THE RINK AT PPG PLACE | PHOTO BY DAVE DICELLO

Promising the best holiday season yet, local leaders gathered in an evergreen-lined Heinz Hall to announce plans for the 63rd annual Light Up Night Downtown.

Set for Saturday, Nov. 23, Light Up Night 2024 will include tree lightings, bridge lightings, fireworks and a performance by The Fray.

“We have the best holiday season lined up for you this year,” Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership President and CEO Jeremy Waldrup said.

Following the official grand opening festivities on Friday, Nov. 22, Saturday will offer numerous parties, concerts, shopping opportunities and kids’ activities.

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato announced “The Three Sisters” light show on Downtown’s sister bridges, created by artists Marques Redd and Mikael Owunna. The show, in partnership with Shiftworks Community + Public Arts, will draw inspiration from the indigenous cultures of North and Central America with each bridge representing a “sister” goddess and staple crop.

“This year, the County is also adding something unique to this holiday celebration, something that connects the beauty of our city with the richness of our arts and culture,” Innamorato said.

Numerous activities will take place on Downtown’s bridges. From 4 to 6 p.m., the new 6th Street Bridge Party will feature “5 at 5” happy hour discounts with $5 drinks from Trace Brewing and Lawrenceville Distilling, $5 bites and $5 deals on gifts and Light Up Night apparel.

On the Xfinity Riverside stage, multi-platinum alt rock band The Fray will perform at 8:30 p.m. before the Supersized Zambelli Fireworks Grand Finale.

The Highmark Main Stage will host Meeting of Important People followed by Joe Gruschecky and the Houserockers and Hugo Cruz & The Caminos.

Indoor activities include the Highmark Holiday Block Party at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street, with a silent disco and fire pits starting at 4 p.m. Fifth Avenue FREEZE! will take place inside Fifth Avenue Place with ice carvings of popular characters and a live ice-carving show.

New this year is the Aurora 25-foot light display at Mellon Square designed by Pittsburgh artist Joshua Challen Ice and sponsored by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

Shopping opportunities in Market Square will include the 13th annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market and the Black Market at Peoples Gas Holiday Market, a pop-up holiday shop that showcases and supports Black-owned businesses.

Other returning traditions will include Holiday KidsPlay with family-friendly activities in partnership with Fred Rogers Productions and the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Pittsburgh Crèche at Steel Plaza, the 22nd annual gingerbread house display and competition in the City-County Building, Santas of the World and, on Friday, Merry Karaoke in Market Square hosted by YaJagoff! Media.

“It’s always a joy to see our community come together to celebrate, to make memories and to safely gather in the heart of our city,” said Innamorato. “I know I have great memories that I made with my family, coming Downtown as a wee yinzer, and experiencing all that Light Up Night and the holiday season had to offer.”