Thousands of people came downtown to see the Knit the Bridge project and the Rubber Duck earlier this year. Civic and corporate leaders hope thousands will also come to Light Up Night and will visit Holiday Market.
Light Up Night consists of big trees getting decorated throughout downtown, live music, other festive activities such as ice skating at PPG Place and, you guessed it, fireworks.
Jeremy Waldrup, who runs the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, said he expects more people than ever before to be a part of this years festivities.
“Light Up Night is the kick-off of the holiday season for our region — a season that attracts over 800,000 people to downtown Pittsburgh with an economic impact of 21 million dollars,” he said.
Light Up Night begins Nov. 22. There will be street closures on Forbes, which will make for more pedestrian walkways between events.
The Holiday Market in Market Square opens the following day.
“Downtown Pittsburgh is significantly different than it was seven years ago,” said outgoing Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, speaking of the changes downtown – including new residents, businesses and buildings.
In addition to buying typical market fare, visitors will be able to take pictures with Santa and buy farm fresh trees.
There will also be free parking in garages downtown on Saturdays throughout the holiday season.
