Holiday Lights Guide (check out the video!): 16 places to see the most dazzling holiday lights

Phipps’ Holiday Magic photo above by Paul G. Wiegman.

The holiday season in Pittsburgh isn’t just a time for cozying up by the fire. It’s when the city transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland. Downtown becomes a glowing labyrinth of lights, while the neighborhoods take it to a whole new level (think over-the-top displays that might make Clark Griswold jealous).

Whether you’re dodging traffic to catch the giant tree or trying to count how many Santas are on one block, Pittsburgh’s holiday lights have one thing in common: They’re impossible to ignore — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Here’s your guide to the most dazzling (and downright fun) holiday lights and festivities happening around Pittsburgh this season. Buckle up, because it’s about to get bright.

The Children’s Museum: Spontaneous Order, now through Jan. 5

Spontaneous Order: The Rhythm of Fireflies, running through Jan. 5 at the Children’s Museum, isn’t exactly your typical holiday light show. But it’s still pure magic. This immersive exhibit features 200 glowing “firefly” jars that blink in perfect sync, shifting from gold to blue and back again. The mesmerizing patterns flow from one end of the room to the other, accompanied by a custom soundscape. Trust us, kids and adults alike will be captivated by this tribute to fireflies in nature.

Oglebay, West Virginia: Festival of Lights Drive-Thru Experience, now through Jan. 5

It’s a bit of a drive from the Pittsburgh area, but this annual event is worth a visit. Beginning at dusk each evening through Jan. 5 (including holidays), you’ll find more than 100 lighted attractions along a six-mile driving route. The suggested donation is $30 per car, which gets you a vehicle pass good throughout the holiday season and a coupon booklet “containing more than $500 in time-sensitive money-saving coupons.”

Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: A Floral Wonderland, Nov. 16 through Jan. 5

Ready to walk through a garden that’s as lit as your favorite holiday movie? Phipps is back with its Holiday Magic show, featuring 21+ varieties of poinsettias, dancing gnomes and more than enough glittering lights to make your heart skip a beat. This year’s whimsical theme, “Enchantment,” features magical unicorn topiaries, trees fluttering with fairies, and a glowing carriage — basically everything you ever wanted in a holiday light display. Yes, it’s as magical as it sounds.

Kennywood Holiday Lights: A Park Transformed, Nov. 15 through Jan. 1

Kennywood’s Holiday Lights is back, now with over three million lights, classic holiday characters and even more rides. Meet Rudolph, Clarice, and friends, plus Santa himself in a newly expanded Lost Kennywood. Stroll through a mesmerizing light show around the lagoon, enjoy new festive performances, and warm up with seasonal treats (don’t miss the iconic Potato Patch fries). With 25+ rides open—including coasters like Racer—and a 100-foot Christmas tree for family photos, this year’s Holiday Lights at Kennywood is Pittsburgh’s winter wonderland at its best. Grab tickets early to catch the magic.

Lakemont Park: Holiday Lights on the Lake, Nov. 15 through Jan. 5
Lastly, Lakemont Park’s Holiday Lights on the Lake is a must-see for families, with their festive displays beautifully set along the lake. A perfect evening for all ages to soak in the spirit of the season while supporting local sponsors and causes.

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Wild Illuminations, Nov. 15 through Jan. 12

Take a walk through the zoo after dark — yes, it’s as cool as it sounds. The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium presents Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience, which includes over a million twinkling lights and themed lanterns. The zoo is transformed into a magical winter wonderland featuring colossal Christmas lanterns, unicorns, ice dragons and a mystical Secret Forest. Guests can also enjoy festive treats, holiday characters and live performances, including Lunar New Year celebrations in January. You’ll 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). A limited drive-thru option is available on select dates in December.

Downtown Pittsburgh: The Grand Spectacle, Nov. 23 through Jan. 5

Where else can you ice skate under a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree and get a whiff of mulled wine at the holiday market? Downtown Pittsburgh pulls out all the stops with over 150,000 LED lights (yes, you read that right) and the towering PPG Place Christmas Tree smack in the middle of a skating rink. For those who need a little more magic, the 35-foot Market Square Sphere Tree is a must-see. You can also stroll through the Cultural District and be wowed by life-sized light projections on iconic buildings.

