Insider suggestions for the 10 finest Christmas gentle exhibits within the Pittsburgh space
From out-of-town destinations to popular destinations right here in town, Pittsburgh is filled with incredible Christmas light shows. Check out our top 10 places for Christmas light experiences this year.
Photo courtesy Shadrack.
1. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
Dubrack’s Christmas Wonderland, calling itself “The World’s Most Immersive Christmas Experience,” is open until January 2nd at the Big Butler Fairgrounds. You drive through more than 3 km long Christmas lights that have been artfully choreographed to Christmas music and played on the car radio. In addition to a 100 meter long tunnel of lights and a 15 meter high, brightly lit tree display, check out the brand new Santa’s Beach Party exhibition. (Unfortunately, Santa’s Village will be closed again this season due to the risk of Covid, but organizers hope it will open next year.) Prices range from $ 25 to $ 40 per vehicle, depending on the travel date.
Courtesy photo of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
2. Zoo Lights drive-thru
Thousands of eco-friendly LED lights transform the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium into a winter wonderland at Zoo Lights Drive-Thru, open until December 30th. You will find more than 80 animal lights including 30 new displays this year. Sing along to Christmas carols on a guided audio tour as you explore the zoo in all its Christmassy glory. Timed tickets are $ 40 per vehicle for zoo members and $ 50 for non-members. The journey takes about 45 to 60 minutes. (Note: The zoo’s drive-thru fundraiser has sold out quickly in the past. Book early to avoid disappointment.)
Photo courtesy Allegheny County Parks.
3. Holiday laser show
Allegheny County Parks continues its creative program for families with this year’s Holiday Laser Show, which takes place December 1-22. Drive to the North Park Pool parking lot, where you can watch the 45-minute spectacle from the safety and warmth of your car. You can purchase timed tickets (the organizers ask you to arrive 30-45 minutes before your time slot) to see fabulous laser lights that are coordinated with Christmas music. Admission per vehicle for residents of the county is $ 20 ($ 25 for non-residents). Space is limited, so consider booking early.
Photo courtesy Carnegie Science Center.
4. Laser Holiday Magic at the Carnegie Science Center
The Buhl Planetarium at the Carnegie Science Center is home to the dazzling Laser Holiday Magic Show, which runs through January 2nd. The laser choreography becomes an audience-friendly mix of traditional and contemporary versions of popular Christmas music. Timed tickets for Science Center members are only $ 2 each. Non-members can pay $ 8 to see the laser show or add it to the general admission price of the Science Center for just $ 5.
Photo courtesy ElfBurgh Christmas.
5. ElfBurgh Christmas
This is the time of year when even Hundred Acres’ Haunted Manor isn’t scary. For the second year in a row, the Manor is hosting a merry ElfBurgh Christmas, now through December 23rd on weekends (and on weekdays from December 20th to 23rd). This drive-through holiday attraction sends families along Elf Lane, guided by half a million lights, past Santa’s helpers vignettes as they prepare for the big day. Then head through the elven forest with decorated Christmas trees to Santa’s ice castle. Children can hand over their wish lists to Santa Claus without leaving the car. Timed tickets cost $ 25 per car. Add a treat bag (a drawstring bag that contains a coloring book, Elfburgh 2021 Christmas decorations, storybook, Christmas plush toy, and a coupon for a free donut and coffee from Dunkin ‘Donuts) for an additional $ 12.
Photo courtesy Overly’s.
6. Overly’s Country Christmas
Now that Overly’s Country Christmas has a drive-through option in Greensburg, children can hear the kitschy jokes of Henny Hemlock, the talking Christmas tree, over the car radio. Or families are welcome to park and walk straight to the Christmas village. Open since 1956, Overlys sparkle beautiful plays of light with more than a million lights. They are open Thursday through Sunday evening until December 9th, then from December 20th to 23rd and December 26th to 26th. 30. The cost is $ 20 per car charge for drivers or $ 5 per person on foot. (The military, first responders, and healthcare workers are invited to visit for free on December 9, 20, and 28.) Remember, Overly’s is cash only.
Photo courtesy Fun Fore All.
7. Fun Fore All’s Holiday Lights Mini Golf
Until January 3rd, Fun Fore All in Cranberry will transform its two mini golf courses into fully playable, walk-in holiday light extravagances. You will find light tunnels and animated themes. Tickets cost $ 15 for one course and $ 20 for both courses. Admission includes a bag of goodies and coupons. And as in the past, 10 percent of all sales go to the Highmark Caring Place.
Photo courtesy Clinton Community Park.
8th Clinton Christmas Light-Up Celebration
The 1-mile cruise through a wooded light system in Clinton Community Park has been a popular vacation spot since 1993 and has been dubbed “Pittsburgh’s Best Kept Vacation Secret.” Set your GPS at 600 Clinton Park Drive, Imperial to find this beautiful 1 mile (1.6 km) light display through beautiful wooded surroundings, all of which are volunteer built and staffed. The proceeds from the entry of $ 10 per vehicle (cash only) will be shared with local charities. Open until January 2nd this year.
Photo by Paul G. Wiegmann.
9. Phipps’ Christmas Magic! Winter flower show and light garden
Of all the Christmas lights in Pittsburgh, this is perhaps the most notable. This year’s Phipps theme, which runs through January 9, is Sparkle and Shine, and includes new presentations of Christmas trees, topiary and flowers, including amaryllis, orchids and more than 1,600 poinsettias. The outdoor Winter Light Garden will be filled with glowing spheres, twinkling trees and fountains, a tunnel of lights and a brand new ice castle exhibit. This year’s attractions also include a Victorian Christmas display with oversized topiary ornaments and a four-foot ornate ornate tree that rotates in a sounding music box, and a eight-foot-tall holiday tree surrounded by other ornate trees, the swim on the reflective Victoria Pond. And non-traditional displays offer a color scheme inspired by the iridescence of nature with trees adorned with ornaments arranged in a gradient from blue to green to yellow to pink. Admission is $ 19.95 for adults, $ 17.95 for seniors and students, and $ 11.95 for children (ages 2-18). Members and children under 2 years of age have free entry. All member and non-member tickets must be reserved in advance. Masks are highly recommended for all guests and are required for unvaccinated guests aged 2 and over.
Photo courtesy Kennywood.
10. Kennywood Park Christmas Lights
After a decade, Christmas has become a tradition for many families in Kennywood. Here you’ll find a million twinkling lights and the state’s tallest Christmas tree, along with Christmas food and drinks, and a number of rides open for those winter thrill seekers. Depending on the weather, the Auto Race, Gran Prix, Ghostwood Estate, Merry-Go-Round, Noah’s Ark, pirate ship, Thomas Town and Kiddieland as well as the Jack Rabbit are open on nights with more than 40 degrees. Local dance and music groups will perform, and a Christmas light show will be put on in the lagoon along with a series of Christmas carols. Open selected nights until January 2nd. Tickets start at $ 19.99.
This article first appeared on Kidsburgh.org, a media partner of NEXTpittsburgh. Sign up here for Kidsburgh’s free newsletter, filled with local resources and expert advice on raising healthy, blooming children in Southwest PA.
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