Holiday fun guide: More than 50 family events to ring in the holidays in Pittsburgh

We know Thanksgiving hasn’t arrived quite yet. But it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Pittsburgh. The winter holidays are approaching and these themed events will get us all into the spirit of the season with light displays, dancing sugarplums and Santas galore.

Here’s what’s on tap:

Nov. 15-22: “A Musical Nutcracker,” South Park Theatre

The traditional holiday story arrives in musical form, complete with the mysterious Mr. Drosselmeier, the Rat King and a nutcracker that’s brought to life. Tickets are $10, $6 for students.

Nov. 15-Jan. 1: Holiday Lights, Kennywood Park

Kennywood dazzles with an animated Holiday Reflections Light Show, more than 25 amusement rides and an all-new entertainment lineup. Meet Santa, Rudolph and pals from the North Pole. Savor holiday-themed treats and hot drinks. Tickets start at $19.99.

Nov. 15-Jan. 12: Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience, Pittsburgh Zoo

Wild Illuminations combines all we loved about the Asian Lantern Festival and Zoo Lights. You will find handmade silk and steel structures, plus more than a million twinkling lights. Plan Ahead Tickets are $24-$34, $21-$31 for ages 2-13. Add-ons include the Holiday Express Pack ($7) and the Holly-Vision Pack ($9).

Nov. 15-March 2: The UPMC Rink at PPG Place, Downtown

Skaters circle the fabulous holiday Christmas Tree at the downtown skating rink.  The 60-foot-tall tree uses energy-efficient LED lights with the ability to perform various light shows throughout the day. Skating sessions are $12; $11 for ages 12 and younger, seniors and first responders.

Nov. 16: “Home Alone,” Carnegie Science Center

You know the story: When Kevin gets left behind by his family, he takes control of protecting his home from a pair of hapless burglars. Catch this holiday-favorite film at the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12.

Nov. 16-Jan. 5: Holiday Magic, Phipps Conservatory and Botanic Gardens

Phipps decorates inside and out for its winter flower show. Expect a magical unicorn topiary, iridescent snowflakes and a fairy tale-inspired display brought to life with a castle and glowing carriage. Take the pathway through the outdoor garden filled with colorful, glowing decorations. Kids will find the Garden Railroad especially appealing with its Holiday Magic theme. Timed tickets are $21.95, $19.95 for seniors and students, $13.95 for ages 2-18.

Nov. 22-Dec. 24: Peoples Gas Holiday Market, Market Square

Market Square is transformed into a bustling European shopping district, filled with chalets and vendors. It’s a fun place to window shop, plan a visit with Santa and savor delicious treats. Live entertainment is planned for lunchtime concerts, happy hour merriment and all-day music on the weekends. The Peoples Gas Holiday Market is open daily, except Thanksgiving. Free.

Nov. 22-Jan. 4: Holiday Lights Mini Golf, Fun Fore All

Fun Fore All turns their two miniature golf courses into playable, walk-through holiday light extravaganzas. Kids can compete with their families while experiencing a beautiful, interactive, holiday display. Tickets are $15 for one course, $20 for two courses, free for ages 2 and younger with a paid adult. Ten percent of all admissions goes to The Caring Place.

Nov. 22-24: “Home Alone” In Concert, Heinz Hall

Watch this madcap holiday comedy on the big screen, while the Pittsburgh Symphony plays the John Williams score. Tickets are $35-$125.

Nov. 22-Jan. 1: Spirit of Giving Around the World, One and Two PPG Place

Also known as Santas of the World, this longtime tradition displays 16 life-size Santas and paintings that represent cultures and countries from around the world.

