Listings have been updated for 2024 and are current!
It’s time for Christmas lights in Pittsburgh! The unofficial kickoff in Pittsburgh is typically Light Up Night, which is back again for 2024. This year it will take place on Saturday, November 23 (for the fourth year in a row on a Saturday instead of Friday) – marking the 63rd anniversary of the downtown celebration! After Light-Up Night, Christmas seems to be everywhere. Over the years, going to see Christmas lights in Pittsburgh has become a tradition for thousands around the area. With such popularity, more and more have been popping up. Here is a list of holiday light displays in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area for 2024:
Overly’s Country Christmas
Located at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds, Overly’s has been a holiday fixture since 1956. They have been open every year except for 2020, due to the COVID pandemic. Overly’s country Christmas features a short but dense drive thru followed by the option to explore the walkable Christmas Village. The Village features quaint shops, concessions, a bonfire, horse-drawn carriage rides and other activities, especially suited for kids. Just make sure to bring cash, as many of the attractions in the walk-thru are cash-only. The parking lot at the end of the drive-thru is small, so they also feature overflow parking in the adjacent fairgrounds. This is ideal for those wishing to skip the line of traffic waiting for the drive-thru, and instead walk directly to the Christmas Village.
Thursdays – Sundays from 11/24/24/ – 12/30/24. Also open daily from 12/12/24 through 12/30/24 (closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve.
Overly’s Country Christmas Website
Oglebay’s Festival of Lights
Celebrating 40 Years in 2024!
Oglebay Resort, near Wheeling, WV, puts together a huge drive thru display that stretches out across 6 miles, over 300 acres. With around a million yearly visitors each year, you can’t go wrong. Along the way you can stop at the Good Zoo for additional holiday displays including the “Wish for Snow” dazzling experience, as well as at Wilson Lodge for dinner and several gift shops. The drive-thru is too spread out to walk entirely, but there are several stops with plenty of parking and things to see and do along the way. Back again are guided Trolley Tours leaving hourly from the Lodge and the Garden of Lights walk-thru on the Hilltop. In 2023 they added 14 audio experiences along the way as well as a new 60-foot Welcome Tree located at the Hilltop. Also, the Nativity display was moved inside the Carriage House Gift Shop. Be sure to check out some of the newer displays, including the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, a meteor shower of lights and a winter snow globe on the lake. Stop for dinner at Route 88 Burgers and Brew!.
Open nightly from 11/7/24 – 1/5/25, including holidays. Come early & earlier in the week to minimize wait times.
Dazzling Nights – Pittsburgh
This was a new attraction two years ago and is back for 2024!
Stop out to Settler’s Cabin Park in western Allegheny County to be among the first to see this new event in Pittsburgh! Dazzling Nights is a walk-through holiday experience, spread over 65 acres – a “journey of awe-inspiring light experiences” according to the website. The attraction features a 30′ tree for a photo opportunity, interactive lights, a forest of light and fog and a long tunnel of immersive light. Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific time and date. Also, be sure to dress appropriately; this is an all-outdoor event that will take place rain, snow or shine.
Open nightly from 11/29/23 – 12/31/24, including holidays.
Downtown Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night
This Pittsburgh tradition will be back in full swing in 2024, ready to celebrate it’s 63rd year of kicking of the holiday season! Due to recent years’ success, the refreshed event will again take place on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, not on Friday as was typically the case prior to 2021. This allows for easier movement in and out of the city, and less rushing around. Tree lightings, shopping, live entertainment, fireworks and plenty of other surprises will be featured across the Golden Triangle. The city will once again be opening other winter traditions, like the Holiday Market in Market Square, and ice skating at PPG Plaza. The city is also planning to kick things off on Friday night with a restaurant and retail promotion to entice commuters to stay in town, and also bring attention to the main event the following evening.
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Ice Skating in PPG Plaza, Downtown Pittsburgh
Phipps Conservatory Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show: Enchantment
Phipps always does amazing things with their gardens, indoor and outside, no matter the time of year, but takes it to a new level during the holiday season. This year, there are over ten new features, including a magical unicorn topiary, a fairy tale display and gnomes decorating the trees. Phipps is located adjacent to Schenley Park in Oakland, adjacent to the Carnegie Mellon and Pitt campuses. It’s a great twist on enjoying Christmas lights in Pittsburgh!
