Please remember to check the current health and safety guidelines for each event prior to attending.

EDITORS’ PICK: BEVERLY BRITE NITE

Thursday, December 9
Get ready for lots of lights and holiday cheer on Beverly Road, as Beverly Brite Nite returns. Santa will arrive courtesy of the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department. Also, stop by for music, face painting and giveaways. Q92.9 will broadcast a show that day from Coffee Tree Roasters. Beverly Road will close between Overlook Drive and Ralston Place from 7 to 8 p.m. for the festivities.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Sunday, December 19
Head to Sunset Hills United Presbyterian Church from 4 to 7 p.m. for their Christmas Festival, featuring food trucks and live music. Oh, and Santa Claus will be stopping by for a visit. Be sure to also check out their Christmas Cookie Sale on December 4 from 9 a.m. to noon.

WINTER MARKET RETURNS From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, December 18, Clearview Common will be the scene of the Mt. Lebanon Partnership’s Winter Market. The market features arts and crafts, food, music and lots of gift ideas. At press time plans were still in the works, but vendors include Anthos Foods, honey and Greek specialty items; Arbor House Soaps, Cherish Creamery, Cinco de Mayo, Country Hammer Moonshine and more.

HANDMADE ARCADE

Saturday, December 4

Shop one-of-a-kind products from more than 200 talented makers, artists and craftspeople from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Stay for live demonstrations and free take-and-make craft kits. Registration is required.

LASER HOLIDAY SHOW

Beginning Friday, November 26
Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with a festive laser celebration at Carnegie Science Center that’s perfect for the whole family. The show features traditional and contemporary versions of beloved holiday tunes, perfect for a singalong at Buhl Planetarium. And, while you’re there, keep your holiday tradition on track. Be sure to stop by the Miniature Railroad & Village and explore Pittsburgh’s iconic miniature railroad.

HOLIDAY MAGIC! WINTER FLOWER SHOW

Through January 9
Phipps is ready to glow with its winter flower show. This year’s show features dazzling new displays of holiday trees, topiaries, exquisitely detailed props and, of course, flowers. The outdoor Winter Light Garden also will make its return for the 2021 holiday season. You must reserve tickets in advance.

PENGUIN PARADE

Saturdays and Sundays, December 4 to February 27
Waddle along as the famous Pittsburgh Zoo penguins take a morning stroll outside the PPG Aquarium at 11:30 a.m.

18TH CENTURY HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Sunday, December 5
Head back to the 18th century at the Oliver Miller Homestead in South Park, to learn how people on the frontier celebrated holidays, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Ever heard of Hogmanay? Go see what it’s all about.

THE NUTCRACKER

December 10 through 29
Snow settles on the Steel City as a wonderful adventure begins in Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, onstage at the Benedum Center. Join Marie, her Nutcracker prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy on a journey into the Land of Enchantment. Tickets start at $29.

OVERLY’S COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

Thursdays to Sundays, through December 30

Take a walk around a Christmas Village filled with a wide variety of old-fashioned traditions and treats. Get pictures with Santa; take a horse-drawn wagon ride.

CANONSBURG’S OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS

Friday and Saturday, December 3 and 4
Canonsburg is on VisitPA’s list of the 12 Holiday Hallmark Movie-esque locations in the state (yes, that is a thing). Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas will whisk you away with its holiday charm.  The two-day event features live entertainment, Christmas markets, a food truck court, community tree lighting and a Christmas parade. Kiddos: Bring your list, because you’ll also have a chance to meet Santa at the North Pole.

CELEBRATE KWANZAA

Saturday, December 4
Fun activities are planned for all ages at the August Wilson African American Culture Center’s holiday event set for noon to 3 p.m. The event features a special Kwanzaa celebration and a visit by Mr. Claus himself.

SHADRACK’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

Nightly through January 2
Head to the Big Butler Fairgrounds for two miles of custom-built light displays, set to holiday tunes playing on the radio. New this year: Santa’s Beach Party!