10 Pittsburgh family events this weekend, from a Chanukah parade to a kindness concert

Photo above by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash.

December is in full swing in Pittsburgh! Chanukah begins Thursday, and various events to celebrate the holiday season are occurring daily. At the same time, this can also be a stressful season for many parents, so we put together this helpful guide for navigating holiday stress.

For this weekend, we are featuring just a few of the seasonal events happening in the Pittsburgh area, plus a range of quieter, non-holiday activities for families looking to slow down the pace. As you plan your weekend, start here:

Thursday, Dec. 7: South Hills Menorah Parade and Lights Chanukah Festival, 5 p.m.

Start the weekend off early with the first night of Chanukah this Thursday. A car parade will leave from Chabad of the South Hills and travel across Mt Lebanon, leading to the annual South Hills Lights Festival where fun includes music, a photo booth, latkes and doughnuts. This event is free to all participants.

Friday, Dec. 8- Sunday, Dec. 10: Holiday Laser Show at North Park

This one-of-a-kind drive-in laser show returns this weekend with a beautiful 40-minute light show synchronized to holiday music. This show begins this weekend, but there are also weeknight shows at various times through Dec. 23. Tickets are $30 per vehicle.

Saturday, Dec. 9: Global Links Family Volunteer Day, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Global Links, a Pittsburgh-based organization that works to improve health locally and globally, will offer four different events during the first two Saturdays in December. This weekend, there are two time slots for families to volunteer. This activity provides a meaningful way for families with children of all ages and abilities to celebrate the holiday season together by giving of themselves.  Join in this fun, supportive and educational event and have a profound impact.

Saturday, Dec. 9: Here Comes Santa Paws: Art Fur Animals at Trust Education Center, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

At this family workshop, participants will learn to make pet toys to take home or donate to Animal Friends. Registration is $25 for up to six family members.

Saturday, Dec. 9: “The Muppets Christmas Carol” at Heinz Hall, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will present a screening of the film with the musical score performed live. In this family favorite, Michael Caine stars as Ebeneezer Scrooge and Kermit the Frog plays Bob Cratchit. Tickets start at $50.

Saturday, Dec. 9: Moonshot Museum at CLP, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

The Brookline location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh welcomes kids — babies through 5th graders — to embark on a lunar science expedition and a sneak peek at the riveting work of local space industry professionals. America is returning to the Moon, and Pittsburgh is leading the way via NASA’s partnership with the Moonshot Museum. This event is free.

Saturday, Dec. 9: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”  at the Carnegie Science Center, 8 p.m.

Clark Griswold tries his best, but his family gets in the way of his merry Christmas. Enjoy the big laughs at the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12.

Sunday, Dec. 10: Squirrel Hill Chanukah Walk and Menorah Lighting Festival, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Join Chabad of Squirrel Hill for the Squirrel Hill Chanukah Walk and Menorah Lighting Festival. Guests can make cards, dreidels, decorate ccookies, watch a juggling show and check out an ice carving of a Menorah. Of course, there will be hot latkes and doughnuts, too. Find all the details here.

Sunday, Dec. 10: Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Workshops, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

Get creative with workshops in different art and making subjects for children and youth of all ages. Workshops are $15 and include all materials. Workshops for ages 3-5 and 6-9 take place at the Children’s Museum and a caregiver is required to attend. Workshops for ages 10+ take place at MuseumLab. Find this weekend’s workshops here.

Sunday, Dec. 10: Josh and Gab’s Kindness and Anti-Bullying Concerts at CLP, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

Local group Josh and Gab is excited to present their award-winning kindness program at the Squirell Hill branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. The performance will focus on healthy choices, creativity and community. These shows are a fun and high-energy mix of original music, standup comedy, dance segments and interactive lessons with participants. This event is free.

Looking for more fun weekend events? Check out our December events guide, our guide to drive-through light shows, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter.