A Very Yinzer Christmas – Holiday lights in Pittsburgh

Ava Cerro, Staff Writer

December 19, 2025

A light bright display at the Pittsburgh Zoo depicts the city of Pittsburgh. This and more light displays can be seen at the Lantern Festival at the Zoo.

The Christmas season is here!

There are many reasons to love Pittsburgh during the holiday season. Whether it’s watching the Steelers dominate the Dolphins during Monday Night Football or going ice skating downtown, Pittsburgh offers a wide variety of holiday activities.

One of the most celebrated traditions in Pittsburgh is the display of numerous beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. From the holiday displays downtown to the many drive-thru light shows, there are many opportunities for impressive Christmas lights.

If you have ever gone to the Asian Lantern Festival at the Pittsburgh Zoo and want more lanterns, but with a holiday theme, Pittsburgh Zoo’s Wild Illuminations is the way to go. Walk around the zoo under the holiday-themed lanterns, see arctic animals, winter-inspired Asian designs, and so much more. It runs until Jan. 11, 2026. It is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Prices vary by day and by age!

If you didn’t feel like walking in this harsh Pittsburgh winter weather, the one-mile drive-thru Clinton Christmas Light-Up display is always a festive choice! This has been an annual tradition for Western PA since 1993. Drive under a variety of holiday lights, see many Christmas characters and inflatable decorations, and decorated Christmas trees, all from the warmth of your vehicle!

This is one of the cheapest options at only $10 – cash only! It runs until Jan. 3, 2026. Although the experience may be short, you have the chance of seeing beautiful displays that volunteers have put together.

One of the most popular options is the Dazzling Nights walk-through at the Pittsburgh Botanical Garden. The already beautiful garden is shifted into 65 acres of an amazing light show, often synchronized to music, and some designs you can’t see just anywhere. While this one is one of the more expensive and premium options, it’s still a wonderful experience for the family. It runs until January 3, 2026.

And of course, the most obvious option is downtown Pittsburgh in general. At PPG Place, you can skate around the Christmas tree, look at the International Christmas display seen in the walkway between PPG Place and Market Square, the decorations at the Christmas Market, the Highmark Unity Tree, and the creche at US Steel Plaza, to name a few.

So the next time you’re sick of watching the same Christmas movies, go to one of these and see how the holiday season can really be experienced! Happy Holidays!

About the Contributor

Ava Cerro, Staff Writer

“And another interception from Ava Cerro!” With quick reflexes and sharp instincts, Ava stands out on the flag football field, leading the team with frequent interceptions! As a cornerback, Ava is the backbone of the defense, using her acute awareness to shut down opposing receivers. Her ability to read plays and anticipate passes makes her a constant threat to quarterbacks, and her notable number of interceptions shows just how valuable she is to the team. Ava is also making a mark off the field. As a first-time member of Scholastic Publications, she plans to focus primarily on the Hawk Eye newspaper. She says the class is “the perfect opportunity” to help pursue her dream career in sports journalism. Ava’s commitment to writing will follow her to Penn State, where she plans to double major in Journalism and Film Production. If you’re on the couch during a Friday night, streaming the Bethel Park football game, you might recognize Ava’s voice. An important part of Black Hawk TV, her live commentating ties together the game’s events for at-home viewers. “Hard-working, independent, and efficient” are three words that perfectly capture Ava’s character. Whether she’s reporting, playing, or announcing, her strong work ethic and determination shine through. When she’s not working diligently, you might find Ava working through story-based video games like “Call of Duty,” “The Last of Us,” and “Detroit: Become Human.” You may also find her strumming her acoustic guitar or practicing piano with ease. Her favorite genre is action, especially Marvel and Star Wars films. If she’s not watching combat-packed movies, she’s listening to Modern Alternative and Pop artists such as Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, and Katseye. Wherever you find her, on the field, behind the microphone, or in the newsroom, Ava Cerro is devoted to her many aspirations and determined to succeed! Written by: Madelyn Hucko, Staff Writer