11/16/24– 1/5/25, Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Phipps Conservatory Holiday Magic Website
Christmas Light Up Celebration
Lighting up the holiday season since 1993, the Christmas Light Up Celebration in Clinton, PA is “the best kept holiday secret in Pittsburgh”. It is located not far from the Pittsburgh airport, featuring a one-mile drive thru. Note that once again, it will NOT operate as a walk-thru as it has done in previous years.
11/23/24 – 1/2/25, including holidays.
Christmas Light Up Celebration
Kennywood Park Holiday Lights
The Holiday Lights are back for 2023 at Kennywood, building on the success of the past few seasons. This event is “Kennywood in the winter” with several rides being open and the park being decked out with almost 2 million lights! Kennywood also boasts the tallest Christmas tree in the state of Pennsylvania. Light shows, live performances, Santa and Kennywood – what is not to like?
11/15/24 – 1/1/25, Fridays through Sundays. Also open everyday from 12/20 through New Year’s Day. Note that Kennywood will be closed on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.
Kennywood Park Holiday Lights Website
Big Butler Holiday Spectacular
CLOSED PERMANENTLY
Sadly, there will be no light show at the Butler Fairgrounds in 2024. The last few years saw the return of the Big Butler Holiday Spectacular, but this year they are moving to a new location in Pittsburgh, near the Hot Metal Bridge across from South Side Works (See the listing for “Merry Light Show – Holiday Spectacular” below.)
Previously, Shadrack’s had been at this location for several years and then moved nearby, but that has also closed. The Big Butler Holiday Spectacular was a a drive-thru / walk-thru event, with refreshments and a festive atmosphere! There was also a Santa Land with photo opportunities, including pet photos.
For those in Butler missing the lights, be sure to check out “Butler’s Bright Lights”, located at 283 Evans City Road. This show looks to be operated by a private residence, featuring Halloween and Christmas displays nightly. For more info, check them out on Facebook.
Merry Light Show – Holiday Spectacular
What is Butler’s loss is Pittsburgh’s gain. The Spectacular has moved and teamed up with Merry Lights to bring a new experience. Still owned and operated by southwestern PA natives.
The new Holiday Spectacular will be located on 2nd Avenue in Hazelwood, just east of the Hot Metal Bridge. They plan to make this season the best one yet, with synchronized light displays, more lights and music. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance at their website.
11/28/24 – 12/31/24. (Thanksgiving to New Years Eve)
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
CLOSED PERMANENTLY
Shadrack’s had been around for several years now, most recently at the Cooper’s Lake Event Venue, which was not far from its old location at the Big Butler Fairgrounds. It had gained in popularity each year. The Christmas Wonderland featured a 2-mile drive thru, synchronized to music. The most recent theme was “Fairy Tale Favorites”. It also featured Santa’s Village, a walkable area where you could meet Santa and enjoy food trucks, etc.
Pittsburgh Zoo’s Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience
Looking for something a bit different this year? The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is changing up the Zoo Lights from last year to “Wild Illuminations”, now a walk-thru only attraction on most nights. Featuring animal-themed light displays and an audio tour, the Zoo is a solid addition to the list of Christmas light displays in Pittsburgh. Note that restrooms are not available for the drive-thru attraction.
For 2024, they will be presenting the attraction as a Drive Thru on the first two Sundays in December. Restrooms, concessions and the gift shops will be open, but most other indoor buildings will be closed. Note, the Aquarium, Tropical Forest Complex, and Kids Kingdom will not be open to the public.
Drive-Thru: SUNDAYS, December 2 & 9 | Walk-Thru: 11/15/24 – 1/12/25 EXCEPT FOR: 11/18, 19, and 28 as well as 12/3, 10, 24, 25, and 31
Pittsburgh Zoo Wild Illuminations Website
Enchanted Lights – A Magical Christmas Stroll
From the same people who brought you “Zombies of the Corn”, back for it’s 2nd Year!
Yes,, the Zombies have been put to rest and Enchanted Lights is back again, located west of Cranberry Township. The owners of Three-Rivers Paintball will be transforming their 70-acre property into a winter wonderland! The walk-thru should take around 40-60 minutes to complete. As per the press release: “This outdoor event features a dazzling display of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and delightful surprises that’s sure to fill you with holiday cheer! Enjoy hot chocolate and roast s’mores around the campfires with friends and family, all while being ensconced in a tapestry of shimmering lights.”
11/29/24 – 12/31/24 – Weekends, plus some weekday evenings, especially around Christmas. Sundays (and 12/23) are designated dog-friendly evenings!
