The Christmas season has something for everybody. There’s music, movies, decorating trees, hanging stockings, and participating in Christmas-themed community events. Most people think of Rockefeller Center in New York City when they think of famous Christmas events. But the ‘Burgh has something just as fun—Light Up Night.

Every November, Yinzers from all over western Pennsylvania gather in downtown Pittsburgh to kick off the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy activities like live music, fireworks, visiting Santa, shopping, skating at PPG Place, and more. Most of the action is centered on Santa’s workshops in Market Square.

As a La Roche student, I’ve been going to Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night ever since my freshman year, and I plan on going after I graduate. It’s a fun way to get involved with the community, and it has something for everybody—music, fireworks, shopping, amazing lights displays, the whole nine yards. There is a downside, however. Downtown Pittsburgh gets really crowded really fast, and finding parking can be difficult. But if you get there in the early afternoon, it’s totally worth it.

The best places to see the fireworks are at the Point and the Andy Warhol, Rachel Carson, and Smithfield Street Bridges. For more information about the holiday season in Pittsburgh, visit http://www.downtownpittsburghholidays.com/.