Continuing a more than five-decade tradition, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) will fill the streets of the Golden Triangle with carriage rides, musical and dance performances, and Santa Clause himself for Light Up Night on Nov. 21.
“We are excited to present these incredible talents and launch new family friendly activities planned for the season, as we launch an entire month of programming ushered in by Light Up Night,” said Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the PDP.
A full slate of eight official tree lightings and ceremonies will begin at noon on the Friday before Thanksgiving, including the lighting of the City-County Building tree, the dedication of the U.S. Steel Tower crèche and the illumination of the Highmark unity tree.
Fireworks, a Pittsburgh staple, will make an appearance in a big way during the festivities.
“Everybody knows, anytime we do anything in this city we have fireworks, and so beginning with light up night all the way up through Thanksgiving, there’s going to be fireworks each night,” said Morgan O'Brien president and CEO of People’s Natural Gas.
Organizers expect Light Up Night to generate $21 million in economic impact.
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Market Square will open Light Up Night and continue through Dec. 23. The market will host more than 30 vendors, most of them will be offering handcrafted international gifts. The Market will also play home to Santa and a stage for local entertainment.
In all, Light Up Night will feature four stages for live entertainment across downtown.
“The Clemente Bridge will transform into the new BNY Mellon New Music Stage. Featuring the most exciting and up and coming bands including Grand Piano, Donora, and nationally recording act, Cobra Starship,” said Vince Sands Chairman of BNY Mellon Pennsylvania.
Other performance will include Jeff Jimmerson’s mini-concert in Market Square, Pittsburgh jazz favorite Sean Jones at the EQT Jazzmasters stage at Katz Plaza, and Joe Grushecky joined by Eddie Manion of the E Street Band for a preview of their upcoming show.
The PDP says Light Up Night remains a kid friendly event for the family. On weekends downtown will host free family activities from noon until 5 p.m., including improv workshops and arts and crafts.
Free parking will be offered by several garages on Saturdays during the season.
The PDP in also partnering with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Visitors to Market Square can bring canned goods, which will be sent off to the food bank for distribution to food pantries throughout the region. Organizers said they hope the gesture will remind us all that would like to recognize the season is not only a time to celebrate but also a time to give back to the community.
