Your final event guide of 2024 is packed with family fun. Check it out.

Photo above by Sweta Meininger via Unsplash.

The last week of each year is a chance to reset, take a breath and prepare for the new year ahead. Whether you’re planning to hunker down at home with holiday movies or hit the town for some family-friendly events, this weekend is all about togetherness.

It’s your final week to check out holiday lights in our area (find them with our guide) and check out just a few of the local happenings in the last week of 2024:

Thursday, Dec. 26-Monday, Dec 30: Downtown Pittsburgh Holiday Lights Walking Tour, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Get into the holiday spirit and enjoy an evening stroll in Downtown Pittsburgh. Experience the world’s largest pickle ornament, a unique gingerbread house display, a replica of the crèche from Vatican City, and much more. This tour is $29 for adults and $16 for kids ages 6 to 13. Children 5 and under are free. This is a walking tour, so bring a stroller if needed. Purchase tickets here.

Thursday, Dec. 26: Harlem Globetrotters at PPG Paints Arena, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

If your kids have never seen the zany, incredible and inspiring show put on by the Harlem Globetrotters, make this a last-minute holiday gift. This year’s tour includes new challenges and skills, too! Tickets begin at $28.

Friday, Dec. 27: Winter at the Homestead at Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Experience what the winter season was like in 1790’s Western Pennsylvania. Learn about the traditions and practices of early European settlers in the cold and quiet months. Step back in time to go through a typical day in the Walker-Ewing-Glass Log House, including an education lesson. Enjoy a screen-free day by trying your hand at weaving and making apple cider, playing games and making crafts that were popular 230 years ago. Register here.

Friday, Dec. 27-Sunday, Dec. 29: “The Polar Express 3D” at Rangos Cinema

You may have seen this classic tale, but have you seen it in 3D on the big screen? Tickets for this show are $12, and there are various showtimes all week long. Find out more information here.

Friday, Dec. 27-Thursday, Jan. 2: “Wicked” Sing-Along at The Lindsay

Was it too hard to control yourself during your first viewing of “Wicked?” At this showing, feel free to belt out your favorite tunes at the top of your lungs. Tickets are $11. Be sure to select “Wicked: Sing-Along” when purchasing, as there are also showings of the film at the Lindsay where folks won’t be singing.

Saturday, Dec. 28: “Frozen: Sing-Along Edition” at the Kamin Science Center, 12:15 p.m. 

You’re welcome to come dressed as Anna, Elsa, Olaf, or Sven, or just come as you are, to watch this beloved movie and sing along with the crowd. The film plays at the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12.

Saturday, Dec. 28: The Downtown Holiday Hop. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This event was originally set to occur before Christmas. But due to inclement weather earlier this month, it will now take place this weekend! Join others in Mellon Square for the Downtown Holiday Hop, a festive experience for families to explore local establishments and enjoy a variety of holiday happenings. This interactive event features fun crafts and activities as well as seasonal treats. The Downtown Holiday Hop is designed for children ages 4-14 and grownups can join with or without a ticket. Find more details here.

Saturday, Dec. 28: Super Science at CLP, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This weekend, take advantage of this free STEM learning activity at the Carnegie Library’s main location in Oakland. At Super Science, kids will have a chance to get excited about a different science topic each session. A read-aloud is paired with hands-on, high-quality STEM activities promoting scientific inquiry and wonder about science. This event is free. Find more details here.

Tuesday, 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.

Tuesday, Dec. 31: First Night in the 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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