Pittsburgh’s Best Holiday Tours and Light Displays

Find light during the dark winter days with these joyful Pittsburgh holiday displays.

Phipps Holiday Magic

Nov. 14 — Jan. 4

Prepare to be dazzled by floral masterpieces at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden’s “Wild Winter” exhibit. The annual show features seasonal blooms like amaryllis, orchids, and poinsettias alongside stunning holiday decor — including this year’s special undersea display with an octopus chandelier. Bring a warm coat! You won’t want to miss the radiant Winter Light Garden.

Holiday Lights at Kennywood

Select evenings, Nov. 14 — Jan. 4

Stroll through more than three million twinkling lights, admire the tallest Christmas tree in the state, catch some thrills on rides, and enjoy festive food and drink. The Gingerbread Junction area is perfect for families with light shows synced to holiday songs and character meet and greets.

Symphony Splendor House Tour

Nov. 22

See inside five spectacularly decorated homes in the Lake Macleod area of Gibsonia while enjoying live performances by symphony musicians at each stop along the way. This harmonious holiday house tour benefits the Pittsburgh Symphony Association.

Home for the Holidays at Clayton Mansion

Tuesday through Sunday, Nov. 22 – Jan. 4

See The Frick’s Clayton mansion decked out for the holidays with a special seasonal tour. While you’re admiring bows of holly and ornate tablescapes, guides will share how the holidays were celebrated by different groups in Pittsburgh during the Gilded Age, including the Frick family and their staff.

Wild Illuminations at the Zoo

Select eventings, Nov. 22 – Jan. 11

Walk the decorated path at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium to see sparkling lights and an array of ornate silk lanterns — some taking the shape of your favorite wild animals and holiday symbols. Expect to see displays of penguins, polar bears, trees, candy canes, and more winter wonderment.

Walk the Burgh Holiday Tours

Most evenings, Nov. 26 – Dec. 30

Embark on a two-mile holiday walking tour in Downtown — from the city’s gingerbread house display to the ice rink in PPG Plaza. Learn fun facts from Walk the Burgh's expert guide, see sparkling holiday lights, and dine out on a discount with the tour’s partnering restaurants.

Dazzling Nights at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

Select evenings, Nov. 28 – Jan. 3

Grab a warm drink at the welcome center to sip while you venture through this immersive light display including a star tunnel, stained glass windows, mirror ball snowmen, larger-than-life ornaments, and more.

Oakland Winter Lights

Dec. through Feb.

During the darkest months of the year, the entire neighborhood becomes a glowing destination. Enjoy large light projections, holiday trees at Carnegie Museum of Art, dinner in a private heated igloo at the Oaklander Hotel, and more.

Oakmont Christmas Home Tour

Dec. 7

See the best of this Allegheny River borough with a self-guided holiday home tour. Afterwards, enjoy a reception at Amanda Lee Glassware and get some shopping done at a local vendor market.

Nationality Rooms Holiday Open House

Dec. 7

Want to learn about holiday celebrations from around the world? Visit the Cathedral of Learning’s Nationality and Heritage Rooms to admire decorations; participate in crafts and cultural demonstrations; shop for handcrafted wares; and enjoy traditional treats.

Mansions on Fifth Holiday Open House

Dec. 17

Tour this Shadyside boutique hotel, located inside former Gilded Age mansions, while it’s adorned with holiday cheer. Admire the beautiful architecture and stained glass windows while enjoying piano and chorus performances, a fix-it-yourself hot chocolate bar, delicious bites, and more.

Jolley Trolley with Molly’s Trolleys

Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 29 — Dec. 21

Take a one-hour sightseeing tour of Pittsburgh holiday landmarks in a trolley car. You’ll swing by the 6-story tall Horne’s Christmas tree, ice skating rink at PPG Plaza, the large Nativity scene at U.S. Steel Tower, and more. Plus, you can hop off the trolley to see gingerbread houses inside the City-County Building.

Holiday Lights Tours at Vanka Murals

Dec. 26-31

Celebrate the holidays with homemade Croatian cookies and a docent-led tour of the exquisite Vanka Murals at St. Nicholas Croatian Church in Millvale. The murals, painted in 1937 and 1941, include a powerful mix of traditional religious scenes, tributes to immigrants, and messages of empathy and social justice.