What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Dec. 26-29? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.Thursday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 29: Holiday Lights Tour in Downtown Pittsburgh5-7 p.m.From the world’s largest pickle ornament to the only authorized replica of the Vatican’s Nativity scene to a towering Christmas tree surrounded by an ice rink — Downtown Pittsburgh is a winter wonderland best experienced on foot. Bundle up for an open-air holiday stroll led by Walk the Burgh Tours. While strolling amidst festive holiday lights and decorations, you’ll learn about the city’s history, public plazas and landmark architecture. Wrap up your fun with a visit to a one-of-kind gingerbread house display. Tickets.Thursday, Dec. 26, & Friday, Dec. 27: “The Nutcracker” at the Benedum Center2 & 7 p.m.You only have three more chances to discover what Steelers QB Charlie Batch, “Dance Moms” cast member Chloe Lukasiak and NEXT’s own Boaz Frankel have in common. (Look for them, and more local celebs, in the iconic “Party Scene” during Act 1). Based on the choreography and concept by former Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre artistic director Terrence S. Orr, the production features Tchaikovsky’s momentous score and costumes and sets by Emmy-winning designer Zack Brown. From 1,500 costume accessories, 100 artists and 30 magic tricks, to epic sword fight scenes and a Christmas tree that grows to 15 times its size, “The Nutcracker” will leave you mesmerized. Tickets.Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.Thursday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 29: Dazzling Nights at Pittsburgh Botanic GardenVarious timesEach year, Pittsburgh seems to switch on a new holiday lights attraction, as if to say: Winter does not have to be gloomy! Light seekers are in luck because this must-see show is back and bigger than ever. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is one of our favorite places to visit in all four seasons. Embark on this milelong interactive holiday display created by the Memoir Agency. Running through Dec. 31, the festivities include holiday music, sweets and libations. More info. Tickets.Photo courtesy of Paul Wiegman.Thursday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 29: Holiday Magic Winter Flower Show at PhippsVarious timesWinter has officially delivered the snow and sleet, so it’s a good thing that Phipps offers an escape from the gloom through Jan. 5. Enter a land of enchantment in the newly restored Phipps glasshouse, where the “Holiday Magic” winter flower show will soothe your soul. Brand-new features include magical unicorn topiaries, serene swimming swans and 50 Japanese lanterns. Don’t miss Boaz Frankel’s Yinzer Backstage Pass tour at Phipps. Tickets.Photo courtesy of Kennywood Park.Thursday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 29: Holiday Lights at Kennywood ParkVarious timesKennywood shines brighter than ever with its biggest holiday season open through Jan. 5. That means more days, more rides and a brand-new Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer walk-through experience with iconic Christmas Town characters. Pennsylvania’s tallest Christmas tree will greet merrymakers, while thousands of animated lights and synchronized sounds will transform the lagoon into a winter wonderland. Savor seasonal treats and hop on any of the 25 open rides, explore a massive model train display or build your own stuffed animal at the Bear Factory. Tickets.Wild Illuminations at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. Photo by Paul Selvaggio.Thursday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 29: Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lanterns Experience at the Pittsburgh Zoo & AquariumVarious timesThe zoo’s popular Asian Lantern Festival has received a fresh and frosty new makeover in Highland Park. Boasting all-new offerings, Wild Illuminations pops with 75 lantern and light displays depicting winter animals, holiday characters, the Lunar New Year and more. Running through Jan. 12, the site’s biggest and brightest holiday festival yet sparkles with a million twinkling lights enhancing the entire campus. Hop on the holiday express train to be transported on a railroad journey to see electric creatures, watch the new “Elf Power” show in the Virtual Reality Theater, savor holiday-themed treats and lots more. Tickets.Photo courtesy of the Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka.Thursday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 29: Vanka Murals Holiday Lights Tours at Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale6:30 p.m.One of Pittsburgh’s most remarkable cultural treasures is even more magical during the holidays. Join a guided tour of the awe-inspiring murals of Maxo Vanka at the historic St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church. Discover the fascinating stories behind these striking works surrounded by holiday decorations. The night includes a festive musical performance followed by a 60-minute docent-led tour. Attendees will also be treated to homemade Croatian cookies and special merchandise. Tickets.10 more places to see holiday lights in the Pittsburgh areaThursday, Dec. 26-Sunday, Dec. 29: Home for the Holidays at ClaytonVarious timesIf you’ve been binge-watching “Gilded Age” on Max this holiday season, then it’s the perfect time 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.Friday, Dec. 27: Diamond Life at Spirit9 p.m.