Holiday Lights on the Lake
This one is a little bit further from Pittsburgh, but not too far if you live east of the city. This display is located at Lakemont Park in Altoona, and has been a local tradition for over 2 decades. In addition to the drive-thru over 50 acres, the Santa Gift Shop and Model Train Display will continue to be open.
11/15-24– 1/5/25
Holiday Lights on the Lake Website
Dasher’s Light Show
CLOSED FOR 2024
This attraction rotates city to city each year, but alas, is not in Pittsburgh this year.
Dasher’s Light Show arrived in Pittsburgh in 2021, one of only five cities nationwide to host this holiday light display. It was located at Pittsburgh Mills Mall, along Route 28 in Tarentum. Dasher’s is an outdoor drive-thru, approximately 20 – 30 minutes in length. Make your way through acres of lights, light tunnels and around themed displays, all synced to music on your car radio. Online purchases are necessary; no admission at the door. Assigned time slots helped to keep the lines manageable.
No Pittsburgh Dates for 2024. Sorry.
Dasher’s Light Show National Website
Holiday Laser Show at North Park
Purchase discounted tickets online before November 28th!
After a huge debut in 2020, Allegheny County Parks is bringing back the Holiday Laser Show for a fifth year! The Laser Show is a 45-minute, drive-in event located at the swimming pool parking lot at North Park. It will be set to holiday music, and can be enjoyed from your parked car. Advanced online ticket purchase is required once again.
Open from 12/6/24 – 12/23/24, except for 12/9-10 and 16-17
Holiday Laser Show at North Park Website
Hartwood Acres Celebration of Lights
CLOSED PERMANENTLY. This popular drive-thru has been closed for years, but deserves a special mention. The Hartwood Acres Christmas Lights operated from 1991 – 2011 in Hartwood Acres Park in northern Allegheny County, winding through the hills and past Hartwood Mansion. It was known for its densely packed displays, and was very popular due to its proximity to Pittsburgh. So popular in fact, that it still receives high search traffic by many hoping for its return. Who knows, maybe someday…
If you know of any other Christmas Light Displays in Pittsburgh or in the surrounding southwestern Pennsylvania area, please let me know and I may add them to the list. For additional winter fun, be sure to take a look at our guide to skiing near Pittsburgh. Remember to visit us daily at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Guide for top attractions, history, happenings and all kinds of things to do in Pittsburgh!
Check out this light show in Baldwin/Whitehall
https://www.facebook.com/BrodzinskiFamilyLightShow
4th year running – over 12 songs that Move to the music.
Just tune into 88.5 fm and watch for FREE!
Runs every night until January 1st starting at 5:15pm
My family and I drove past for the 1st time last night and we really enjoyed it. It was very nice and the kids thought it was so cool.
love your lists!! my go to for haunts every year
FYI there’s a new light show at pittsburgh mills called dasher’s light show. https://dasherslightshow.com/
Hi Rick – thank you for the kind words; I am glad that you find the lists useful! Also thank you for the heads up about Dasher’s Light Show – I will add it to the website. I appreciate the tips that I get from people using the lists.
are there any extreme christmas light houses in the area? with the lights dancing to the music?
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North Park Laser Show- BEWARE.. You must sign up by creating a profile on the Allegheny County website and provide some basic information as well as such information as work phone number as well as home and cell, your phone carrier, your DOB and “head of household”… Really?
Too much personal information required to see a light show….
Good job Brett. Love ya like a brother
This is a great list- thank you!
why don’t you goofs do a little research before writing this article? The family and I made a 50 minute trip to Hartwood Acres for the lights…Couldn’t find them, went to the mansion, etc…Stop at a nearby coffee shop. They haven’t had the lights for 5-6 years. Thanks for the waste of time.
Hi Erik, sorry to hear about your wasted trip. I’m not sure what happened – I have no mention of Hartwood Acres in the article. I update this article each year before the holiday season. In prior years Hartwood Acres was on the list, but in recent years I have specifically made a note that it is closed. I’ll have to do this again in 2020. If you can point me in the direction of what you saw, I will follow it up, in case you somehow accessed outdated material.
Thank you for sharing the Christmas Light Up Celebration in Clinton! However, please make these corrections for the future: this is the 25th year for this event; it’s not actually new. Hayrides are no longer offered. Thank you!
Hi Pat – sorry for the misinformation; I made the corrections as requested. Hope you have a great 25th season out in Clinton!