HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Holiday for the Birds 10 a.m., Saturday, December 1, Mt. Lebanon Public Library: Preschoolers make birdfeeders, learn about local breeds and meet animals. ChrisGPhillips@verizon.net.

Beverly Bright Night 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday, December 6, Beverly Road: Beverly Road closes for kids’ activities, Santa, Christmas carols and holiday treats! Bring a toy for MRTSA’s Toys for Tots collection. mtlebopartnership.org

Celebration of Light Friday, December 7, Beth El Congregation: Mega Hanukkah celebration with singing, dinner, kids’ activities and festive foods. BethelCong.org. 

Handbell Ensemble Concert 8 p.m., Friday, December 7, Bower Hill Community Church: Three Rivers Ringers present jazzy and traditional arrangements of holiday favorites. ThreeRiversRingers.org.

Holiday Gift Bazaar, Cookie Sale and Tea Room 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, December 8, Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church: Homemade cookies, gifts and a British Christmas Tea Room. www.MLUMC.org.

7th Night 5:45 p.m., Saturday, December 8, South Hills JCC, 345 Kane Boulevard: traditional latkes, live DJ, dreidel tournament, inflatables, swimming and special surprises. 

Deacons’ Cookie Sale 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, December 8, Sunset Hills United Presbyterian Church: Homemade cookies, breads and pastries for sale while supplies last. www.SHUPChurch.org.

Skating Club Holiday Show 2 p.m., Saturday, December 15, Mt. Lebanon Ice Rink: 20 local skaters show their skills in holiday style. www.SkatingClubOfMtLebanon.org.

Pancake Breakfast with Santa 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, December 8, Mt. Lebanon High School Center Court: Support the Mt. Lebanon Winter Guard team while enjoying delicious pancakes with Santa. lebopancakebreakfast@gmail.com.

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 4 p.m., Sunday, December 9, St. Bernard Church: St. Bernard and Mt. Lebanon United Methodist choirs combine for a festive service of readings and music. www.StBernardMusic.org.

Holiday Bells, Mallets and Drums 7:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. Sat only, Friday and Saturday, December 14 and 15, Mt. Lebanon High School Fine Arts Theater: Fantastic music. Plus Santa, cookies and silent auction.  mtlpercussion.com.

Holiday Party for Seniors 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 18, Mt. Lebanon Recreation Department: Wear your ugliest holiday sweater. Includes cookie exchange, lunch, movie & 50/50 raffle. Register ahead. www.MtLebanon.org/200/senior-luncheons

LIGHT SHOWS

Overly’s Country Christmas Through January 1, Greensburg Drive through a holiday light display and visit a Christmas village including vendors, carriage rides, entertainment and kids’ activities. www.Overlys.com.

Kennywood Holiday Lights Through December, Kennywood Park: Two million lights, holiday choirs, lagoon light show, Santa and the tallest Christmas tree in Pennsylvania. www.Kennywood.com.

Phipps Holiday Magic: Let It Glow  Through January 6, Phipps, Pittsburgh. Winter Flower Show with dazzling new displays of holiday trees, topiaries, exquisitely detailed props, and our signature floral delights, including amaryllis, orchids and more than 2,000 poinsettias. www.phipps.conservatory.org

Holiday Magic Laser Show Through December 31, Carnegie Science Center: Holiday magic meets science in this laser show set to your favorite holiday tunes. www.CarnegieScienceCenter.org.    

Oglebay Winter Festival Through January 1, Oglebay Resort, West Virginia: Holographic eyewear transforms 300 acres of twinkling lights into a magical display. www.Oglebay.com. 

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Through January 6, Big Butler Fairgrounds: Three miles of custom holiday lights plus a new Santa’s Safari display and activities in Santa’s Village. www.ShadrackChristmas.com.   

Sparkle Season Lights Hike 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, December 6, Downtown Pittsburgh: Seven-mile hike from the light exhibits downtown to the top of Mount Washington for panoramic views. www.VentureOutdoors.org.

SANTA SIGHTINGS

Santa and His Penguin Helper Saturdays through December 22, National Aviary: Take photos with Santa AND a penguin. Included with Aviary admission. www.Aviary.org.

