Events throughout the holiday season and into the new year bring opportunities to visit downtown, bolstering vibrancy in the winter months.
14
city blocks of activities on First Night
2,000
meals served to those in need at Pittsburgh Holiday Banquet
200,000
attendees to winter events at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
With winter weather in the air and the holiday spirit swirling, there are a multitude of events on the horizon that will appeal to everyone downtown and throughout the region. On the heels of a successful Light Up Night 2023 on November 18 to kick off the season, we’re pleased to share a brief rundown of a few more events guaranteed to deliver fun and vibrancy throughout downtown.
Open from November 17-December 24, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ provides a unique experience for shoppers in Market Square. In its 12th year, the market is a downtown Pittsburgh tradition offering wares from local makers and gifts from artisans across the globe. Visitors to the market will also enjoy live performances on the Sounds of the Season Stage, as well as the newly available seasonal beverages from local companies R Wine Cellar and SlyFlox.
“As winter approaches, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center looks forward to hosting some of Pittsburgh’s most iconic public shows, attracting over 200,000 attendees,” said Tim Muldoon, general manager. “The season offers a variety of shopping opportunities ranging from the purchase of an RV to one-of-a-kind handmade items made by local artisans exhibiting at the Handmade Arcade. For the car enthusiast, you don’t want to miss the annual World of Wheels Custom Car Show & The Greater Pittsburgh International Auto Show. The action-packed public show schedule concludes with the largest Home & Garden Show in the United States.”
This coming weekend brings multiple opportunities for downtown visitors to get in the holiday and giving spirit as the Handmade Arcade 2023 Holiday Market comes to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on December 1-2. This event brings more than 275 talented artists and creators together for the largest holiday market in the region. With an anticipated 11,000 attendees for this event, downtown visitors are welcome to attend for the demos, projects and gifts – and stay for the good food and fun!
Another event this weekend provides an opportunity to shop as the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership presents the return of Black Market: Holiday Edition on December 2-3. Back for a fourth year, the Black Market: Holiday Edition is a unique pop-up experience that features a wide variety of gifts created by more than 35 black-owned businesses from around the region. Join the artists and merchants at 413 Wood Street for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
And for those looking for an opportunity to volunteer this year, the Pittsburgh Holiday Banquet will be hosted at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on December 9. This event is a free holiday banquet for historically excluded communities of Pittsburgh and features a meal, holiday music, toys for kids and grocery gift cards for those in need. While registration is closed to attend the event, you can still volunteer to decorate, hand out toys, and greet and serve the nearly 2,000 anticipated attendees.
Rounding out the year, Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, takes place on December 31, bringing 2023 to a close and ringing in 2024. The 30th annual event stretches throughout Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District and includes live music, dance, theater, visual arts, comedy, magic, kids’ activities, parade and fireworks display.
Heading into the new year, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, as home to several downtown events, will be sure to attract both in- and out-of-town guests. Piratesfest 2024 is returning this year on January 5-7 to celebrate all things Pirates baseball, while the 2024 RV Show running January 6-14 features everything new in the recreational vehicle industry. The weekend of January 19-21 brings two exciting events to the convention center – the 2024 Pittsburgh Travel Showcase and the World of Wheels Custom Car Show, bringing guests to downtown to discover top travel services and destinations and take in the latest in premier custom cars.
And with more than 10,000 anticipated guests, the Winter Pittsburgh Beerfest rounds out the month’s public offerings on January 26-27, bringing craft beer fans together to enjoy live music and great drinks.
With no shortage of events and activities throughout the next two months, we look forward to seeing residents and visitors out and about in downtown Pittsburgh this season.