Nov. 23: Light Up Night, Downtown

Families can get an early start on Light Up Night festivities with kid-focused events starting at 3:30 p.m. with film shorts at the Harris Theater. A Pirates Mini-Fest begins at 4 p.m. and includes kids racing against Pierogies. Wander into Fifth Avenue Place for a look at FREEZE!, a display of master-carved ice statues. The first fireworks of the night are scheduled for 5 p.m. with a supersized Zambelli display at 9:30 p.m. There’s lots more – live music, tree lightings, and a special Three Sisters Bridges lighting display. Find more details here.

Nov. 23-Dec. 23: Selfie Garden, Heinz Hall Courtyard

Visit the Heinz Hall Courtyard and snap selfies with life-size images of PBS and Fred Rogers Productions popular characters. You will find stars from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Peg + Cat, Donkey Hodie and Odd Squad. Open Wednesdays through Sundays. Free.

Nov. 23-Dec. 23: Holiday KidsPlay, 600 Liberty Ave.

Fred Rogers Productions and the Pittsburgh Pirates team up to offer indoor activities. Decorate a Mister Rogers sweater ornament with messages of thanks, make your own ornament, visit with Pittsburgh Pirates mascots, play giant games, and settle in for story time, plus other creative playtime activities. KidsPlay operates on weekends, plus Black Friday.

Nov. 23-January: Gingerbread House Display, City-County Building

This 22nd annual competition attracts gingerbread house architects of all ages from across the county. Visit the City-County Building to see the intricate, beautiful and witty creations. Admission is free.

Nov. 23- Jan. 6: The Pittsburgh Creche, U.S. Steel Tower

Located in the plaza area outside of U.S. Steel Tower on Grant Street, the Pittsburgh Creche displays 19 larger-than-life figures on view through the Epiphany on Jan. 7. A holiday tradition since 1999, the Pittsburgh Creche is the only authorized replica of the Creche in St. Peter’s Square, Rome. Free.

Nov. 23-Jan. 5: Home For the Holidays, The Frick Pittsburgh

With the Clayton mansion decked out, take a tour and learn how the holidays were celebrated by different groups in Pittsburgh during the Gilded Age, including the Frick family and their staff. Admission is $25, $22 for seniors and military, $15 for ages 17 and younger.

Nov. 23: “A Christmas Story,” Carnegie Science Center

You’ll shoot your eye out! Watch Ralphie and his unconventional family experience the holidays at the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12.

Nov. 25-26: Poinsettias and Pointe Shoes, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

This family-friendly event brings the magic of “The Nutcracker” to Phipps’ historic glasshouse. The performance features a sampling of ballet vignettes performed by the Pre-professional Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School students. Tickets, which include Phipps admission, are $38, $20 for kids.

Nov. 27, Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 31: High Tea, The Frick Pittsburgh

Enjoy a cozy festive tea at The Café at The Frick with holiday favorites and tastes of the season. Reservations are required for limited seating. Cost is $65, plus tax and gratuity.

Nov. 29: “A Very Electric Christmas,” Byham Theater

As a young bird named Max heads south for the winter, he gets blown off course during a snowstorm and ends up lost at the North Pole. He meets caroling worms, dancing poinsettias, Nutcracker soldiers and mischievous mice. The Lightwire Theater story is told through dazzling visuals and moving light characters. Tickets are $39-$59.

Nov. 29-Dec. 23: Santa Fun Cruise and Tour, Gateway Clipper

This cruising holiday tradition includes a special meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and other favorite characters. Kids can burn energy at a bouncy DJ dance party and receive a special treat from Santa. Tickets are $35, $20 for ages 1-12 years, $5 for infants.

Nov. 29-Dec. 23: Santa’s House, Heinz Hall

Kids can visit with Santa during their Downtown adventures with a choice of meeting with a Black or White Santa. Just let Santa’s helpers know which you prefer. Receive a framed keepsake photo of your visit with Santa with a $10 suggested donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, plus a downloadable file to share. Find hours here.