Santa at the Zoo Saturdays and Sundays through December 16, Pittsburgh Zoo: Have breakfast or lunch with Santa, make crafts and cookies and meet zoo animals. Preregistration required. www.PittsburghZoo.org. 

Santa Visits 11 A.M. to 2 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays through December 22, Phipps Conservatory: Festive photo ops with Santa. Stay around to see the Winter Light Garden and new light features in Tropical Forest Cuba.

Pet photos with Santa 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, December 9, North Hills Auto Mall Animal Friends: Bring your pup on a leash and cats and bunnies in carriers to meet Santa. $10 tickets benefit Animal Friends. www.ThinkingOutsidetheCage.org.

Santa Trolley Saturdays and Sundays through December 16, Pittsburgh Trolley Museum: Climb aboard a restored streetcar with the merry man himself. Pa-trolley.org/santatrolley

An Afternoon with Santa 2 p.m., Sunday, December 9, Hartwood Acres Park: Cookies and milk, crafts, carols and a visit from Santa in the historic mansion.

AROUND THE CITY

Joy of Cookies Cookie Tour 2018
Friday to Sunday, November 30 to December 2, Lawrenceville: Walk down Butler Street and enjoy a treat at participating businesses along the way. www.LVPGH.com

Miracle Pop-up Bar Through December 31 (717 Liberty Avenue): A former candy shop will transform into a Christmas-palooza featuring holiday-themed cocktails. Proceeds benefit 412 Food Rescue. www.MiraclePopUp.com.

Ice Skating Downtown Through March 3, PPG Place: Skate in Pittsburgh’s massive outdoor rink, which is two-thirds the size of a standard NHL rink. www.PPGPlace.com.

Clayton Holiday Tour Through January 6, The Frick: Docent-led tours of the Clayton house, decked out in holiday splendor. www.TheFrickPittsburgh.org.

Nationality Rooms Now to December 21 and December 27 to 31, The Cathedral of Learning: The nationality rooms are decorated in traditional holiday style. Docent-lead tours and narrated tape tours available. www.NationalityRooms.pitt.edu

South Hills Lights 5:30 p.m., Monday, December 3, Potomac Avenue, Dormont: Indoor and outdoor activities, lighting of the 12-foot Menorah, Chanukah musical laser show and more. www.ChabadPGH.com.

Festival of Chanukah 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, December 4, Waterfront Shopping Center: Live music, heated tent with food vendors, games, activities and grand menorah lighting. www.ChabadPGH.com.

WYEP Holiday Hootenanny 7 p.m., Thursday, December 6 August Wilson Center: Silent Auction, DJ dance party and concert by the Holiday Hootenanny Band. Tickets can sell out. www.WYEP.org/hoot18

Old Allegheny Victorian Christmas House Tour Friday and Saturday, December 7 and 8, Calvary United Methodist Church: Visit six restored Victorian homes and the historic Calvary United Methodist Church, all decked out for the holidays. AlleghenyWest.org.  

Holidays Around the World 12 to 4 p.m., Saturday, December 8, Carnegie Museum of Natural History: Holiday-themed stations throughout the museum including crafts, traditions, food, artifacts and more from other cultures. www.CarnegieMNH.org.    

Holiday Wine Walk 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, December 8, Squirrel HillBusiness District: Self-paced wine tasting experience and holiday shopping. www.UncoverSquirrelHill.com.

Ever After Winter Ball 4:30 p.m., Sunday, December 16, Union Project: Kids spend two hours with their favorite princesses. Activities include photo ops, singing, dancing, glitter hair styles and more. www.EverAfterEventsPittsburgh.com   

ENTERTAINMENT

The Nutcracker December 1 to 27, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre: Dozens of dancers, 150 costumes and Tchaikovsky’s classic score set in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh. www.PBT.org.

Handel’s Messiah 8 p.m., Saturday, December 1, Heinz Hall: See Handel’s prolific oratorio performed by one of our nation’s finest orchestras. www.PittsburghSymphony.org.

