17 December events for Pittsburgh families: It’s the most magical time of the year with our family fun guide!

Above photo by freestocks on Unsplash

With a seemingly endless amount of activities and events for Pittsburgh families each December, it can be hard to narrow down the best choices. Here at Kidsburgh, we’ve developed a great big guide to the whole holiday season. We’ve also got a guide to the best light displays throughout the Pittsburgh region. If you’re looking for current hours on all of the city’s official activities, you can find those here. And for your Kidsburgh December guide, we’ve gathered details about 17 of the best events happening across the region:

Dec. 1: Nutcracker event with West Point Ballet at the Children’s Museum Pittsburgh

West Point Ballet will perform excerpts from “The Nutcracker” from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. They will also offer group ballet lessons and a chance to take a photo with performers, free with admission to the museum. There will also be winter-themed crafts throughout the museum for families to enjoy. Find more details here.

Dec. 7: “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” Carnegie Science Center

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. See it at the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12.

Dec. 7: Sensory-Friendly Screening of “Moana 2” at The Lindsay

For those who want to see the latest saga of Moana and her crew but may struggle with traditional movie theater expectations, The Lindsay Theater in Sewickley offers a performance where guests can move, wiggle and interact with the show. Tickets are $8.75 and can be purchased here.

Dec. 7: Light Up Bellevue

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the borough of Bellevue’s iconic main street is transformed into a postcard-perfect wonderland. The event includes an outdoor holiday market, activities for children, tree lighting, a visit from Santa, live music and more. There will be vendors, festive displays and plenty of food. Find more details here.

Dec. 8, 15 and 22: Skate with Santa, The UPMC Rink at PPG Place

Santa will be taking a little break from all his Christmas prep work at the North Pole to come and skate with kids at the rink from 1-3 p.m. Free with general admission.

Dec. 10: Family Night with Santa at Hofbrauhaus

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., families can enjoy photos with Santa and one free child’s meal with every adult meal purchased. Enjoy family fun, balloon art, and a festive atmosphere. Find more details here.

Dec 12: Squonking in the Library with Rube Goldberg Machines

From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., kids can learn all about squonking at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall. This free event will explore Rube Goldberg’s practice of using everyday objects to create music and movement. Find more details here.

Dec. 14: Run Santa Run, Cranberry

Join hundreds of runners and walkers from all over Western Pennsylvania to fill Cranberry Township’s Graham Park with Santas and elves. This event sold out in 2023, so be sure to register early. Runners are encouraged to dress “festive” and the top three holiday outfits will earn prizes. Choose to run the shorter “Jolly Mile” or go for the full 5K. And don’t miss the Kids’ Reindeer Ramble, a fun and festive race just for the little ones. Find more details here.

Dec. 14: Gingerbread House Decorating at CLP

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the South Side location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, you can decorate a gorgeous gingerbread house without creating a mess at home. And you can decorate for free! This event is for kids in grades 5 and under. Find more details here.

Dec 15: CKids Pre-Chanukah Wonderland

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is hosting an afternoon of Chanukah fun for the whole family. This event, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., will be at Chabad of the South Hills’ new building, located at 1700 Bower Hill Road. Find details here.

Dec. 15: Skate with Santa at Schenley Park Ice Rink

Enjoy a special opportunity to take to the ice with Santa Claus just before Christmas. Skate along to great music and make happy holiday memories. Admission is $5, or $4 for seniors, $3 for vets and $3 for ages 17 and younger. Skate rentals are $3. Find more details here.

Dec. 17: “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” Benedum Center

A holiday mash-up for the whole family, “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” returns for another spectacular tour. This contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. Tickets are $25-$90.

Dec. 18: The Polar Express Experience at the Benedum Center

Fans of “The Polar Express” will get a kick out of this interactive experience. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a conductor and stow-a-ways who will punch your tickets. The event will include the movie on the big screen, plus live musical performances, prima ballerinas, the Northern Lights and a visit from Santa. Kids are invited to come dressed in their pajamas. Tickets are $45.50-$55.50. The Polar Pack Add-on is $25.

Dec. 21: Jolly Opposum at Powdermill Nature Reserve

Hear the tale of the Jolly Opossum at this free event, which runs from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. This story will delve into what the creatures of the forest are up to during the holidays. Meet Dr. Skunk, Mx. Chickadee, Mr. Bear and, of course, the Jolly Opossum. Visitors will also make holiday ornaments and decorations. Children of all ages are welcome. Registration is strongly suggested.

Dec. 28: “Frozen” Singalong at the Carnegie Science Center

Looking for a way to fill those winter break days? Sing along with other Elsa-and-Anna-loving friends in the Science Center’s Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets for this morning show, which begins at 10 a.m., are $12 and can be purchased here.

Dec 31: Harmony’s New Year’s Eve Silvester Celebration

Have you ever celebrated New Year’s Eve in Germany? Historic Harmony is the perfect spot to discover this tradition. From 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., this family-focused afternoon of fun in Historic Harmony will honor its German heritage by celebrating Silvester (New Year’s Eve) on German time. The day begins with the Harmony Silvester 5K Run. There will be a one-mile fun run at 4:15 p.m. After the race, there will be activities and the town shops will be open. The countdown celebration to German midnight will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Harmony Square with Harmony’s very own ball drop at 6:00 p.m. and a fireworks display when the clock strikes “midnight” in Germany. Find more details here.

Dec. 31: First Night, Cultural District

Pittsburgh’s biggest New Year’s Eve party takes over Downtown Pittsburgh with fireworks, a puppet parade, live music, magic and great family activities. Get all the details in our guide right here.

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