟 Highmark Light Up Night
🌟 Light Up Night Brentwood
🌟 Light Up Green Tree
🌟 Brookline Lights Up
🌟 Beverly Brite Nite
🌟 Brookline’s Festival of Trees
🌟 Bethel Park Tree Lightning Ceremony
🌟 Deck the Barn: Lighted Christmas Drive Thru
🌟 Joy-Thru Fairview: South Fayette
🌟 Peters Township Holiday Kickoff
🌟 Light Up Night @ The Bible Chapel


Holiday Light Happenings all Season Long in the South Hills of Pittsburgh



Kennywood Holiday Lights 2021


Holiday Lights at Kennywood

Where: West Mifflin, PA
When: Weekends November 18th - January 1st, 2024, December 26, 27, 28, 29, Closed December 25th
5pm-10pm
Cost: $39.99 (save $10-$20 by purchasing your tickets online)

Make your season sparkle at Kennywood during Holiday Lights this winter. Bring your family and celebrate the return of this Pittsburgh classic. Take a stroll among more than one million twinkling lights, and marvel at the tallest Christmas tree in the state. Savor the flavors of new festive foods and holiday drinks. Plus, there are rides for the kids, a petting zoo, and special entertainment for all. For an additional fee you can enjoy a special dinner with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

More Info: WEBSITE | MACKID FAMILY FEEDBACK


ELFburgh Christmas - CANCELLED FOR 2022

Where: Bethel Park, PA
Cost: $25/car

ELFburgh Christmas will become the most unique holiday experience coming to Pittsburgh this season! Produced by the award-winning scenic team behind Hundred Acres Manor Haunted Attraction, ELFburgh Christmas will be a family-friendly event for all ages and will leave you amazed and inspired.

The Hundred Acres Manor teams’ mission is to put a smile on your face while giving back to the Pittsburgh Community. Spreading cheer and providing children the opportunity to meet and greet Santa preparing for the holiday in his workshop while in the comfort and safety of your car.

You will get to drive-thru the Christmas display, see Santa's elves singing your favorite Christmas songs and meet Santa. 

More info: pittsburghchristmas.com

Holiday Tree Lighting and Light Up Nights in Pittsburgh West - Robinson

🌟 Sparkle Night @ Settlers Ridge
🌟 Beaver Annual Light Up Festival
🌟 Sewickley Light Up Night
🌟 Christmas Light Up Night @ Clever Park
🌟 Moon Lights Holiday Festival
🌟 Light Up Bellevue
🌟 Light Up Avalon
🌟 Light Up Green Tree
🌟Crafton Celebration of Lights
🌟 St. Nicholas Day Lantern Parade


Holiday Light Happenings all Season Long in Pittsburgh West - Robinson

Christmas Light - Up

Where: 600 Clinton Park Drive | Clinton, PA
When: November 18th, 2023 -January 1st, 2024
Time: 5-10 PM Daily
Cost: $10/car donation - CASH ONLY

Founded in 1993, the Christmas Light Up Celebration in Clinton, PA is the best kept holiday secret in Pittsburgh. Drive through and enjoy a one-mile experience of light displays in a wooded setting. *Due to safety concerns, traffic congestion, and various other reasons Christmas Light - Up will no longer host a walk-thru; doing their best to safely and efficiently bring the Christmas spirit to all who visit.

More info: WEBSITE |  FACEBOO




MacKID Publishers loving the tunnel of lights at Dazzling Lights Pittsburgh

Dazzling Lights Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

Where: 799 Pinkerton Run Rd | Oakdale, PA 15071
When: November 24, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Time: 5:30-9pm
Cost: Tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for children (plus fees). Children 2 and under enter free.

Back again for 2023 is Dazzling Lights at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Dazzling Nights is a night time, outdoor walking experience through 65 acres of natural environment. Start the night with a picture perfect photo opportunity in front of a unique, 30’ tall towering holiday tree. Experience interactive lights on the ground light up when you walk on them as you journey through a forest of light and fog, as if walking through the aurora borealis. Feel the rush of excitement as you immerse yourself in a 65’ long tunnel of wondrous light while being surrounded by holiday tunes. Tickets must be purchased for a specific time and date, and are not available at the door. Make sure you arrive early to allow time for the shuttle from the parking lot.

More Info: WEBSITE | MACKID FAMILY FEEDBACK

More Info: WEBSITE





Enchanted Lights

Where: 282 Rochester Road | Freedom, PA
When: Friday's, Saturday's & Sunday's starting November 24, 2023 through January 6th. Closed December 24th but open December 21st, 26th, and 27th
Time: 6-9:15 pm | approximate walk is 40-60 minutes
Cost: $25/$20 plus $5 for parking

This outdoor event features a dazzling display of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and delightful surprises that’s sure to fill you with holiday cheer! Enjoy hot chocolate and roast s’mores around the campfires with friends and family, all while being ensconced in a tapestry of shimmering lights. Guests are urged to dress appropriately as well as wear proper footwear.( No heels and flat boots) You will be walking on lighted gravel paths and one flight of stairs. Tickets are valid for a selected entry time. On-line sales only.

