10 weekend events for Pittsburgh area families, including sensory-friendly fun

Above photo of Aurora at Mellon Square courtesy of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

This first full weekend in December is loaded with holiday fun (and non-holiday fun, too!) From theater performances to a chance to skate with Santa himself, it’s a busy weekend packed with family-friendly fun. To plan your weekend, check out these activities:

Thursday, Dec. 5 – Sunday, Dec. 8: “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)” with South Park Theatre and Mon River Arts

Instead of performing “A Christmas Carol” for the millionth time, three actors decided to perform every Christmas story ever told in a madcap show. It’s a zany, wild ride through most of your favorite traditions and tales.  Tickets are $18, and this show runs the following weekend as well.

Friday, Dec. 6: Band Together Autism-Friendly Christmas Music Party, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Band Together is known for creating inclusive and welcoming events, and this celebration is no exception. Come sing along to your favorite tunes and get into the holiday spirit at Clubhouse Moon Dogs in Blawnox, where Santa will also be making a special appearance. Find more details here.

Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7: Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas

Christmas in Canonsburg is like stepping back in time. The town’s main street is packed with over 60 craft and food vendors, a community Christmas tree lighting, live entertainment, games and activities, photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, Grinch, live reindeer, a Christmas raffle, train display and more. Everything  will be blanketed with thousands of twinkling white lights and lots of holiday cheer. Admission is free.

Saturday, Dec. 7: Sensory-Friendly Screening of “Moana 2” at The Lindsay, 9: 45 a.m.

The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center in Sewickley is hosting a sensory-friendly screening of  “Moana 2,” the sequel to Disney’s 2016 animated musical that reunites its titular heroine (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) with the demigod Maui (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson). Sensory-friendly screenings provide a safe space for folks with special needs to enjoy a personal, unhurried cinematic experience designed specifically for them. Tickets for this special screening are discounted to $8.75 per person.

Saturday, Dec. 7: Handmade Arcade Holiday Market, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Celebrate 20 years of Handmade Arcade’s Holiday Market – Pittsburgh’s largest handmade holiday shopping event. Shop from more than 275 makers and artists selling handcrafted clothing, accessories, art, home decor, jewelry, body products and unique items you won’t find anywhere else. In addition to shopping, enjoy live arts demonstrations, hands-on make-and-take activities, and community arts projects at Hands-On Handmade Arcade. This event is at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Find more details here.

Saturday, Dec. 7: Holiday Magic Awaits at Mellon Square, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Have you seen the dazzling new Aurora lighting display at Mellon Square? This weekend is the perfect chance. With live music, yummy food, and the Holly Trolley shuttling guests back and forth between Mellon Square and Market Square, this event is a great (and free!) way to check out this newest holiday addition to the city. Find more details here.

Saturday, December 7: Light Up Bellevue, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Postcard-perfect Lincoln Avenue is transformed into a winter wonderland this weekend. With food and beverage vendors, musical performances, a magical lighted train ride, photos with Santa, and more. Find details about the event here.

Saturday, Dec. 7: “The Muppet Christmas Carol” at the Carnegie Science Center, 8 p.m. 

Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the Muppets appear in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Michael Caine stars as the penny-pitching Ebenezer Scrooge on the big, big screen. See it at the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12.

Sunday, Dec. 8: Skate with Santa at The UPMC Rink at PPG Place, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Have your kids taken a spin around the rink yet? This weekend, Santa will take a little break from all his Christmas prep work at the North Pole to come and skate with kids at the rink this afternoon. This event is free with general admission.

Sunday, Dec. 8: Breakfast with Santa at Avonworth Community Park, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Santa loves cookies, but did you know he also loves pancakes? Come to Avonworth Community Park and enjoy breakfast with the jolly old elf himself. Tickets for this event begin at $20 and pre-registration is required.

Looking for more winter fun? Check out our big events guide and sign up for our newsletter!