Top Ten Things to Do in Pittsburgh in December
This month's best bets in the ’Burgh.
PhotoS: shutterstock
Dec. 31/ According to Seven Springs folklore, a traveling carnival disappeared without a trace in 1917 in the very spot that the resort stands today. As legend tells it, the carnival will return 100 years later to its last known location to finish its show. Whether or not (NOT) the legend is true, Seven Springs’ New Year’s Eve Under The Big Top promises to be a festive way to ring in the New Year. In keeping with the theme, the 21+ event will feature aerialists, contortionists, fire performers and magicians. There will be a DJ and live music during the rest of the evening, and guests will receive party favors, a Champagne toast at midnight and more. (777 Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs; 888/718-4253, 7springs.com/events)
PHOTO BY GREG GORMAN
Dec. 8/ A John Waters’ Christmas: Holier & Dirtier — a show not for children or the faint of heart — comes to the Carnegie Lecture Hall sponsored by The Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Museum of Art. The legendary writer and director will offer his take on the season while posing “provocative holiday questions” such as: “Should you disrupt living crèche celebrations this year in the name of political action?” (4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland; 412/237-8300, thewarhol.org)
Through Dec. 3/ Now in its 28th year, the Beaver County Festival of Trees provides fun for all ages with a train display, appearances by holiday characters from cartoon classics and live entertainment. Visit the Candy Cane Lane gift shop, the North Pole Cafe and Santa Land for a photo opportunity with the head elf himself. Proceeds from the festival benefit children under the care of the Children & Youth Services Agency of Beaver County and support the volunteer efforts of the U.S. SARR Corps., which provides search, rescue and recovery response for humanitarian efforts. (The Lodge at Bradys Run, 121 Bradys Run Road, Beaver Falls; 724/843-5378, beavercountyfestivaloftrees.org)
Dec. 1-30/ Throughout December, the Carnegie Science Center will host a family-friendly Holiday Magic Laser Show. The center's classic light show adds a twist of holiday cheer with festive musical favorites from across generations. (One Allegheny Ave., North Shore; 412/237-3400, carnegiesciencecenter.org)
Dec. 2/ Take your daughter and her favorite doll to Succop Nature Park’s historic mansion for the Girls and Dolls Holiday Tea featuring festive snacks, holiday carols and a craft project. Bring your camera: the decorated space is a great spot for holiday photo ops. Proceeds from the event benefit the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. (185 West Airport Road, Butler; 412/963-6100, aswp.org)
Dec. 3/ Help the Scottish ring in the New Year about a month early (and more than 4,000 miles away) at The Oliver Miller Homestead’s Hogmanay celebration. Haggis will be prepared at the open hearth, and Highland games and Scottish dancers will take over the barn. (1 Stone Manse Drive, South Park; 412/835-1554, olivermillerhomestead.org)
Dec. 6/ Put away your boxed wine and cheese platter and join a group for a night of your favorite things, done classy, at Wednesday Wine Flights: Holiday Wine & Cheese. The Trust Arts’ most popular event of the year is back at the Cabaret at Theater Square with wines and cheese paired for the holiday season. Local author Jacob Bacharach will host the panel for the evening’s tastings; there will also be a Q&A session and door prizes. Coffee, dessert and a full bar will be available after the event. Attendees are asked to bring a bottle of wine for the Annual Blind Bottle Swap. (655 Penn Ave., Downtown; 412/456-6666, trustarts.org)
Dec. 7, 14, 21 & 28/ Fly solo or bring a group to test your trivia knowledge with Thursday Trivia at Mullen’s Bar & Grill in the North Shore. Hosted by Electric Elegance Entertainment, the trivia night takes all of your favorite game shows and combines them into a fast-paced, two-hour show. The highest scoring team wins tickets to a concert at Stage AE. (200 Federal St., North Shore; 412/231-1112)
Dec. 15/ Musical Mysteries & More brings its holiday dinner show, “The Maltese Penguin,” (showing at various locations throughout the month) to the Buffalo Inn in South Park. It promises to be an evening of dinner, dessert, hijinks and missing magical artifacts. (3557-3779 Buffalo Drive, South Park Township; 412/271-2295, musicalmysteries.com)
photo courtesy Pittsburgh cultural trust
Dec. 20-24/ The musical version of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! may not have Jim Carrey, but it does have the approval of The New York Times. The classic holiday tale stops at Heinz Hall to teach Pittsburghers the true meaning of Christmas. (600 Penn Ave., Downtown; 412/392-4900, trustarts.org)
