Here are the virtual and outdoor holiday happenings you need to know about in Pittsburgh: December 25-31. Know of an interesting event? Email us here.
Friday, December 25: Fireside Nutcracker with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Various times
Get swept off your feet this Christmas with one of ballet’s most iconic productions. PBT is bringing this beloved local tradition right to living rooms with a film adaptation showcasing innovative choreography, timeless characters and Tchaikovsky’s soaring music.
Register for free.
Friday, December 25: Tapestry of Light with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Various times
The winter solstice is bringing a bit more light into our lives and this holiday concert is the perfect seasonal offering. Available for free viewing via the PSO website, the production features Pops Conductor Byron Stripling, vocalist Vanessa Campagna, the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus and more.
Friday, December 25: The Hip Hop Nutcracker with the Harris Theater @ Home
Various times
Remix your holidays with this fresh new take on a classic. The holiday mashup stars famed rapper Kurtis Blow, along with dancers, DJs and a violinist. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, it’s a contemporary spectacle the entire family can dance along to. Buy tickets.
Friday, December 25: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Various times
Don’t be a Scrooge and miss this thrilling production. Starring Tony Award-winning actor Jefferson Mays as the inimitable Ebenezer, the exclusive streaming show benefits Pittsburgh Public Theater and independent theaters across the country. Buy tickets.
Saturday, December 26 through Monday, December 28: The Wizards of Oakwood Drive with the EQT Children’s Festival @ Home
Various times
Calling all wizards in training! Equal parts treasure hunt, magic show and theatrical performance, this live interactive event created by Tom Salamon will take youngsters on a thrilling Zoom adventure. Buy tickets to receive a list of supplies and instructions.
Saturday, December 26: Claws Out: A Holiday Drag Musical with City Theatre
7:30 p.m.
The day after Christmas can’t be boring as long as you’re watching this world premiere drag show. Set in the icy North Pole and packed with pop-culture references, the musical created by Monteze Freeland and Shua Potter depicts an epic showdown between Mrs. Rachel Claus and rookie Roberta. Have a cocktail handy. Buy tickets.
Saturday, December 26: Jingle Bell Rocks! with the Harris Theater @ Home
Various times
Tired of hearing the same stale Christmas music? Your holiday weekend will rock with some of the “weirdest, wildest, most poignant Christmas songs you’ve never heard.” Directed by Mitchell Kezin, the cinematic production includes live performances, personal interviews and rare footage with musical legends. Rent the film online.
Saturday, December 26: Skiing and Snow Tubing at Boyce Park
10 a.m.-9 p.m.
The slopes at Boyce Park are officially open for wintertime fun. In accordance with new restrictions and operational changes, the attraction offers skiing and snow tubing sessions. Buy tickets.
Sunday, December 27: A Musical Christmas Carol Broadcast with the Pittsburgh CLO
1 p.m.
Make it a matinee Sunday in your household. You haven’t experienced crabby Scrooge until you see him portrayed by everyone’s favorite “Walton,” Richard Thomas. Recorded live at the Byham Theater, the production also features a cast of Pittsburgh favorites. Watch for free on WQED.
Sunday, December 27: In the Booth and Behind the Scenes with PICT Classic Theatre’s A Christmas Carol
Various times
How is a radio drama actually made? Go into the recording booth at WQED for a behind-the-scenes look at PICT’s latest broadcast of “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.” Directed by Alan Stanford, the streaming holiday production features the vocal talents of 14 performers. Buy tickets.
Monday, December 28: Winter Window Displays at The Terminal
Various times
Stroll through one Pittsburgh’s most anticipated new redevelopments to see how 17 local nonprofits have transformed The Terminal’s storefront windows. Explore the site’s new heated passageways, which house creative benches, lighting and murals.
Monday, December 28: Chill: Livestream Community Class with Breathe Yoga Studio
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Exhale and achieve balance during the chaotic holiday season with yoga instructor Melissa Favero. Open to all levels and ages, the online vinyasa-style class will include rhythmic movements and a blend of taichi and yoga. Buy tickets.
Tuesday, December 29: Breathe, Meditate and Yoga to Recharge for the New Year
9 a.m.
Welcome December’s Cold Moon with this revitalizing online class open to all levels. Learn how breathwork, meditation and yin yoga can help you stay centered while preparing for the new year. Register here.
Tuesday, December 29: The Queen’s Gambit Chess Institute with the EQT Children’s Theater Festival @ Home
10 a.m.
If you have a budding Beth Harmon in your clan, don’t miss this. Geared toward students in grades 3 and up, the online workshop includes a strategy lesson with competitive, trained chess players and special opportunities to play the game. Register for free.
Tuesday, December 29: Clayton Christmas Memories with The Frick Pittsburgh
7-8 p.m.
The historic Clayton mansion is one of Pittsburgh’s most festive holiday destinations. The museum is bringing the holiday magic to you with this virtual event showcasing the home’s ornate decorations and installations along with stories about how the Frick family celebrated the season. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, December 30: Virtual Dinosaur Armor Tour with Carnegie Museum of Natural History
3-4 p.m.
Discover the development of body armor spanning 500 million years during this virtual tour of the world premiere exhibition. Join museum experts to see extraordinary specimens and learn about eye-popping body armor on dinosaurs, fish, reptiles and mammals. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, December 30: For the Love of Furniture: Chippendale Slant Front Desk
7 p.m.
Furniture lovers should not miss this talk by interior designer Tony Allgeier, who will discuss the Westmoreland Museum of American Art’s 18th-century Chippendale desk, while exploring topics like design, architecture, fashion and film. Register for free.
Thursday, December 31: Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale with Row House Cinema Online
12 p.m.
Tired of watching “Home Alone” and “A Christmas Story?” Enjoy this fantasy film from Finland about people living near the Korvatunturi mountain who discover “the secret behind Santa Claus.” Rent the movie online.
Thursday, December 31: Celebrate the Sounds of the Season: Virtual Christmas Concert
Various times
It’s the final day to enjoy this gift from Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music. Packed with holiday hits and classics, the free streaming concert features performances by 13 student ensembles.
Thursday, December 31: First Night
11 p.m.
Countless reasons to leave 2020 behind, right? Join KDKA’s Heather Abraham and David Highfield, plus a few hundred-thousand neighbors, for this broadcast spectacular featuring music and entertainment by FRZY, Mariand Torres, Nick Duckart, Eric Jones and Hadestown. Who needs Times Square when we’ve got the Future of Pittsburgh Ball and rockin’ fireworks? Make your celebration complete — and support the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust – by ordering a First Night Friends in a Box.
For more events, go here.
