Pittsburgh is a beautiful city and it gets even more beautiful around the holidays. Below are some amazing sights to see around Pittsburgh during this time of year.

Market Square & PPG Place: If you’ve lived in Pittsburgh for any amount of time, you probably know this one. At Christmastime, Market Square is full of decorations, musical performances, and vendors selling handmade products. PPG Place includes even more decorations, with a display of full-sized statues of Santa Claus’ from around the world. Outside, there is a 65-foot tall Christmas tree with an ice rink surrounding it.

Light Up Night: In late November the ice rink and Christmas tree at PPG place, as well as many other decorations, are revealed or “lit up”. Light Up Night also includes many performances and Christmas-related activities.

Theatre: Every year, the Byham holds a production of “A Musical Christmas Carol”, performed by Pittsburgh CLO. “The Nutcracker” is performed at the Benedum Center by The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. I have seen both of these shows, and I highly recommend them if you enjoy theatre and/or want to get in the holiday spirit.

Phipp’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Phipp’s always has a beautiful Christmas display, including many poinsettias and decorated fir trees.

The Cathedral of Learning: The University of Pittsburgh’s Gothic Cathedral of Learning holds an annual Winter Holiday Display. Each of the Nationality Rooms are decorated with traditional cultural decorations. If you’re spending the day in Oakland, try visiting the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. It includes many Christmas trees and decorations.

Music: At Heinz Hall, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra holds their Highmark Holiday Pops concert every year from early to late December.