Nov. 29-Dec. 8: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Little Lake Theater

A small town is about to put on their annual Christmas pageant. But this year, everything is about to change when the Herdman family – the meanest kids in town – decide to take over the pageant. Will the pageant survive the chaos? Best for ages 6 and older.  Tickets are $25, $15 for ages 18 and younger.

Nov. 29, Dec. 1-2, 7-8, 14-15 and 21: Photos with Santa, Heinz History Center

Santa will be on hand to visit and pose with families from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the museum’s Great Hall. Santa will pose for pictures in an exact replica of the chair from Kaufmann’s Santaland. Plan to spend the day: Kids ages 17 and younger receive free admission throughout November and December. Adult admission is $20, $18 for seniors.

Nov. 29-Dec. 24: “Polar Express,” Carnegie Science Center

Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, the movie stars the voice of Tom Hanks and offers select viewings in 3D. Catch it at the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12.

Nov. 29-Jan. 2: Laser Holiday Magic, Carnegie Science Center

This festive laser celebration features traditional and contemporary versions of beloved holiday tunes. Sing along while vibrant animations and gorgeous abstracts dance above your head. Tickets are $7.

Nov. 30. Dec. 7, 14 and 21: Season’s Greetings Saturdays, The National Aviary

Meet Santa Claus and enjoy a fun day full of festive, kid-friendly activities. Learn about African Penguins from an Aviary expert, plus discover how you can help this critically endangered species in the wild. Activities are included with general admission.

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

West Point Ballet will perform excerpts from “The Nutcracker,” offer group ballet lessons and photo with performers. Free with admission.

Dec. 2: Mark Milovats’ Christmas Wonderland, Byham Theater

Showman singer Mark Milovats brings his Santa Belle Dancers, Holiday Pops Orchestra, live penguins and special celebrity guests to this Christmas show. Tickets are $44.50-$56.50.

Dec. 4-22: “A Christmas Story: The Play,” O’Reilly Theater

You’ve seen the movie (again and again!). Now experience the live performance. Pittsburgh Public Theater returns with this PG-rated fan favorite. Tickets are $35-$88.

Dec. 5-8 and Dec. 12-15: “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some),” South Park Theatre and Mon River Arts

Instead of performing “A Christmas Carol” for the millionth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told in a madcap show. Tickets are $18.

Dec. 6-27: “The Nutcracker,” Benedum Center

Set in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh, “The Nutcracker” sweeps audiences into a thrilling journey with Marie and the Nutcracker Prince as they travel through sparkling snow into the Land of Enchantment. Those with tickets for the Dec. 7 matinee can register for the free Nutcracker Family Workshop. An Artist Q&A follows the Dec. 7 evening performance. Tickets are $28-$128.

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. 7-22: “Sleeping Beauty’s Holiday,” Gemini Children’s Theater

When Charley’s imagination starts going, fairy tales seem to come to life. When he gets a visit from Sleeping Beauty, he’s sure he can send her back to her story. But the evil Malfeasance has also found Charley’s world, which means trouble. In this fun interactive production, kids in the audience are key to helping the fairies save Sleeping Beauty. Tickets are $15, $5 for ages 2 and younger.

Dec. 7: Handel’s Messiah, Heinz Hall

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs this stirring piece.  From the powerful “Hallelujah” chorus to the uplifting arias and choruses, Handel’s “Messiah” is a musical journey that transcends time. Tickets are $25-$105.

Dec. 7: Holiday Handbell, The Frick Pittsburgh

The Ring Pittsburgh ensemble presents a holiday concert as a refreshingly new musical experience. This ensemble combines sacred, secular and popular renditions of seasonal favorites. Tickets are $5.

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. 9: A Very Yinzer Christmas, Benedum Center

A Very Yinzer Christmas concert features performances by over 25 Pittsburgh music icons. Proceeds benefit Band Together Pittsburgh, a local organization that creates music programs for individuals on the autism spectrum. Tickets are $46.50-$56.50.

