Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and community partners unveiled details of the upcoming holiday season on Thursday at Heinz Hall.
The 64th annual Highmark Light Up Night takes place on Nov. 22.
A day earlier, the 14th annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market opens.
“The holidays bring people of all ages and from all corners of the region together in Downtown to celebrate beloved Pittsburgh traditions, while discovering new, memorable experiences,” Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, said in a statement. “This season also reflects the spirit of transformation that’s energizing Downtown right now.”
Light Up Night will include tree and bridge lightings, two stages of live music, craft food vendors, shopping, and, of course, fireworks.
Festivities officially begin at 4 p.m.
Two of the Light Up Night events will include donations to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which needs help more than ever because of the government shutdown.
Tree lighting begins at 5 p.m. at the City-County Building on Grant Street, followed by Zambelli fireworks. The tree was donated by the Leslie Park Boys and Girls Club in Lawrenceville. At 6 p.m., the UPMC Ultimate Holiday Tree will be lit for the American Cancer Society Tribute of Light Celebration at PPG Plaza. At 7 p.m., the Highmark Christmas Tree lighting with Zambelli fireworks will take place at Stanwix Street and Penn Avenue.
At 8 p.m., the “Three Scores in Blue” Lighting of the Sister Bridges with the Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol and Rachel Carson bridges will take place.
At 9:30 p.m., the night will finish with the Xfinity Fireworks Spectacular Zambelli Finale.
Free live music will be performed beginning at 4 p.m. at the Highmark Main Stage, located at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street. At 4 p.m., the Pittsburgh CLO Mini Stars & More will be on stage, followed by Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers at 6 p.m. and Kahone Concept at 8:15 p.m.
On the Xfinity Riverside Stage at Fort Duquesne Boulevard and Sixth Street, Slim Tha DJ will be on stage at 4 p.m. followed by Justin Fabus at 6:30 p.m. and then the to-be-announced featured musical artist will perform at 8:30 p.m.
The day before Light Up Night on Nov. 21, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market will open at 11 a.m. in a new location because of the renovation being done in its usual spot in Market Square. The multiple chalets where holiday gifts are sold will be located at 7th Street and Penn Avenue in the Cultural District. The Market is open through Dec. 24.
“This year’s Peoples Gas Holiday Market brings a special twist to this cherished tradition,” said Peoples Gas president Michael Huwar, in a statement. “While Market Square undergoes its transformation, we’re thrilled to help bring the spirit of the season to the Cultural District. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity for families to experience the magic of the holidays in a new setting — filled with festive energy, unique shopping, and joyful moments.”
These holiday traditions are expected to draw thousands to Downtown Pittsburgh throughout the season, according to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.