Light Up Night guide for newcomers
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Fireworks above the Highmark tree at the former Horne's building is pure Pittsburgh. Photo: Courtesy of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
Light Up Night is a special Pittsburgh tradition that kicks off the holiday season with a big bash in Downtown.
The big picture: Massive Christmas trees will be illuminated at three locations Saturday night in front of thousands braving the cold.
- The tradition started in 1960 when the Downtown business turned off their lights at 6pm and then showcased individual holiday displays.
- It has become so popular, they moved the event from Friday to Saturday in 2019.
🎄 How it works: The first lighting, at the City-County Building, starts at 5pm, and lightings follow on the hour at other locations. You can walk from spot to spot relatively easily; the whole tour is less than 1 mile.
- The tree in the middle of PPG Place ice rink lights up at 6pm.
- The Highmark Christmas Tree at the old Horne's department store building is the main event at 7pm, complete with rooftop fireworks.
- At 8pm, the three sister bridges debut their new light installation. Watch from the Roberto Clemente Bridge (which is shut down to traffic) or Allegheny Overlook.
- If you really love fireworks, stick around for the grand finale at 9:30pm at the overlook.
🧣 If you go: Bundle up. Everything is outside, and there aren't many reprieves from the cold.
- Buy a hot drink at the Holiday Market, which moved to the Cultural District this year while Market Square goes through renovations.
- Heinz Hall is holding free indoor concerts with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
- You can take some indoor shortcuts to avoid the chill.
🎅 Don't miss Santa Claus at Heinz Hall Courtyard if you are with kids.
🚊 Pro tip: Take public transportation if you can. The event creates road closures throughout the day, so driving around Downtown can be difficult.
- If you drive, officials suggest parking on the edge of Downtown, and then walking or taking the light rail (free in Downtown and North Shore) to the lightings.
- Lots on the North Shore, near the convention center and the First Avenue garage, are solid choices.
🔊 Situational awareness: The event is loud and crowded, which is part of the fun, and you might want to bring earplugs for the fireworks since the sound reverberates off the buildings.
🎇 The bottom line: Yinzers love their communal traditions, and Light Up Night is one of the best and largest annual gatherings in Southwest Pennsylvania.
- Everyone should go at least once.