Mellon Square: “Aurora” Light Display, Nov. 23 through mid-Jan.

Mellon Square will glow this holiday season with the immersive “Aurora” light display, designed by local artist Joshua Challen Ice. Launching on Light-Up Night (Nov. 23), this 25-foot display features hundreds of diamond-shaped panels that shift colors when touched or moved by the wind. The experience, running until mid-January, will also feature heated igloos, live music and holiday choirs.

Clinton Christmas Light-Up Celebration Nov. 23-Jan. 2

The one-mile cruise through a wooded light display in Clinton Community Park — set up by a team of volunteers with lots of holiday spirit — has been a holiday favorite since 1993. Set your GPS to 600 Clinton Park Drive, Imperial, Pa., to find this beautiful, one-mile light display through a gorgeous wooded setting. Proceeds from the $10 admission per vehicle (cash only) are shared with local charities.

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

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 for non-members, $6 for Science Center members.

Overly’s Country Christmas: Holiday Lights, select days Nov. 21-Dec. 30

Have your kids heard the jokes of Henny Hemlock, the talking Christmas tree? It may be time to introduce your kids to the fun at Overly’s Country Christmas in Greensburg. Families can drive through or park and walk directly to the Christmas village. Open since 1956, Overly’s beautiful light displays sparkle with more than a million lights. This nonprofit, operated mainly by volunteers, offers old-fashioned traditions and treats. Sing carols at the bonfire, enjoy the model train display, have your picture taken with Santa (in the days before Christmas), take a wagon ride or shop for gifts in the C. Edgar & Sons General Store. The cost is $25 per carload (eight people or less, cash only) for those who drive through the lights or $5 per person to park and walk (cash only and this is only for visiting the Christas village).

Fun Fore All Family Fun Park: Holiday Lights Mini Golf, Nov. 22 through Jan. 4

If you’re seeking a festive experience outside the city limits, head to Fun Fore All Family Fun Park for their Holiday Lights Mini Golf. This holiday-themed mini-golf course transforms into a sparkling light extravaganza. Admission supports The Caring Place, with 10% of ticket sales benefiting the organization. Bring the whole family for an interactive, festive experience.

GLOWLAND: Kaleidoscope of Light, Nov. 22 through Dec. 14

Glowland is a month-long winter festival in Oakland with art, music, lights, and a whole lot of fun. It features family-friendly activities like the Illuminate Your Imagination festival, plus the GLOW Ball, which serves up dancing and festive treats. With live music and glow-in-the-dark art installations popping up all over, Oakland turns into a neon dreamland you won’t want to miss.

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden: Dazzling Nights, Nov. 29 through Dec. 31

Prepare yourself for a mile of pure holiday sparkle at Dazzling Nights, where Pittsburgh Botanic Garden goes full glow-up. Starting Nov. 29 and running through New Year’s Eve, you can wander through forests of synchronized lights, sashay down a 70-foot tunnel of brilliance, and catch snowflakes while you sip on (yes, including adult ones) holiday drinks. There’s even a meadow bathed in neon candy-cane vibes and a shimmering celebration tree begging for a family photo. Grab your tickets, strap on some sturdy shoes, and prepare for an evening of festivity.

Butler County: Enchanted Lights, Nov. 29-Dec. 29 (select dates)

Head up to Butler for this outdoor, holiday walk-through experience for the whole family. Stroll through a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, festive decorations and plenty of holiday cheer. Enjoy hot chocolate and roast s’mores around the campfire with friends and family. Get all the details here.

North Park: County Parks Holiday Laser Show, Dec. 6 through Dec. 23 

Allegheny County Parks is once again hosting their popular Holiday Laser Show. At the North Park Pool parking lot, you can stay cozy in your car while enjoying this 45-minute light show synchronized with holiday music. (Scroll down here for dates, details and tickets). Organizers ask that you arrive 30-45 minutes before your time slot to get parked. Tickets are $30 per vehicle. Space is limited, so consider reserving early.