-2 a.m.Dance your way into 2025 and shake off the winter blues with DJs Jesley Snipes and DZ Party Time, who will fill the Spirit Lodge with the sweet sounds of glam rock, post-punk, new wave and pop — from Bowie to Beyonce to Björk, and much more. Be immersed in visuals by Tom Frank as you commune with fellow music fans at this popular monthly dance party. Information.Photo courtesy of the National Aviary.Saturday, Dec. 28: Winter Camp at the National Aviary9 a.m.-3 p.m.Kiddos need to get out of the house this holiday season? Pittsburgh’s budding ornithologists can hang out at the National Aviary while learning from the bird experts. During this one-day program, campers will learn about how birds use amazing avian adaptations during the frigid months of winter and participate in fun interactive activities. Kids will also enjoy one-of-a-kind, up-close experiences with Animal Ambassadors and guided learning sessions through warm, immersive habitats. Tickets.Photo courtesy of the Father Ryan Arts Center.Saturday, Dec. 28: Kwanzaa Celebration at Sto Rox Library12-4 p.m.Join Focus On Renewal, the Father Ryan Arts Center and the Sto Rox Library to celebrate Kwanzaa. Enjoy a festive afternoon filled with food, music, education, entertainment and hands-on activities exploring Kwanzaa holiday traditions. This event is free to all, but registration is required.Aurora: Illuminating the Holiday Magic of Mellon Square. Photo courtesy of Rose Colored Creative.Saturday, Dec. 28: Holiday Hop and Saturday in the Square in Downtown Pittsburgh12-8:30 p.m.Hop Downtown to bask in the glow of Pittsburgh’s newest holiday light attraction before it closes for the season. Join this festive farewell to Aurora during an extended day packed with holiday cheer and entertainment presented by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Starting at noon, the ticketed Holiday Hop event kicks off with 12 stops featuring festive food and drink tastings, along with storytimes, craft stations and entertainment. Hop on the Holly Trolley for a lift! As day transitions to night, The Commoner Winter Warm-Up will offer seasonal cocktails, mocktails, warm beverages and snacks for all ages. Make lasting memories during a free holiday photo session led by Keep Pittsburgh Dope under the shimmering lights of Aurora (advance registration recommended). Sip hot chocolate and listen to a singer-songwriter showcase featuring Coltt Winter Lepley and Dave Shepherd. The evening culminates with a special performance by the legendary Derek Tynes Gospel Singers. Information.Photo courtesy of Carnegie Museum of Art.Saturday, Dec. 28: Sounds for the Season: C Street Brass at Carnegie Museum of Art2 p.m.The sounds of uplifting brass music will warm your soul amidst the majestic Carnegie Trees. Wander into the historic Hall of Architecture to delight in the sounds of the winter season. From baroque music to Broadway tunes, Pittsburgh-based jazz quintet C Street Brass will present an energetic and engaging live concert. Carnegie Mellon University’s Ensemble-in-Residence from 2012 to 2015, the dynamic group has performed around the country and internationally. While there, don’t miss the Neapolitan Presepio — one of the world’s most remarkable nativity scenes — in Scaife Gallery 17. Handmade by artists in the Royal Court of Naples between 1700 and 1830, the presepio includes exquisitely modeled human, animal and angelic figures and architectural elements. Free with museum admission.Photo courtesy of the Heinz History Center.Saturday, Dec. 28: Gut Yontif: A Patchwork Holiday Experience at the Heinz History Center7-8 p.m.Celebrate Hanukkah with the Heinz History Center’s Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives. Hosted by Pittsburgh-based artist Rosalind Rosabel, the one-night-only participatory experience blends art and tradition. Experience the story of Hanukkah through handcrafted zines and the illumination of hand-painted silk panels honoring the holiday. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to participate in a Havdalah — a ceremony marking the end of Shabbat or a Jewish holiday. Inspired by the colors, textures and life stories showcased in the “Louise Silk: A Patchwork Life” exhibition, the event will explore the themes of Sukkot, Hanukkah, Tu B’Shvat and Purim via new works of art. Traditionally said after the evening service that marks the start of a Jewish holiday, “Gut Yontif” is a Yiddish greeting that means “have a good holiday!” Tickets.Find more ways to celebrate Hanukkah in Pittsburgh in NEXT.Sunday, Dec. 29: Steel City Horror Show at The Harris Theater7:30 p.m.What mystery flick and “scintillating special guest” will be featured at the next installment of the Steel City Horror Show? There’s only one way to find out! Be there at the edge of your seat when the monthly cinema series returns for another evening of “scares and surprises” Downtown. Steel City Horror Show host Sean Collier will introduce the film, while the “mysterious Dr. Gielgud” will deliver in-theater scares and preshow surprises. Tickets.For things to do on New Year’s Eve, don’t miss Our ultimate guide to Highmark First Night Pittsburgh. Find lots more to do in Pittsburgh during the holidays here. 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