Guide to all of the holiday performances in Pittsburgh this year
From the classic Nutcracker ballet to the soon-to-be-new classic Yinzer Yuletide with Rick Sebak, there is a holiday event for everyone. We’ve put together a guide to every holiday performance in Pittsburgh this year.
by Lindsay Patross
November 20, 2019
Ready to ring in the holiday season? Pittsburgh has plenty of performances and musical events to keep your calendar full until 2020. Whether it’s traditional choirs or a comedy twist on a holiday classic, there’s enough variety to bring cheer to the biggest Scrooge.
SUN 12/22: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
3:30 PM & 8 PM @ PPG Paints Arena
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra mixes rock and classical music styles in their stadium show that has become a holiday tradition.
- Tickets start at $47.25
- Facebook Event – 3:30 pm show
- Facebook Event – 8 pm show
FRI 11/29 – FRI 12/27: Holiday Harmonies
https://www.facebook.com/FrickPittsburgh/photos/a.73098383916/10157679987133917/?type=3&theater
Fridays 6 – 8 PM starting November 29 @ The Frick Pittsburgh
Head to the Frick Friday evenings in December to enjoy the sounds of strolling carolers performing tradition tunes and holiday favorites.
12/5 – 12/21: Midnight Radio’s “Yinzer Scrooged: A Pittsburgh Christmas Carol”
Varying Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sundays @ Bricolage Theater
Bricolage Theater Company’s popular Midnight Radio series returns with a parody on Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Set in modern-day Pittsburgh, the performance takes the form of a classic 1940s radio broadcast, with audience members playing the live studio audience.
- Tickets $25-35
- Facebook Event
- Event Website
12/6 – 12/29: The Nutcracker Ballet
Multiple performances on Thursday – Sunday and a performance on Monday, December 23.
The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater stages Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker but with some historic Pittsburgh references.
- Tickets $28-$112
- Event Website
12/12 – 12/22: Yinzer Yuletide: Pittsburgh Lights & Legends Hosted by Rick Sebak
Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays @ O’Reilly Theater
Join Rick Sebak for this very Pittsburgh hourlong variety show featuring local performers, variety acts, and more.
- Tickets $31+
- Facebook Event
- Event Website
12/13 – 12/22: Highmark Holiday Pops
Varying Friday, Saturday, and Sundays @ Heinz Hall
Join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, along with special guests as they ring in the season with holiday music. The performance includes holiday favorites sung by the Point Park University Vocal Trio and The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.
- Tickets $22+
- Facebook Event
- Event Website
12/14 – 12/22: Yinzer Yuletide: Breakfast with Santa & Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Saturdays & Sundays in December @ the O’Reilly Theater
Bring the young, or young at heart, for a special brunch with Santa himself, followed by a special screening of Mickey’s Christmas Carol in the theater.
- Tickets $15+
- Facebook Event
- Event Website
Know of other holiday performances in Pittsburgh?
Did we miss a show? Please let us know! Send an email to [email protected]
Looking for more holiday activities? Check our Very Local’s guide to holiday markets.
Sorry, you missed it!
SAT 11/30: A Very Electric Christmas
2 PM & 7 PM @ Byham Theater
Start the holiday season off with Lightwire Theater, a unique performance including holiday hits, one of a kind light performances and a story for the whole family.
- Tickets $20+
- Facebook Event
- Event Website
THUR 12/5: National Lampoon Christmas Vacation with Beer Tasting
7:30 – 10:30 PM @ The Oaks Theater
Throw on an ugly sweater and join the Griswolds at The Oaks Theater to celebrate the holiday season for a screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Come early for a holiday beer tasting before the film.
- Tickets $8
- Facebook Event
- Event Website
FRI 12/6: Hark! The Herald Angels RING! With Italian tenor, Marco Fiorante
7:30 PM @ St Kilian Parish
The handbell choir, Ring Pittsburgh, plays holiday season favorites with a special performance by Marco Fiorante
SAT 12/7: River City Brass Christmas Brasstacular
7:30 – 9:30 PM @ The Palace Theater
River City Brass’ Brasstacular returns to The Palace Theater in Greensburg. Enjoy holiday carols, classic movie music, and collaborations with local choirs with the whole family.
- Tickets $25+
- Facebook Event
- Event Website
SAT 12/7: Handel’s Messiah
8 – 10:30 PM @ Heinz Hall
Join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, in addition to the cast of soloists from The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh for this classic holiday tradition.
- Tickets $21+
- Facebook Event
- Event Website
SAT 12/7: Red Beans & Rice Holiday Spectacular
8 – 11 pm PM @ Allegheny Elks Lodge #339
The Red Bean & Rice Combo holiday show that will feature a dramatic reading of “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Rick Sebak.
- Tickets: $12.50 in advance, $15 at the door
- Facebook Event
FRI 12/13: Cathedral Concerts – Christmas in East Liberty
7:30 – 9:30 PM @ East Liberty Presbyterian Church
Join carolers for a holiday performance of Christmas classics from the ELPC Chancel Choir, accompanied by brass and organ.
SAT 12/14: The Fettermans Present: It’s a Wonderful Life
3 – 5:30 PM @ The Rangos Giant Cinema at the Carnegie Science Center
Pennsylvania’s Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and second lady Gisele Fetterman are screening their favorite holiday classic on the city’s largest screen. Join them for a holiday screening of It’s a Wonderful Life.
- Tickets $7.95+
- Facebook Event
- Event Website
SAT 12/14: Christmas with the Shadyside Brass
7 – 8 pm @ Heinz Memorial Chapel
A holiday concert by Shadyside Brass, a local brass quintet. Free admission, donations will be collected and donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
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