The city is simply having a wonderful pre-holiday weekend, with some warm and cheerful events to get you in the spirit of the season. Experience music, movies and more with these ideas.
Skate with Santa
It’s going to be pretty chilly this weekend, which makes it the perfect opportunity to get out on the ice and skate — especially if you get the chance to do it alongside Santa Claus.
South Park Ice Rink will be hosting the event on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., and North Park Ice Rink will have another chance to catch the holliest, jolliest elf of all from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Regular fees for these public skate sessions apply. See more about the winter programs happening at Allegheny County parks this season at alleghenycounty.us.
Brawl in the Burch 25
Maybe you need to prep for some potential dust-ups at your holiday gatherings? Then check out Brawl in the Burgh 25, Mixed Martial Arts fights at the Monroeville Convention Center.
With a full slate of fights, this is a must-see set of matches for any fan of UFC or other professional combat sports. Doors will be at 6 p.m. with the first fight beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday night.
Purchase tickets at 247fighting.com.
In Bed By 10 Holidays
Take a few hours for a pick-me-up or to burn off some energy before the holiday rush begins. Head over to Spirit in Lawrenceville from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday to get your groove on and dance the night — or, at least, the early evening — away.
This edition of the In Bed By 10 dance party will include tons of super-fun dance songs with some holiday classics tossed in for good measure. It’s $10 for admission — cash at the door — to enjoy tunes spun by DJ MB.
Proceeds go to Grow Pittsburgh. See more at spiritpgh.com.
Santa at the History Center
If you’re not very light on your feet, there’s another opportunity to catch Santa this weekend, and this time it’s on solid ground. The Heinz History Center in the Strip District will host Santa in its Great Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
With regular History Center admission, you’ll get the chance to visit Santa and take photos — with a historical Pittsburgh twist: Santa will be perched on a throne that’s a replica of the one from Kaufmann’s Santaland, a nostalgic treat for many.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the History Center, including the “A Very Merry Pittsburgh experience,” while you’re there. See more at heinzhistorycenter.org.
Christmas with Chris Jamison
Join Pittsburgh’s own Chris Jamison from season 7 of NBC’s “The Voice” for two Christmas shows at City Winery Pittsburgh in the Strip District.
Jamison will play a variety of holiday songs, as well as some other covers that are bound to please the crowd. Tickets range from $25-$35, and shows will take place at 7:30 p.m. on both nights. Holiday music fanatics shouldn’t miss out on this show.
See more and get tickets at citywinery.com.