Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Lifestyle

10 Holiday Attractions In And Around Pittsburgh

These holiday attractions will put you in a cheerful spirit.

Christie Doege

Dec 12, 2016

Saint Francis University

273

10 Holiday Attractions In And Around Pittsburgh

WTAE

With Christmas and the New Year quickly approaching, here are the 10 best holiday attractions near Pittsburgh, PA that will help you get into the spirit!

1. Kennywood Holiday Lights (West Mifflin, PA)

Two million dazzling lights transform Kennywood Amusement Park into a beautiful winter wonderland. Choreographed to holiday melodies, a light show is performed on the lagoon. To make the visit even better, guests of all ages can visit Santa, ride the Gingerbread Express, decorate cookies and so much more! Click here to plan your visit!

2. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Pittsburgh, PA)

Snow Day at Phipps is this year’s theme for the holiday at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The exhibit rooms are transformed into beautiful holiday displays that feature, “topiary penguins, bears and reindeer frolicking in showcases of artful LED lights, decorated fir trees, whimsical props, colorful poinsettias, aromatic paperwhites, showy amaryllis and more." Go to Phipps Conservatory to learn more.

3. Overly's Country Christmas® (Greensburg, PA)

The walk around Christmas Village allows guests to taste and see old-fashioned treats. A bonfire, horse-drawn sleigh/wagon ride, a model train display and a visit with Santa make Overly’s Country Christmas® a number one attraction during the holiday season. Click here to learn more.

4. Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark – Holiday Lights on the Lake (Altoona, PA)

Fifty-one acres of dazzling displays of lights and animations light up the historic Lakemont Park, in Altoona, PA. Tuning into Lakemont Park’s radio network (88.5 FM), guests are able to drive through the park to see the extraordinary holiday displays as they hear holiday music broadcast live. Go to Lakemont Park to learn more!

5. Clayton Holiday Tour (A Family Christmas) – The Frick (Pittsburgh, PA)

If you have visited the Clayton house before, you know that it is already a beautiful piece of architecture, but when it is decorated for the holidays it is even more breathtaking. Old photographs and decorations help guests experience the Frick’s holiday celebrations from many years ago. This year, the house displays are focused on Victorian toys and the gift-giving traditions of Christmases past. Visit the Frick website by clicking here.

6. Ice Skating at PPG Place (Pittsburgh, PA)

Taking over Market Square, a large ice rink is installed at the PPG Place. Guests are able to rent ice skates and then enjoy ice skating around a beautiful decorated Christmas tree. Visit the PPG website to learn more by clicking here.

7. Bethlehem and Christkindlmarkt – Lehigh Valley (Bethlehem, PA)

Dating back to medieval Germany, the town of Bethlehem holds a traditional holiday shopping experience. Unlike many other holiday attractions, Bethlehem holds Christkindlmarkt, a shopping experience in open-air markets. One hundred and twenty-five artisans are set up in heated tents with their products for customers to purchase. Handmade pottery, gorgeous jewelry, delicious food, live holiday music and visits with Saint Nicholas make this traditional attraction one of a kind. To find out more about this Christmas City, click here.

8. Santa Train – Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad (Titusville, PA)

Although it is close to two hours away from Pittsburgh, the experience of the Santa Train on the Titusville Railroad is worth the drive. Traveling through Oil Creek State Park, guests are able to visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their helpers. Complimentary hot chocolate and homemade cookies are given out during the trip through the snow-covered valleys. To learn more about this holiday attraction, visit the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad website.

9. Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland Light Show Drive-Thru (Pittsburgh (Butler Co.), PA)

Located at the Big Butler Fair Grounds, the Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Light Show Drive-Thru presents bright Christmas lights and joyful music, accompanied by custom-built animated elements. All ages will enjoy this holiday attraction. Visit the Shadrack's Chrismas website to learn more.

10. Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium (Pittsburgh, PA)

Take a visit to the local zoo to see your favorite animals and to celebrate the holiday. From November to February, the zoo holds Penguin Parades, Breakfast, and Lunch with Santa and Noon Year’s Eve to ring in the holiday season and the new year. To check dates and times of these events, visit the zoo's website.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

Southwestern University

579

woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch

Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

library

Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

Michigan State University

492

Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Student Life

28 Daily Thoughts of College Students

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

Kennesaw State University

1185

group of people sitting on bench near trees duting daytime

Photo by Naassom Azevedo on Unsplash

I know every college student has daily thoughts throughout their day. Whether you're walking on campus or attending class, we always have thoughts running a mile a minute through our heads. We may be wondering why we even showed up to class because we'd rather be sleeping, or when the professor announces that we have a test and you have an immediate panic attack.

Keep Reading...Show less

daily life

Lifestyle

The Great Christmas Movie Debate

"A Christmas Story" is the star on top of the tree.

Seton Hall University

2447

Mental Floss

One staple of the Christmas season is sitting around the television watching a Christmas movie with family and friends. But of the seemingly hundreds of movies, which one is the star on the tree? Some share stories of Santa to children ("Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"), others want to spread the Christmas joy to adults ("It's a Wonderful Life"), and a select few are made to get laughs ("Elf"). All good movies, but merely ornaments on the Christmas tree of the best movies. What tops the tree is a movie that bridges the gap between these three movies, and makes it a great watch for anyone who chooses to watch it. Enter the timeless Christmas classic, "A Christmas Story." Created in 1983, this movie holds the tradition of capturing both young and old eyes for 24 straight hours on its Christmas Day marathon. It gets the most coverage out of all holiday movies, but the sheer amount of times it's on television does not make it the greatest. Why is it,
then? A Christmas Story does not try to tell the tale of a Christmas miracle or use Christmas magic to move the story. What it does do though is tell the real story of Christmas. It is relatable and brings out the unmatched excitement of children on Christmas in everyone who watches. Every one becomes a child again when they watch "A Christmas Story."

Keep Reading...Show less

christmas movie

Student Life

15 Thoughts Going Through Your Head Before Finals

Who isn't stressing out over finals right now?

Philadelphia University

1281

student thinking about finals in library

StableDiffusion

As this semester wraps up, students can’t help but be stressed about finals. After all, our GPAs depends on these grades! What student isn’t worrying about their finals right now? It’s “goodbye social life, hello library” time from now until the end of finals week.

1. Finals are weeks away, I’m sure I’ll be ready for them when they come.

Keep Reading...Show less

finals

Recommended for you

10 Holiday Attractions In And Around Pittsburgh

These holiday attractions will put you in a cheerful spirit.

1. Kennywood Holiday Lights (West Mifflin, PA)

2. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Pittsburgh, PA)

3. Overly's Country Christmas® (Greensburg, PA)

4. Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark – Holiday Lights on the Lake (Altoona, PA)

5. Clayton Holiday Tour (A Family Christmas) – The Frick (Pittsburgh, PA)

6. Ice Skating at PPG Place (Pittsburgh, PA)

7. Bethlehem and Christkindlmarkt – Lehigh Valley (Bethlehem, PA)

8. Santa Train – Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad (Titusville, PA)

9. Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland Light Show Drive-Thru (Pittsburgh (Butler Co.), PA)

10. Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium (Pittsburgh, PA)

Subscribe to our Newsletter

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

27. When you get assigned the most incompetent group of people possible for a group project.

28. I need a comfort dog so I can avoid all life and school responsibilities.

"A Christmas Story" is the star on top of the tree.

Who isn't stressing out over finals right now?

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Lifestyle

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter