December in Pittsburgh means a month of holiday celebrations, especially when it comes to the arts. Take your family out to explore the winter wonderland of the city through musicals, plays, ballets, art showcases, and so much more.
Mrs. Doubtfire
Benedum Center, November 28-December 3
Catch one of the most hilarious musicals based on the movie starring Robin Williams. It’s a fun theatrical experience made for the whole family. Plus, don’t miss Rob McClure reprising his Tony-nominated Broadway performance for this run of shows.
Diving Within
Alloy Studios, December 1-2
Through the use of dance, music, drag, performative storytelling, and audio from first-person interviews with trans women, the healing process of the Black community is showcased in this moving and innovative performance.
Handmade Arcade Winter Marketplace
David L. Lawrence Convention Center, December 1-2
Over 200 of the best of the best in the region’s creative maker community come together for this annual holiday marketplace. Check out hands-on demonstrations, DJs, raffles, and, of course, plenty of small business shopping.
Christmas on the Farm
Freedom Farms, December 2-3
Kick off the month of December with Santa at Freedom Farms. With over 50 local craft vendors, in addition to activities like tractor rides and a corn pit, you and the kiddos can launch into the holidays.
Welcome Dinner and Artist Talk with Slowdanger
Alloy Studios, December 4
SUPERCELL, a multidisciplinary quintet performance responding to climate change, premiers in Pittsburgh on December 8 and 9. Kelly Strayhorn Theater celebrates the upcoming dance performance with a dinner and talks with the artists behind the project.
One-Long Bridge
New Hazlett Theater, December 7-8
Our voices are an influential and beautiful asset—One-Long Bridge taps into this power to explore immigration, race, and resilience in the Asian American experience.
A Christmas Story: The Play
O’Reilly Theater, December 7-23
What wacky situation has Ralphie Parker gotten into now? The hilarious Christmas classic comes back to life by popular demand— leg lamp and all.
The Nutcracker
Benedum Center, December 8-28
We’re seeing visions of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Marie, and her Nutcracker Prince, dance in our heads. Don’t miss this holiday tradition for the city of Pittsburgh.
100 Ways to Cross the Border and Borderhole
Carnegie Museum of Art, December 9
Presented by filmmaker Amber Bemak, this film series offers alternate stories to those shown in mainstream media. You’ll learn true portraits from the US-Mexico border, the relationship between North and South America, and more.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Heinz Hall, December 9
Can Scrooge learn from the error of his selfish ways? Maybe with the help of the Muppets, he can. Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra presents the complete film with a live musical score.
Theater On Tap
O’Reilly Theater, December 10
Ahead of Pittsburgh Public Theater’s performance of A Christmas Story: The Play, Barrel and Flow’s Day Bracey visits for a curated beer tasting with guests.
One Night of Tina
Carnegie Library Music Hall, December 10
The world may have lost music legend Tina Turner earlier this year, but the Queen of Rock and Roll’s biggest hits can be heard in a live setting for one high-octane tribute night.
Rebecca Makkai
Virtual, December 11
No need to leave the warmth of your home to see Rebecca Makkai in the Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures Ten Evening Series. Grab a blanket and experience the author of the National Book Award finalist The Great Believers, appearing virtually. Don’t forget to dive into her latest, I Have Some Questions for You, ahead of time.
Highmark Holiday Pops
Heinz Hall, December 15-23
You can’t spell the most wonderful time of the year without Highmark Holiday Pops. Well, maybe you can. But it’s more fun to experience this musical Pittsburgh holiday tradition featuring all your favorite holiday songs.
Chatham Baroque Alegría
Hicks Memorial Chapel and Rodef Shalom, December 16-17
Take pleasure in the delights of the holidays with the sounds of Baroque Spain and the Americas played during Hispanic colonial times.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve
PPG Paints Arena, December 16
Christmas meets rock and heavy metal for a laser-filled performance you won’t soon forget. If electric violins don’t get you excited, then what will?
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh
Cultural District, December 31
Here’s to hoping 2024 is even better than 2023—ring in the new year in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, surrounded by lights, music, and good energy.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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