
City Cast Pittsburgh
🎞️ Pittsburgh holiday movies
November 19, 2025 · — Francesca Dabecco
What could be better than getting cozy on the couch and watching a holiday movie? On today’s City Cast Pittsburgh podcast, a local film critic is sharing the best festive films with Pittsburgh connections 🎞️

Plus, scroll for some real life holiday magic that feels like the movies ✨

What's CITY Talking About
Progressive Party Wants To Challenge Fetterman
PA’s Working Families Party is recruiting candidates to run against Sen. John Fetterman in the 2028 primary. Fetterman hasn’t yet announced whether he’ll seek reelection. [🔐 Philadelphia Inquirer]
- Learn about local efforts to shake up the Democratic Party. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
Striking PG Workers Send Return-To-Work Offer
After more than three years on strike, members of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh offered to return to work on Nov. 24. The Post-Gazette received the offer on Monday and has five days to respond. This follows a federal court ruling in favor of the union last week. [TribLive / 🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Progress for Downtown’s Arts Landing
Construction is ahead of schedule for the four-acre, multi-purpose green space along Eighth Street, and it’s expected to open before the 2026 NFL Draft. Take a look at the project plans. [Pittsburgh Magazine / 📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]
Paving Begins at Pittsburgh Mills
At last! Crews are fixing potholes around the mall in Frazer Township. The mall’s owners face multiple legal challenges over poor road conditions and have been ordered to pay almost $29 million in fines. [TribLive]
- Why are potholes so bad in Pittsburgh? [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
Sponsored Content

Enjoy Gilded Age Holiday Charm at Clayton
Celebrate the season and take in the cheerful atmosphere of a home decked for the holidays on a specialty tour of the Frick mansion!
Tickets at TheFrickPittsburgh.org.

Pittsburgh’s Best Holiday Tours & 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.
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.
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.
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.

What To Do
Wednesday, Nov. 19
- 🍻 Thinkers & Drinkers at Two Frays Brewery (Garfield)
- 📚 David McCullough Book Launch at Heinz History (Strip District)
- 👠 A Drag Queen Christmas at the Byham Theater (Downtown)
- 🍷 Sip, Snack & Support at Solera Wine Co. (Lawrenceville)
- 🧶 Craft Cafe at Workshop PGH (Wilkinsburg)
- 🍸 Thanksgiving Flight Night at Kingfly Spirits (Strip District)
- 🧵 Sew Club at Contemporary Craft (Lawrenceville)
- 🎲 Sole Ties Live at City Winery (Strip District)
- 🍹 Crafts & Cocktails at Cousins Lounge (Millvale)
- 🖋️ Sip & Script Calligraphy at Kingfly Spirits (Strip District)
- 🍷 Thanksgiving Dinner Wines at PA Market (Strip District)
- 🎥 Movie Night at Bantha Tea (Bloomfield)
- 🍻 Wacky Taproom Bingo at Inner Groove (Verona)
- 🧩 Speed Jigsaw Puzzling at Aslin Beer (Strip District)
- 🌟 Holiday Mingle at Propel Hazelwood (Hazelwood)
Thursday, Nov. 20
- 🗞️ Newsapalooza at Pittsburgh Playhouse — Nov. 21 (Downtown)
- 🏳️⚧️ Musical Memorial for Trans Day of Remembrance (Garfield)
- 🕯️ Marching Vigil for Trans Day of Remembrance (Lawrenceville)
- 🎂 Birthday at Tiffany’s at New Hazlett Theater — Nov. 21 (Allegheny Center)
- 🏳️🌈 Queer Craft Night at Assemble (Bloomfield)
- 🌲 Wreath Workshop at Tree Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville)
- 🧪 Sip of Science at Hazel Grove Brewing (Hazelwood)
- 🪵 Wood Ornaments at Contemporary Craft (Lawrenceville)
- 🕯️ Crafts & Candles with Oakmont Candle Works (Oakmont)
- 🎷 Thursday Night Jazz at City Of Asylum (North Side)
- 🧗 Climbing Meetup at Iron City Boulders (Lawrenceville)
- 🥂 Winter Cocktails at PA Market (Strip District)
- 🎁 Holiday Open House at La Storia (Shadyside)
- 🎶 Music Bingo with Babesburgh (Sharpsburg)
- ✏️ Urban Sketchers Meetup at Strange Roots (Millvale)
- 🍿 Howl at the Movies at The Dog Penn (Strip District)
- 🧭 Navigating Uncertainty Clinic at NOVA Place (Allegheny Center)
📚 Any book lovers here? A new Barnes & Noble is opening in the East End today. That’s cool and everything, but Pittsburgh has some indie bookstore gems. Find your next read at these small businesses.
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