More Info: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK


Moon Lights Holiday Drive-Thru

Where: Moon Park
When: Daily
Time: Sunday - Wednesday dusk til 7:30pm. Thursday - Saturday dusk til 10pm
Cost: FREE

Enjoy a FREE holiday drive-thru in Moon Park with over 25 light displays made possible by generous sponsors and volunteers. 

More Info: WEBSITE

Holiday Tree Lighting and Light Up Nights in the City ofPittsburgh

🌟 The Terminal Holiday Market and Tree Lighting
🌟 Let it Glow
🌟 Highmark Light Up Night


Holiday Light Happenings all Season Long in the City of Pittsburgh

Glowland Pittsburgh

Where: Oakland
When: November 20th -January 2nd, 2024
Time: Impulse in Schenley Plaza is free and open to the public daily from 10am-10pm
Cost: FREE

GLOWLAND is a month-long winter festival beginning on November 20th, featuring art installations, live music events and illuminations throughout Oakland. Discover the playable and interactive art installation, Impulse, in Schenley Plaza, then head into Oakland’s business districts to explore music, entertainment, vendors, games, and more! Special events will include an illuminated kick-off party, Small Business Saturday celerbation, and a family-friendly closing weekend. Additionally, buildings, public spaces, and unexpected corners of Oakland will be brought to life by variations of light-based art. 

MORE INFO: WEBSITE


Laser Holiday Magic 

Where: Carnegie Science Center
When: November 24th - January 1st

Time: Daily at 2pm
Cost: Laser Child $7.00, Laser Adult $7.00, Laser Senior $7.00, Members pay $6.00

Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with a festive laser celebration that’s perfect for the whole family. This show features traditional and contemporary versions of beloved holiday tunes. Sing along while vibrant animations and gorgeous abstracts dance above your heads! Be lifted away from the hustle and bustle and share this one-of-a-kind experience with loved ones.

MORE INFO: WEBSITE




"Hugging" the tree at The Rink at PPG Place

The Rink at PPG Place

Where: Downtown Pittsburgh, PA
When: November 17th - February 25th, 2024 *special holiday hours
Cost: $10-12 and $5-6 skate rental

Surrounded by the spectacular crown jewel of the PPG Place glass skyscraper and featuring a stunning 65-foot musical, illuminated Holiday tree decorated with over 100,000 lights and ornaments, The Rink at PPG Place offers an incomparable atmosphere and provides a fun-filled Downtown Winter Playground. In 2015, The Rink at PPG Place was expanded by 25% increasing its overall surface size to 67% larger than the Rockefeller Center ice rink and two-thirds the size of an NHL rink. Viewing is always free of charge but if you'd like to enjoy the ice at the Rink, you can pre-order your tickets.

More Info: WEBSITE


Walk the 'Burgh Holiday Lights Tour

Where: 1049 Penn Ave, Downtown Pittsburgh
When: Available November 22nd, 2023 until New Years Day, almost daily at 5pm
Cost: Adults $28, Children $16 (age 6-13)

Get into the holiday spirit and enjoy an evening in Downtown Pittsburgh, learning about the history of the city, discovering beautiful squares and pieces of architecture, while getting to see all the festive holiday lights and decorations. Experience the world's largest pickle ornament, a unique gingerbread house display, a replica of the crèche from Vatican City, and much more during your two-hour guided walk around the 'Burgh! The grand finale of the tour will be a big Christmas tree surrounded by an ice rink, and last but not least: The central holiday market in town!

More Info: WEBSITE


Zoo Lights

Where: 7370 Baker Street | Highland Park, PA 15206
When: Drive - thru select nights from November 24th - December 30th 2023 | 
Special walk-thru nights on Friday & Saturday, December 15th, 16th, 22nd, & 23rd.
Cost: $45/vehicle for members  $55/vehicle non-members | Walk thru $18/adult $15/kid

Twinkle, shimmer, and shine your way through the season at the much anticipated return of the Zoo Lights! Get cozy in your car as you drive through thousands of environmentally friendly LED lights that transform the park into an unforgettable winter wonderland or attend one of the walk-thru nights. Enjoy over 80 animal lights with 30 new displays, classic characters, and carols along the way. 

More info: WEBSITE |  FACEBOOK |  INSTAGRAM


Phipps Winter Flower Show: Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden

Where: 1 Schenley Drive | Oakland, PA
When: November 17th, 2023 - January 7th, 2024
Cost: $21.95/adult    $13.95/child

Phipps’ Winter Flower Show: Home for the Holidays brings whimsical, elegant and festive displays back to our glowing glasshouse. With a canopy of twinkling lights, fragrant decorated trees and, of course, thousands of poinsettias in a wide variety of hues and patterns, this show is sure to create special holiday memories with friends and family.

More info: WEBSITE 

North Park Holiday Laser Show

Where: Allison Park, PA
When
December 8-23, 2023. No shows December 11 & 12.
CostTickets are $30 per vehicle. Only one ticket is needed for each vehicle. Tickets discount price is $25 until November 28! 

