Experience the Magic of Pittsburgh’s Holiday Season

December transforms the Pittsburgh region into a holiday wonderland, with everything from spectacular light displays to bustling artisan markets drawing families out into the festive spirit. This year’s seasonal offerings span the spectrum of holiday traditions, giving locals and visitors plenty of reasons to bundle up for outdoor spectacles or warm up while browsing for one-of-a-kind gifts.

Holiday Mini Golf at Fun Fore All

Local organizations and businesses have crafted experiences that celebrate traditional holiday spirit and creative innovation. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy synchronized laser light displays under winter skies, while shoppers can discover unique handmade treasures from regional artisans. Interactive experiences range from holiday-themed mini-golf courses adorned with millions of twinkling lights to hands-on art activities that bring families together.

These events showcase the Pittsburgh region’s commitment to creating memorable seasonal celebrations that welcome visitors of all ages and abilities to give the holiday season meaningful moments.

North Park Holiday Laser Light Show Returns

The North Park Holiday Laser Light Show will illuminate December nights with its fifth annual run from Dec. 17-23. This year’s event takes a more streamlined approach, consolidating the schedule after organizers noticed lighter attendance during earlier show dates in previous years.

“We’re doing fewer shows this year,” said Bill Deasy, who coordinates the show for Allegheny County. “We noticed it was so big during COVID, and in the aftermath, we needed to do multiple weeks to cater to the demand. But now, it’s more appropriate to consolidate it.”

The swimming pool parking lot will accommodate 200 cars per show, with vehicles staggered to provide unobstructed views. Three shows run nightly at 6:30, 8 and 9:30 p.m., each lasting 40 to 45 minutes. Emerald Owl Productions creates the synchronized light and music experience, incorporating classic favorites and new songs with interactive elements, Deasy said.

Tickets cost $30 per carload regardless of county residency, with no discounts available. Sales begin Dec. 1, and Deasy said advance purchase is strongly recommended. Those who buy online receive QR codes for easy entry, while on-site purchases require phone-based transactions that can delay entry.

“There’s really no bad view. You could argue that further back is better, but it’s the same show wherever you sit,” Deasy said.

The event welcomes pets and offers full accessibility, including handicapped-accessible restrooms. Organizers recommend arriving 20 to 40 minutes before showtime to secure parking and avoid missing the opening.

For tickets, visit alleghenycounty.us/parks-and-events.

Fun Fore All

Holiday Mini-Golf Lights Up Cranberry Township

Fun Fore All in Cranberry Township transforms its two 18-hole courses into a winter wonderland starting Friday, Nov. 21, and running through Jan. 3. The facility closes only on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day during the holiday season.

Owner Chris Camp and his team dedicate 20 hours weekly from Labor Day through mid-November to prepare the elaborate displays featuring millions of lights and holiday themes. The courses operate from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly, with admission priced at $15 for one course or $20 for both.

“For $20, it’s a fun experience that’s unique,” Camp said. “Our displays are interactive, and it has that Hartwood Acres feel to it.”

Fun Fore All mini golf course

Camp said his business partners with The Caring Place, donating 10 percent of profits to the organization. Since launching the holiday attraction in 2017, Fun Fore All has raised $40,000 for the charity. “We’re a business that focuses on families and making positive experiences for families, and we thought this was a good tie-in,” Camp explained.

Each course takes approximately 40 minutes to complete, with groups of four to six players starting simultaneously to minimize wait times. Weekend nights typically see the heaviest traffic, though weather plays a significant role in attendance patterns. Camp suggests weeknight or Sunday visits for those preferring smaller crowds. “You’ll have the ability to take your time without feeling like there’s people around you rushing you through the experience,” he said.

Tickets are available online at funforeall.com/holidaylights starting the first week of November. Visitors can also purchase admission on-site. Online buyers receive package deals that include access to other facility amenities, making it an attractive option, Camp said.

Handmade Arcade Celebrates 21 Years

The Handmade Arcade returns to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center for its 21st year, featuring more than 290 vendors during the first weekend of December, Friday and Saturday only. The milestone event showcases an increased vendor count from previous years, including participants from the youth maker accelerator and BIPOC acceleratorprograms.

Executive Director Kelsey Ford emphasizes the market’s commitment to diversity and accessibility. “We do an intentional job with the jury to make sure there’s something for every shopper at every price point and every category,” she said.

Friday evening’s preview party requires $30 tickets, while Saturday offers multiple shopping options. Early bird shopping from 9 to 11 a.m. serves as a fundraiser with $25 tickets, allowing visitors to browse without crowds. General admission begins at 11 a.m. with ‘pay what you can’ pricing, continuing until 6 p.m.

The event features 26 emerging makers participating for the first time, alongside eight BIPOC makers. The free hands-on handmade arcade area provides art-making activities and demonstrations, including live glass blowing from Pittsburgh Arts Center. “There’s always a great mix of returning favorites plus brand-new makers,” Ford noted.

Approximately 10,000 attendees typically visit the market. Ford said the organization plans to expand to include Sunday in 2026 to accommodate more visitors and vendors. She recommends first-time attendees check the event website for parking information, vendor maps and virtual catalogs. A special on-site booth offers personalized shopping recommendations for small donations.

“You can absolutely just show up and be delighted and surprised by everything, but I know for some folks, it’s a lot if you don’t prepare,” Ford said. The convention center provides full accessibility features, including wheelchair rentals and sensory-friendly areas within the certified sensory-friendly building.

For tickets or information, visit handmadearcade.org.