Christmas at the Hollywood 10 a.m., Sundays through December 23, Hollywood Theater: Miracle on 34th Street 12/2, A Christmas Story 12/9, It’s a Wonderful Life 12/16 and Holiday Inn 12/23. www.HollywoodTheaterPgh.org. 

Christmas Brasstacular 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 4, Upper St. Clair High School: Carols, holiday film music, regional choirs and special surprises! RiverCityBrass.org. 

Midnight Radio: Die Hard N’at December 6 to 22, Bricolage Production Company: You are cast as the live studio audience in this hilarious show based on what Bruce Willis calls “not a Christmas movie.” www.BricolagePGH.org.

A Joyous Sound! 8 p.m., Friday, December 7, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair: A musical treat in tribute to Pittsburgh’s late Robert Page. www.ResonanceWorks.org.

A Musical Christmas Carol  December 7 to 23, Byham Theater: Dickens’ holiday favorite set to recognizable yuletide melodies. This year, starring Broadway’s Patrick Page as Scrooge. www.PittsburghCLO.org. 

Brown Bag Concert 12 p.m., Saturday, December 8, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters: Bring lunch and a friend to this free holiday concert presented by Pittsburgh Opera’s resident artists. www.PittsburghOpera.org.

Doo Wop Big Band Christmas Show 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 8, Legacy Theatre, Allison Park: ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s Doo Wop and R&B Hits, arranged by Richard Mansfield. geodaw@aol.com.

South Hills Chorale Concert 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, December 14 and 15, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair: Holiday music close to home, performed by local singers. www.SouthHillsChorale.org.  

Alegría Various times and locations, December 14 to 16: Explore the Christmas music of Baroque Spain and the New World.  chathambaroque.org/events/list 

Holiday Pops December 14 to 23, Heinz Hall: The PSO, The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and Broadway’s Dough LaBrecque present an unforgettable holiday concert. www.PittsburghSymphony.org.

Among Angels 3 p.m., Sunday, December 16, Shadyside Presbyterian Church: Featuring British Composer Will Todd’s “Among Angels,” for two harps and a cappella double choir. www.PittsburghCamerata.org.   

Holiday Memories 7 p.m., Sunday, December 16, Brightwood Christian Church, Bethel Park: Harmony Singers’ winter concert includes favorite carols, a sing-a-long, basket raffle and holiday cookie sale. www.HarmonySingers.org.

Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin December 19, 22, 26 & 29, O’Reilly Theater: festive blend of bio-play, popular songs and piano virtuosity. www.PPT.org

Elf the Musical December 26 to 30, Heinz Hall: The PNC Broadway Series brings the hilarious tale of Buddy the Elf to Pittsburgh. www.TrustArts.org.

Jazz ‘N’ Samba 8 p.m., Friday, December 28, Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall: Celebrate the season with the sounds of Brazil. Program includes Latin jazz and standards from Gershwin to Jobim. www.CarnegieCarnegie.org. 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 3 and 8 p.m., Friday, December 28, PPG Paints Arena: Rock-opera-style holiday favorites complete with dazzling lights and pyrotechnics. www.Trans-Siberian.com.

OUT OF TOWN

Christmas Tree Capital of the World Now through December, Indiana, Pennsylvania: Pop-up holiday market, weekend festivals, “It’s A Wonderful Life” inspired atmosphere and an enormous Christmas tree. www.facebook.com/wonderfullifefestival

Civil War Christmas Now through December Gettysburg: Daily festive events and holiday-themed tours in the various historic Civil War locations around town. www.DestinationGettysburg.com

“Trees of Light” Boat Tours 7:30 p.m, Friday to Sunday, November 30 to December 2 and December 7 to 9, Conneaut Lake: Cruise on the lake and and admire the sight of hundreds of lighted trees along the south shore. www.newconneautlakepark.com. 

Ligonier Town-wide Open House 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, December 2, Ligonier: Enjoy carolers, festive decorations and specials in local stores and restaurants. www.Ligonier.com

Christmas Tree Ship 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, December 8, U.S. Brig Niagara, Erie: Meet Santa and his reindeer. Visit the boat and museum for holiday crafts, carolers and the story of the Christmas tree ship. www.VisitErie.com.

