Enjoy the holiday lights and decorations, new and old
The decorations Downtown will be out of this world. Holiday-themed shapes like snowflakes and candy canes will be projected on buildings along 6th Street and Penn Avenue. Be sure to stop by Wood Street to see the Snow Globe-inspired display lit up with more than 300 color-changing lights. The large-scale nativity scene will be at the U.S. Steel Plaza from late November through early January. In case you want to cover all your bases, here is a list of the places that have Christmas trees: the Highmark (Hornes) Christmas Tree at Fifth Avenue Place, the Allegheny County Courthouse, the City-County Building, Point State Park, PPG Plaza and Market Square. 

Take a selfie with characters from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and other cartoons
The Heinz Hall Courtyard will house an outdoor Selfie Garden for kids to take pictures with their favorite characters from “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Odd Squad,” “Peg + Cat” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” It’s free and visitors can explore at their own pace. The garden is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and until 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Zoom with Santa
Santa will be taking appointments from the North Pole this year, but he will be available daily from Thanksgiving through Christmas online. The benefit of Zoom is that everyone will receive a downloadable video clip of their live interaction with Santa. It is free with a minimum $5 suggested donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank. Details on how to visit will be announced soon.

Shop for the perfect gift
This will be the ninth annual People’s Gas Holiday Market. It’s a great opportunity to support small businesses while shopping outside at Market Square.

Skate around the tree at the Rink at PPG Place
You have to reserve a ticket ahead of time and follow other routine procedures, but you still have a chance to skate around the tree.

See what Santa looks like around the world
The Santas of the World exhibit, traditionally displayed in the lobbies of One and Two PPG Place, has moved to the windows of Two PPG Place along Fourth Avenue. The 16 Santas are available for viewing 24/7 till Jan. 2.

Cast your vote on this year’s gingerbread houses
An online photo gallery with all the entries will premiere Nov. 20. This is an 18-year-old competition, but this is the first time viewers can vote for a people’s choice award.