Dec. 10: Elvis Christmas Show, Heinz Hall

This show ventures into the Fifties with the Pittsburgh Symphony for a night of Elvis Presley’s holiday hits. Terry Mike Jeffrey, endorsed by Graceland and known worldwide for his presentation of Elvis Presley’s music, sings classics like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Silver Bells.” Tickets are $25-$75.

Dec. 13-21: “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol,” Little Lake Theater

Marley’s one chance to escape his own chains is to redeem Ebeneezer Scrooge. So begins a journey of laughter and terror, redemption and renewal. Best for ages 10 and older. Tickets are $25, $15 for ages 18 and younger.

Dec. 13-22: Holiday Pops, Heinz Hall

The Pittsburgh Symphony, the Mendelssohn Choir and guest vocalist Mamie Parris perform in this annual offering of music for the season. Featuring “Sleigh Ride,” the “Hallelujah” chorus as well as sing-alongs and a very special guest. Tickets are $25-$107.

Dec. 13-22: Pittsburgh CLO’s “A Musical Christmas Carol,” Byham Theater

Charles Shaughnessy (“Day of Our Lives,” “The Nanny”) stars as Scrooge in this production, with dazzling special effects, treasured holiday carols and ticket prices even Scrooge can’t resist. On Saturday, Dec. 23 at 12 p.m., families can visit for a sensory-friendly show (adjusted with lower sound levels and limited special effects) in partnership with Autism Connection of PA. Tickets are $18-$84.50.

Dec. 14: “Elf,” Carnegie Science Center

Buddy the Elf can’t help but feel out of place in Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. When Buddy discovers he is not an elf, he ventures to a magical land called New York City to meet and save his father from Santa’s naughty list.  Tickets are $12.

Dec. 14: Festive Family Tour Package, The Frick Pittsburgh

Take in the cheerful atmosphere of a home decked for the holidays on a specialty tour of Clayton, followed by festive, family-friendly art projects and treats in the Education Center classroom. Admission is $30; $27 for seniors, military and students; $20 for ages 17 and younger.

Dec. 15: Skate with Santa, 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, $4 for seniors, $3 for vets and ages 17 and younger. Skate rentals are $3.

Dec. 17: Holiday Brass Spectacular, Heinz Hall

The virtuosic brass section of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is renowned for its brilliance, refinement and incredible power. From traditional Baroque favorites to new arrangements of most-loved holiday tunes, this evening is sure to usher in the merry season. Tickets are $25-$60.

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, 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, live musical performances, prima ballerinas, the Northern Lights and a visit from Santa. Kids are invited to come dressed in their PJs. Tickets are $45.50-$55.50. The Polar Pack Add-on is $25.

Dec. 18-22: “A Lyrical Christmas Carol,” Gargaro Theater

Pittsburgh Musical Theater has been busting the humbug and performing this holiday tradition for more than 30 years. Tickets are $15.50-$25.50.

Dec. 19: “Love Actually” in Concert, Heinz Hall

Watch “Love Actually” on the big screen while the Pittsburgh Symphony plays the score. Tickets are $35-$120.

Dec. 21: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Carnegie Science Center

Whoville is at the center of a dastardly plan as the bitter Grinch schemes to steal their Christmas away. The plan unravels when he encounters Cindy Lou Who and discovers that maybe Christmas isn’t as humbug as he’s believed it to be. Tickets are $12.

Dec. 21: Jolly Opossum, Powdermill Nature Reserve

Hear the story of the Jolly Opossum that delves into what the creatures of the forest are up to during the holidays. The critter lineup includes Dr. Skunk, Mx. Chickadee and Mr. Bear. The event also features hands-on decoration crafts. Admission is pay-what-you-wish.

Dec. 28: “Frozen: Sing Along Edition,” Carnegie Science Center

Come dressed as Anna, Elsa, Olaf or Sven to watch this beloved movie and sing along with the crowd. The film plays at the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12.

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 and great family activities. Details coming soon.