Home for the Holidays 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 15, Palace Theatre, Greensburg: Joyful holiday music featuring a symphony, choir and special guests.
www.ThePalaceTheatre.org.

SHOPPING & CRAFTS

Highland Park Pottery Tour 11 am. to 5 P.M., Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2, Union Project: Visit the studios of five Highland Park potters, socialize and buy local pottery! www.UnionProject.org.

Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show 10 A.M. to 5 p.m., Saturday, December 1, 4701 Butler Street, Lawrenceville: Unique Ohio-based craft show. A portion of proceeds benefits Girls on the Run. www.AvantGardeShows.com 

Holiday Glass Sale Friday to Sunday, December 7 to 9, Pittsburgh Glass Center: Funky, fancy and functional glass on sale for three days only. www.PittsburghGlassCenter.org.   

Crafts and Drafts: Holiday Ornaments 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, December 7, Contemporary Craft: Saw, hammer and finish your own metal ornament and enjoy adult beverages. Basic skills will be taught. www.ContemporaryCraft.org.

Handmade Arcade 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, December 8, David L. Lawrence Convention Center: Find unique gifts at Pittsburgh’s award-winning independent craft fair. www.HandmadeArcade.com.

Design A Seasonal Scarf 1 p.m., Saturday, December 15, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden: Design and dye a scarf using natural plant dyes. www.PittsburghBotanicGarden.org.

2019 Enjoy Coupon Book Give the gift of savings! Get your coupon book for $30 from the Mt. Lebanon Recreation Department, which includes deep discounts on local activities, restaurants and shopping. 412-343-3409.

GIVING BACK

Toy DonationsThrough December 16, Child Life Department, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Search for “UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Child Life”on www.MyRegistry.com to send toys to kids who will be spending their holiday at the hospital.

Coat Collection—Through December 15 (Public Safety Building, 555 Washington Road): The Mt. Lebanon Police Association is collecting winter coats, hats, scarves and other outerwear for the Salvation Army. Collection bin located in the basement lobby. 412-343-4068.

Gift Wrapping Through December 23, The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon: Humane Animal Rescue is wrapping presents at the Galleria of Mt. Lebanon. Support them by visiting the wrapping station, or volunteer to help with the wrapping. www.HumaneAnimalRescue.org.

Serve the Homeless 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, First Presbyterian Church, Downtown: Volunteers help with cooking, serving, set up and cleanup to serve a meal to about 100 people. www.PittsburghCares.org.

Holiday Breakfast 8:30 a.m., Friday, December 7, Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South: Coldwell Banker hosts a breakfast benefitting Make-A-Wish Greater PA and West Virginia and the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. 412-901-6808.

Sew-In December7, 8 and 10, United Way Pittsburgh: Make quilts to be donated to women in need. No sewing skills required December 7 & 8. Skilled sewers are asked to join December 10 to sew quilts together. Registration required. Volunteer.uwswpa.org. 

Family Volunteer Day Saturday, December 8 and 15, Global Links, 700 Trumbull Drive: Families can volunteer to help prepare and sort medical supplies to send to areas affected by natural disasters. Preregistration required. www.GlobalLinks.org

NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS

Hogmanay Sunday, December 2, Oliver Miller Homestead, South Park: Scottish New Year’s Eve celebration features haggis, highland games and Scottish dancers. www.OliverMillerHomestead.org. 

Noon Year’s Eve 11 a.m., Monday, December 31, Mt. Lebanon Public Library: Celebrate 2019 12 hours early with family-friendly activities, songs, crafts and a celebration when the clock strikes noon. www.MtLebanonLibrary.org. 

Zoo New Year’s 11 a.m., Monday, December 31, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: Count down to a noon ball-drop, sign the Res-Zoo-lution and enjoy live entertainment. www.PittsburghZoo.org.    

First Night 6 pm. to midnight, Monday, December 31, Cultural District: Enjoy a 14-block celebration including live music, dance, theater, magic, fireworks and the raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball. firstnightpgh.trustarts.org.