This Saturday is Light Up Night, and just a few days later we’ll officially usher in the holiday season with Thanksgiving. It’s time to embrace the cheer — or not — with festivities around Pittsburgh this weekend. Here are five ideas for things to do.
Phipps Holiday Magic
Embark on a journey of enchantment at Phipps Conservatory in Oakland. Its “Holiday Magic” displays are now open for the season. With glowing lights, a fantasy forest full of magical creatures and the better-than-ever Winter Flower Show, this is the perfect place to take a stroll and soak in the dazzling sights.
Timed tickets must be purchased ahead of time for your venture through these indoor-outdoor displays. The show is open from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily — with some exceptions — through Jan. 5.
See available entry times and snag your tickets at phipps.conservatory.org.
Pittsburgh Record Convention Fall Show
If you’re a fan of that old-time rock ‘n roll, this is the event for you. With vendors selling a range of media — from LPs to cassettes to CDs — this is the perfect place to expand your physical music collection.
Tunes from the ’50s through the ’80s in many genres will be heavily featured, not to mention some nifty memorabilia to check out as well.
The show will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission from 8 to 10 a.m. is $10, but admission after 10 a.m. is free. Parking is also free at the West View Banquet Hall in West View, where the show will take place.
See more at the Facebook event page here.
Mike Birbiglia
Comedian, actor and writer Mike Birbiglia will come to Pittsburgh on Saturday and Sunday. His hit 2011 one-man show, film and book “Sleepwalk With Me” catapulted the stand up to a new level of fame and acclaim, and he’s had acting roles in films such as “Trainwreck” and “A Man Called Otto” and TV shows including “Orange is the New Black’ and “Billions.”
Birbiglia will perform at the Byham Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh. Shows on both Saturday and Sunday will be held at 6 p.m. Find tickets at trustarts.org.
Home Alone in concert
The 1990’s “Home Alone” has become a modern holiday classic with an iconic score to boot. This weekend, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will bring the film’s festive music to life.
The PSO will play along with John Williams’ score at two performances, both held at Heinz Hal in downtown Pittsburgh. Shows will be at 7 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. For more information and tickets, visit pittsburghsymphony.org.
Peoples Gas Holiday Market
Friday kicks off another holiday staple in Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh. The Peoples Gas Holiday Market will be open every day until Christmas Eve, but this first weekend is the perfect time to get a jump on all of your holiday shopping.
The holiday market will feature unique, beautiful gifts from aritsans and crafters, both local and from around the world. Based on German Christmas markets, this market is a cheery tradition with charming alpine touches that makes holiday gift-giving fun.
The Holiday Market will be open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit downtownpittsburghholidays.com to see full daily hours of operation and get more information about vendors.