5 free things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, from cookies with Santa to Community Day at the August Wilson Center

Photo above by Marina Shatskih used by permission via Unsplash.

Looking for fun things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh with kids? The holiday season is here and that means plenty of free events are happening. Check out some of our favorites:

All weekend, Dec. 3-5: Peoples Gas Holiday Market

Market Square has become a bustling European shopping district filled with chalets and vendors, where you can window shop, plan a visit with Santa and savor delicious treats. Live entertainment includes all-day music on the weekends. Open daily through Dec. 23. Free.

All weekend, Dec. 3-5:  Visit Downtown’s life-size Santas

This annual Pittsburgh tradition of life-size Santas from folklore and ethnic traditions represents 16 countries. Consider your family’s ancestry and learn about other customs. View the exhibit in the exterior windows of Two PPG Place along Fourth Avenue, Downtown, through Jan. 1. Free.

All weekend, Dec. 3-5: Holiday KidsPlay Selfie Garden

Heinz Hall Courtyard, Downtown, has been redesigned as a little kid’s TV fantasy. Families can explore the space at their own pace, stopping to snap selfies with some of their favorite characters. You’ll find sidewalk games, plus characters and cutouts including favorites from “Odd Squad,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” and “Peg + Cat.” The Selfie Garden is open daily through Dec. 28. Visit for free.

Sat., Dec. 4, noon to 2 p.m.: Cookies with Santa at Round Hill Farm 

Allegheny County invites kids to spend time with Santa at Round Hill Farm on Saturday, where you’ll find plenty of cookies and hands-on crafts. Registration is free.

Sat., Dec. 4, noon to 3 p.m.: AWCommunity Day: Holiday Edition

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center hosts the AWCommunity Day: Holiday Edition on Dec. 4. The lineup of family-focused activities includes a Kwanzaa celebration and a visit by the man in the red suit. Many activities will be held outside the Center on the plaza and sidewalk. Admission is free.

Looking for more things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh? Check out our big guide to holiday events and our guide to all the coolest things happening in December.