11 things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, from In Bed by Ten Holidays to Season’s Greetings Saturdays
Dec 18, 2024
What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Dec. 19-22? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.Thursday, Dec. 19-Sunday, Dec. 22: Home for the Holidays Tour at The Frick PittsburghVarious timesThis holiday season, take a break from binge-watching “Gilded Age” on Max to step into an authentic Victorian mansion. One of the Burgh’s most decked-out homes will make for a festive holiday excursion during this specialty tour. Discover how the holidays were celebrated by different groups in Pittsburgh during the Gilded Age, including the Frick family and their staff — from decor to food to games. Be transported to a Gilded Age Christmas via the cheerful atmosphere of the Victorian home and participate in conversations about the origins of some of our favorite seasonal traditions. Tickets.Thursday, Dec. 19-Sunday, Dec. 22: Christmas Movies at Row House CinemaVarious timesTake a break from all the wrapping, baking and standing in long lines to unwind with a merry movie marathon. Kicking off the holiday film series will be “Black Christmas,” a cult horror classic set in a sorority house. Warm up with the endearing “Muppet Christmas Carol” while sipping hot chocolate and watch “Home Alone” as you vie for the chance to have pizza and pop delivered to your seat. Do the “Time Warp” (again!) with the Junior Chamber of Commerce Players while singing along to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Showtimes and tickets.Photo courtesy of The Moon Baby.Thursday, Dec. 19: Christmas on the Moon, Baby at Spirit8 p.m.Blast off to the moon to experience a cosmic Christmas spectacular. Musician and drag artist The Moon Baby teams up with pianist Jon David Russell to present a “cabaret of Christmas irreverence, camp glamour and holiday tradition.” For the 10th annual festivities in Lawrenceville, the duo will be caroling the night away singing holiday favorites and leading audience sing-alongs. Make a night of it and book a dinner table for a three-course prix-fixe meal. Tickets.Friday, Dec. 20: In Bed by Ten Holidays at Spirit6-9 p.m.After hosting its sold-out In Dead by Ten Halloween showcase at This Is Red, the dance party for people who can’t stay out late is back in Lawrenceville. Hit the dance floor to support Grow Pittsburgh and pregame your holiday festivities. Along with seasonal tunes, DJ MB will spin a mix of 1970s disco, 1980s new wave, 1990s R&B and 2000s pop. Tickets.Film still courtesy of the Carnegie Science Center.Saturday, Dec. 21: “The Polar Express 3D” with Santa at The Rangos Giant Cinema9:45 a.m.You don’t need a train ticket to visit the North Pole this December, because “The Polar Express” is chugging into The Rangos Giant Cinema. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this classic tale with a very special visit from Kris Kringle himself. Meet Santa and his cheerful elves, send your wish list to the North Pole, and watch the uplifting film in the region’s most advanced movie theater. There’s even more fun: Sample marshmallows frozen with liquid nitrogen, discover the science behind snowflakes and see live demonstrations. Tickets.Photo courtesy of the National Aviary.Saturday, Dec. 21: Season’s Greetings Saturdays at The National Aviary10 a.m.-2 p.m.What’s better than photos with Santa? How about snapping photos with Kris Kringle and an adorable penguin? Meet Saint Nick and his flightless bestie and enjoy a day filled with hands-on family activities that will put you in a holly jolly mood. Learn about African Penguins and discover how you can help this critically endangered species in the wild. Don’t forget your wish list! Tickets.Saturday, Dec. 21: Jolly Opossum at the Powdermill Nature Reserve12-2 p.m.Head to Carnegie Museum of Natural History environmental research center in Rector to hear the tale of the “Jolly Opossum.” Meet Dr. Skunk, Mx. Chickadee, Mr. Bear, and, of course, the Jolly Opossum as you discover what forest creatures are up to during the holidays. After listening to the story, families will make holiday ornaments and decorations. Open to all ages, the event offers pay what you wish admission.Photo by Gary Stone.Saturday, Dec. 21: “The Nutcracker” at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center2 p.m. & 7 p.m.For a fresh take on the holiday classic, don’t miss Texture Contemporary Ballet at the center’s state-of-the-art venue, which provides up-close, immersive views from every seat. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on an enchanting adventure that involves a battle against the evil Rat Queen and a visit to the Land of the Sweets. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic music, the production features 165 dazzling costumes, 100 performers and exquisite sets. Captivating choreography, vibrant characters and waltzing flowers bring the story to life. The show features Texture Ballet company dancers and school students, along with special guest performers including Alan Obuzor. Tickets.Photo courtesy of Venture Outdoors.Saturday, Dec. 21: Winter Solstice Night Hike in Frick Park5-7 p.m.Welcome the Winter Solstice while traversing the scenic trails and dark woodlands of Frick Park. Experience night hiking at its best under the shimmering stars and glowing moon during the longest night of winter. Led by Venture Outdoors, the moderate hike covers 3 miles. Red-light headlamps will be provided. The hike starts near the Frick Environmental Center at 2005 Beechwood Blvd. Tickets.Photo courtesy of Downtown Crawlers.Saturday, Dec. 21: Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl in Lawrenceville5 p.m.-midnightDust off your gaudiest ugly sweater for merrymaking along Butler Street. Participating venues include Walter’s BBQ Southern Kitchen, New Amsterdam, The Goldmark, Belvedere’s, The Abbey and more. Along the route, enjoy exclusive drink specials, Instagram costume contests, professional photographers and an after-party at Butler Street Derby. Pick up your wristband and map at 4501 Butler St. Tickets.Saturday, Dec. 21: Winter Wonder Ball at Spirit6 p.m.Make it a very local holiday at the Winter Wonder Ball presented by WYEP. Open to all ages, the mini-fest brings together Pittsburgh-based musicians, artisans and media. Emceed by Start the Beat Podcast Brian Sikes Howe, the ball features performances by Zinnias Garden, Animal Scream, Dream The Heavy and Abstract Theory. There will also be tattoos by Jessica Jordan and eclectic mix of artisan vendors, including A Few Bad Apples Cider, Shellshock Media, Electric Cat, Revannet Wares, AG Studios and more. Tickets.Find more things to do in Pittsburgh with NEXT, including live music, outdoor recreation, holiday attractions and family activities, plus our December event guide.The post 11 things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, from In Bed by Ten Holidays to Season’s Greetings Saturdays appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh.