Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Image courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Photo courtesy of the Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

6. Let’s Move! Family Dance Party at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater: December 9

The whole family will get down when the Kelly Strayhorn Theater presents its latest Let’s Move! Family Dance Party. Inspired by former First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiative to tackle childhood obesity, the event makes physical fitness fun by encouraging people of all ages to get up and get moving. A guest DJ will spin a variety of family-friendly tunes as everyone from toddlers to grandparents cut a rug in the lobby of the historic East Liberty venue. There will also be hands-on activities for the kids and other surprises.

The Let’s Move! Family Dance Party takes place from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-can.

Photo courtesy Pittsburgh Cultural District.

7. August Wilson Community Day – Holiday Edition at the August Wilson Center: December 9

Bring the entire family for a day of live music, shopping and more at the August Wilson Center. Hosted in part by the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, the holiday edition of the August Wilson Community Day features performances by the Reed Dance Ensemble, the Afro American Music Institute Boys Choir and classically trained street violinist, Zaki Hagins. Shop for gifts at a vendor market where you’ll find artwork and hand-crafted items. Feel like dancing? DJ SMI will spin plenty of fun grooves all day long. There are also arts and craft activities, tree trimming and other great fun.

August Wilson Community Day – Holiday Edition takes place from 12-8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Photo courtesy of the Chanukah Festival and Menorah Parade.

8. Chanukah Festival and Menorah Parade at The Waterfront: December 12

Kick off Chanukah with the Chanukah Festival and Menorah Parade. Presented by the Chabad of Western PA and B’nai Emunoh Chabad of Squirrel Hill, in partnership with The Waterfront Shopping Center, the event features a Menorah Parade that departs from Rodef Shalom, travels through Squirrel Hill and ends at the Chanukah Festival located under the Homestead Grays bridge. At the festival, enjoy live music, a heated tent with food vendors, games and activities for the kids and a special grand menorah lighting. There will also be a performance by the California-based Jewish-Chassidic band, 8th Day, whose eclectic sound is influenced by rock, klezmer, reggae and Israeli music.

The Chanukah Festival and Menorah Parade take place from 5-9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

9. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at Heinz Hall: December 20-24

The whole family will head down to Whoville when the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents a touring production of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical“ at Heinz Hall. Part of the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series, the musical spin on Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale follows the mean Grinch as he sets out to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Narrated by the Grinch’s trusty animal companion, Max the Dog, the magical live stage show features such hit songs as “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” magnificent costume and set design, and delightful choreography.

Tickets for “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” start at $30 and are available online, over the phone at 412-392-4900, or at the Heinz Hall Box Office.

Countdown to Noon. Photo courtesy of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.
Countdown to Noon. Photo courtesy of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

10. Countdown to Noon at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh: December 31

Ring in the New Year when the Children’s Museum throws its big annual Countdown to Noon party. The all-ages event gives kids and their families a chance to welcome 2018 together with an afternoon of live music, special guests and tons of fun activities. Make festive noisemakers and hats, listen to live music by Lee Robinson and his jazz quartet, and participate in interviews by The Saturday Light Brigade radio host, Larry Berger. And watch the clock, because when it 12 p.m. hits, you better be ready to scream “Happy New Year!”

Countdown to Noon takes place from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The event is included with regular museum admission.

Honorable mentions:

The Joy of Cookies, Cookie Tour in Lawrenceville: December 1-3

“Frozen” Sing-Along at Carnegie Science Center: December 2

Jingle, Mingle & Market! at the Braddock Carnegie Library: December 2

Photos with Santa and His Penguin Helper at the National Aviary: December 2, 9 & 16

Krampusnacht in Market Square: December 5

Highmark Holiday Pops at the Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts: December 8-17

A Musical Christmas Carol at the Byham Theater: December 8-23

Global Links Fall Family Volunteer Days: December 9 and 16

Holiday Walk the Block at The Block Northway: December 10

Super Science Saturday: Holidays Around the World at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History: December 16

First Night in Downtown Pittsburgh: December 31

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Amanda Waltz is a freelance journalist and film critic whose work has appeared locally in numerous publications. She writes for The Film Stage and is the founder and editor of Steel Cinema, a blog dedicated to covering Pittsburgh film culture. She currently lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and oversized house cat.