It’s Christmas time in the city. From thousands of lights to giant trees, Pittsburgh’s Christmas decorations are must-sees.

Easily home to some of the most iconic Christmas decorations in Pittsburgh, going downtown is definitely a must-do during the holiday season. It’s a perfect option if you’d rather go on foot to look at Christmas lights. Plus, the ice skating rink at PPG Place adds fun for the whole family. The Christmas tree is also a beautiful sight in the center of the ice skating rink, transporting you to the heart of New York City.  Adjacent to PPG Place is the Holiday Market on Market Square. Before it closed on Thursday night, it actually made you feel like you were at the North Pole! 

Holiday Magic at Phipps Conservatory is definitely a can’t-miss activity in December! The Winter Flower Show and the Light Garden are phenomenal. There are many things to enjoy at Phipps, such as holiday trees, topiaries, detailed props, and floral delights (which include their signature amaryllis, orchids, and 1,600 poinsettias). Phipps is largely an indoor exhibit, so it’s perfect if you want to get out of that bitter Pittsburgh weather. The Phipps holiday show runs through January 8th, and prices vary by age.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, located at Big Butler Fairgrounds, is billed as the “most immersive drive-through Christmas experience on Earth.” There are over two miles of holiday lights that are synchronized to music. The best attractions, though, have to be the holiday light tunnel and the 50-foot Christmas tree. Shadrack’s is open in the rain, sleet, snow, and even hail from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm every night through January 2nd.

When you think of grand Christmas displays, Overly’s Country Christmas is one of the first places that comes to mind. Located at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds, Overly’s is a little bit farther than other local traditions, yet it definitely brings the Christmas magic. Overly’s is intended to be like the North Pole with shops, animal exhibits, Santa, lovely decorations, and holiday lights. The charming Christmas lights show will catch your eyes as soon as you pull in. The only downside to Overly’s is that there is sometimes a substantial wait due to the attraction’s popularity. It’s advised that you get there early to avoid lines.

The Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens is perfect if you’re up for a walk in the brisk December air. Visitors can enjoy the pond from all angles with the coordinated light and sound show, and the 65-foot light tunnel along one of the forest paths is an ideal place for gorgeous photos. Each section, which includes fireflies, neon Christmas trees, faux snow paths, and aurora borealis, allows for an imagination to run wild. With all of these amazing activities and nights, the price is a little higher. Adult tickets are $25, and child tickets are $22. But don’t let that discourage you from seeing this amazing show.

With the area turned into a land of sparkling lights and extravagant decorations, there is certainly reason enough why Christmas is the best time of the year in the Pittsburgh region.