10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in December 2025

Wrap up 2025 in Pittsburgh with local shopping, festive performances, cozy food and self-care, new art exhibits, and more moments of cheer.

See Festive Lights & Displays

Whether you want to go on a mesmerizing light experience, a house tour that’ll make you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie, or a winter floral adventure, there’s a Pittsburgh display that’ll dazzle you this holiday season.

Send a Pittsburgh Holiday Card

Sign, seal, and deliver a little love with locally-made holiday cards, like creations from Gingerly Press, Alternate Histories, Happy Lil Canvases, and Sapling Press. Need more options? Browse the colorful display of stationary at Wild Card in Lawrenceville, pictured above, or visit these Pittsburgh gift shops.

Eat Your Way Through the Lawrenceville Cookie Tour

Participate in this sweet, decades-long tradition of tasting cookies and shopping all over the neighborhood, Dec. 13-14. Don’t forget to grab a map and look for gift-wrapping stations along Butler Street. Bonus: Find more treats at Flour Power’s cookie exchange, Pittsburgh Philharmonic’s cookie reception, Sharpsburg Library’s cookie walk fundraiser, and the Post-Gazette’s holiday cookie challenge.

Shop Local for All of Your Gifts

When you buy from small Pittsburgh creators, it makes a difference for the local economy. Get all of your shopping done in one day with hundreds of makers at Handmade Arcade, spend a full day shopping and exploring at the first-ever South Side Winterfest, or find an event close to you with my list of Pittsburgh’s best holiday markets.

Take in a Seasonal Show or Performance

Enjoy a laugh-out-loud, Pittsburgh-style parody of everyone’s favorite holiday disaster with Midnight Radio Lampoon’s Christmas Vacatyinz; a jazz adaptation of The Nutcracker at Kelly Strayhorn Theater; nostalgic music from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; a ZOOT jazz and comedy showcase at Bottlerocket Social Hall; a drag variety show at Glitterbox Theater; and more performances this month.

Burn a Locally-Made Candle

Get cozy during dark winter nights with the flickering flame of a sweet-scented candle. Visit PGH Candle in East Allegheny for the “Jolly Jagoff” and “Christmas Cookie Table” duo pack. Or shop the Chalet Collection by Chez Lapin, with warming scents like cinnamon and rosemary.

Cheers at a Holiday Pop-Up Bar

Life-size snowglobes, over-the-top decor, festive cocktails, and so much more — that’s what you can find at Pittsburgh’s best holiday pop-up bars. Whether you want to sip a spicy spirit by the fire, cheers under twinkly lights, or go on an immersive bar tour, we’ve got your night out planned for you.

Treat Yourself to a Hearty Breakfast

Combat cold weather fatigue with a nourishing breakfast in the Burgh. One of my favorite spots for comfort food is Wise County Cafe in Allegheny West. Take a pal and order both a savory and sweet dish to split. You won’t want to skip their stack of johnnycakes or homemade biscuits and gravy. Get more meal inspiration with the City Cast Pittsburgh team’s favorite brunch spots.

Sink Into Some Self Care

The winter blues are hard to fight in Pittsburgh. Be kind to yourself with a day of pampering. Start with a warm cup from the city’s best tea shops. Then book a therapeutic experience, like a sauna, hot tub, or cold plunge with The Ripple in Lawrenceville; a float session at Victory Float in Lawrenceville or Sewickley; or Babesburgh’s Winter Wellness Glow Up on Dec. 7.

Visit A New Art Exhibit

A group of artists are sharing what it means to be Appalachian in a new exhibit at Brew House Arts; the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh is hosting an art sale for the organization’s 115th anniversary; and local creatives are drawing inspiration from a famous muralist for a show at Frick Environmental Center. Check out these galleries and more arts events this month.