Posted in Pittsburgh November 11, 2019 by

The Magical Pittsburgh Christmas Tree That Comes Alive With Countless Lights

It certainly is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas here in Pittsburgh, especially with the bitter cold temperatures. While some decorations have started appearing in shops and in neighborhoods, Pittsburgh doesn’t officially kick off the holiday season until the annual Light Up Night celebration. Among the highlights of the jam-packed evening is, of course, the official tree lighting ceremony.

Start counting down the days until the official start of the Christmas season in Pittsburgh. Comcast Light Up Night is set for November 22, 2019 with festivities beginning at noon.
Flickr/Nick Amoscato
Light Up Night officially begins at noon at the U.S. Steel Tower for the dedication of the creche.
However, the tree lighting ceremonies (yep, there's more than one) don't begin until the sun has set. Make your way to the Allegheny County Courthouse at 4:45 p.m. for the official lighting of the tower and the courthouse trees.
Facebook/Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
The City-County Building tree lights up for the first time at 5:15 p.m. while the One Oxford Centre tree debuts at 5:45 p.m.
Facebook/Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
The masterpiece of all of the Christmas trees in downtown Pittsburgh, the tree at PPG Place, will officially light up for the first time at 5:30 p.m.
Flickr/David Fulmer
The tree at PPG Place stands 65 feet tall and boasts thousands of shimmering Christmas lights.
Light Up Night's highlights might be the lighting of the Christmas trees, but you'll find a full menu of family-friendly activities to keep you busy all night long.
Facebook/Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
If you're okay with a wait, get in line for a glide around the Mass Mutual Pittsburgh Ice Rink, where you can get a super up-close look at the Christmas tree.
Santa, of course, will be on hand to greet the kiddos at One Oxford Centre at 5:45 p.m. Whisper your wishes to him and get a photo taken.
Facebook/Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
Visit Santa's reindeer; enjoy a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown; and shop at the Peoples Gas Holiday Market. The evening also features an assortment of food trucks and entertainment.
Facebook/Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
Adam Lambert, for example, headlines the evening on the Comcast Main State at 8:30 p.m.
Facebook/Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
Fireworks will light up the night sky twice. If the kiddos have to get home to sleep, catch the 7:30 p.m. show after the Highmark Christmas tree lighting.
Facebook/Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
Light Up Night will officially conclude with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. For the best views, find a spot near the river between 6th Street and Stanwix Street.
Click here for the official website of the Downtown Pittsburgh Partnership. Or, go here for Facebook.
Flickr/Paul McCarthy

Do you have a favorite tree lighting ceremony in or near Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! In the mood for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration? Plan a visit to the charming Christmas town of Canonsburg for its Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration.

Address: 1 PPG Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15272, USA