Celebrate the holidays with a one-of-a-kind drive-in laser show at North Park! You and your family will be dazzled by a beautiful 45-mintue show synchronized with holiday music- all from the safety of your own vehicle. Space is limited, and tickets will sell out fast. Don't miss this unique and entertaining experience!

More info: WEBSITE |  FACEBOOK 


Holiday Lights Mini Golf at Fun Fore All

Where: Cranberry Township, PA
When: November 24th - January 3rd, 2024 (closed Holiday's)
Cost: $15/course or  $20/both courses

Fun Fore All's Holiday Lights Mini Golf was named one of the best holiday light displays in 2017, 2018 and 2019! Turning two award-winning miniature golf courses into fully playable walk-through holiday light extravaganzas. Families can experience a beautiful, interactive, holiday experience unlike any other in the area.

More info: WEBSITE |  FACEBOOK |  INSTAGRAM


Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland - not returning for 2023-2024

Where: Butler, PA
When:
Time:  
Cost

Prepare to be dazzled by a new Christmas light spectacle the likes of which you’ve never seen in a new location! A visit to one of the shows is all you need to truly let go of every day stresses and let your spirit fly as your senses are tickled with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights dancing harmoniously with some fantastic Christmas tunes. Purchase an express lane pass for an additional charge to bypass up to a mile of the que line!

Simply drive up, tune in your car’s radio, and let the Christmas spirit take you away! 

More info: WEBSITE |  FACEBOOK 


Dasher's Lightshow - cancelled for 2023

Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills

Make a date with your family for an awe-inspiring drive-through holiday adventure at Dasher's Lightshow at Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills! Prepare to be amazed as hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays dance and prance, perfectly synchronized to the holiday tunes on your car radio.

With larger-than-life drive-thru tunnels, disco walls and 40-foot glittering trees, Dasher's Lightshow is a dazzling, ever-changing holiday lights experience for all ages!

More Info: WEBSITE | MAC KID FAMILY FEEDBACK

Overly's Country Christmas

Where: Greensburg, PA
When: Select days Thursday through Sunday November 16th, 2023 - December 30th, 2023  
Cost: $25/car load (8 people or less)

Gates are open from 5:30pm to 10:00pm on Fridays & Saturdays and 5:30pm – 9:00pm on Thursdays & Sundays, weather permitting. For your best family holiday experience at Overly’s Country Christmas®  arrive at least a half hour before the scheduled closing time and allow for any traffic backups. Payment is cash only and you can choose between a drive through or park and walk. 

More info: WEBSITE |  FACEBOOK |  INSTAGRAM 

Big Butler Fairgrounds Holiday Spectacular

Where:1127 New Castle Road | Prospect, PA
When: November 17th - January 1st
Cost: Tickets starting at $30 *check your clipper magazine for a $5 off coupon


Holiday Lighted Nights

Where: Washington County Fair
When:November 24th - December 30th
Cost: Wagon rides are $10/person

This holiday season head to Washington County for a night of holiday magic! From the comfort of your car drive-thru, over a mile and a half of holiday-lighted displays listening to a curated list of holiday music favorites. Visit the Holiday Square for hot drinks, warm apple cider doughnuts, the Fair Store, a Holiday Market featuring local artisans, and the Big Man himself, Santa's workshop! Looking for a unique experience? Consider a Wagon Ride, offered on certain nights


Keystone Safari Walk-Thru Holiday Lights

Where: Grove City, PA
When: Starting November 17th
Cost: $8/person

Join Keystone Safari Friday through Sunday from 12-9pm for festive lights, Santa, reindeer and more (including the Grinch). Take in all the lights as you journey throughout the park. Head there before it's dark so you can have a fun walkthrough with the animals and then do a second round to enjoy the lights!

More Info: WEBSITE


Festival of Lights Sounds of the Season at Oglebay

Where: Wheeling, WV
When: Nightly November 9th - January 7th from dusk to midnight
Cost: $30 suggested donation per car

Beginning in 1985, the Festival of Lights has grown into one of the nation’s largest holiday light shows, attracting more than one million visitors each year. Identified as one of the top light displays in the United States by countless travel companies and national publications, the Festival of Lights features three hundred acres of twinkling lights over a six-mile drive. The dazzling display includes 90 lighted attractions boasting more than one million energy-efficient LED lights. Enjoy reduced wait times when you visit Monday through Wednesday, and beat the rush when you arrive early between 5 – 6 pm. Bring on some more smiles when you book your tour through the comfort of Oglebay trolleys. oglebay.com



Don't forget to tag #pghmackid while you're snapping your selfies in front of the best lights in the 'Burgh for a chance to be featured on our site or social media!






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Emily Papa (@macaronikidsouthhills) • Instagram photos and videos

Are we missing any Holiday lights in the Pittsburgh area?  Are you interested in sponsoring this guide or having a featured listing? If so, email Emily at emilyp@macaronikid.com with the subject HOLIDAY LIGHTS as we will be updating throughout the holiday season!

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