HOLIDAY HOP AT ‘DAZZLING NIGHTS,’ COMING TO PITTSBURGH BOTANIC GARDEN | COURTESY PITTSBURGH BOTANIC GARDEN

Holiday lights aren’t limited to Downtown Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night on Nov. 23. Attractions throughout the region offer all sorts of imaginative outdoor light displays along walking and driving paths, with many kicking off in mid-November and running through early January. 

Here’s a sampling: 

PATH OF STARS AT ‘DAZZLING NIGHTS,’ COMING TO PITTSBURGH BOTANIC GARDEN | COURTESY PITTSBURGH BOTANIC GARDEN

“Dazzling Nights”

This is the third year for this holiday light show at the 460-acre Pittsburgh Botanic Garden in Oakdale. It offers a family-friendly, mile-long, interactive and immersive lighted walk on select dates from Nov. 29-Dec. 31. The path includes a 70-foot-long tunnel of lights, forest of dancing lights synchronized to music, nightly “snowfall,” live holiday music from local Pittsburgh musicians and more. Timed-ticket entry runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit garden.

Oakdale, 799 Pinkerton Run Road, 15071

Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience

Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium this year reimagines its Asian Lantern Festival and Zoo Lights in a holiday event that runs on select dates from Nov. 15-Jan 12. More than a million twinkling lights will enhance the Christmas-themed lanterns, that include snowflakes, trees, candy canes and Santa Clauses. There also will be a Secret Forest that is home to unicorns, a griffin, snow monster and ice dragon. A mystical dream tunnel and zodiac animals will shine light on the Lunar New Year. Hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m., last entry is at 9 p.m. For those with mobility issues, you can drive through the exhibit on Dec. 2 and 9.

Highland Park, 7370 Baker St., 15206

PHOTO COURTESY KENNYWOOD

Kennywood Holiday Lights 

Kennywood will be bathed in more than 3 million lights for its Holiday Lights weekends, opening Nov. 15 and running through Jan. 1. Times are 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. New this year are visits by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends Clarice, Bumble and Sam the Snowman. There will be 25 rides and attractions open. Advance tickets start at $19.

West Mifflin, 4800 Kennywood Blvd., 15122

PART OF THE WINTER LIGHT GARDEN OUTSIDE OF PHIPPS | PHOTO BY PAUL G. WIEGMAN

Phipps Holiday Magic

Under the theme “Enchantment,” this annual show at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers festive displays and glowing gardens. It opens Nov. 16 and runs through Jan. 5. The Winter Flower Show brings in new displays of mystical creatures, signature floral delights and 21 varieties of poinsettias. Outside is the Winter Light Garden with dazzling colors. Among new features this year are a magical unicorn topiary; a light curtain hanging above red, gold, silver and white poinsettia trees; cut trees decked out in light blue, teal, pink, orange and lime green with fluttering fairies flying above; and a fairy tale-inspired display brought to life with a castle and a glowing carriage amid soft pink flora and icicle lights. 

Oakland, One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, 15213

Lighted Christmas Tree in PPG Plaza

This 60-foot-tall (fake) tree with 540-prelit branches went up in early October at PPG Plaza, Downtown. Its vibrant LED light displays are synchronized to holiday music. The $1 million ice skating rink, expanded in the 2015-16 season, opens Nov. 15 and will operate through March 2. Skate rentals available.

Downtown, 4 PPG Place, Pittsburgh 15222

Enchanted Lights, A Magical Holiday Stroll

This is held at the site of Three Rivers Paintball in Beaver County on select nights from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31. Hours are 5:30 to 9 p.m. It offers an outdoor stroll through thousands of festive lights that takes about 45-50 minutes. There also are campfires with s’mores and craft cocktails. Santa will visit from 6 to 8 p.m. Special dog-friendly days are Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 23 and 29. Proceeds from the $5 parking fee benefits Crisis Center North and Cross Your Paws Dog Rescue.

Freedom, 282 Rochester Road, 15042

Christmas Light Up

The one-mile, drive-thru display in Clinton opens Nov. 23 and runs through Jan. 2. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. For safety, this is open only to vehicular traffic. Started in 1993, the annual celebration aims to generate unity throughout the Clinton community. $10 per car, cash only. Proceeds benefit local charities.

Clinton, 600 Clinton Park Drive, 15026