Pittsburgh transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season, particularly at the Pittsburgh Holiday Market in Downtown Pittsburgh.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you’ll need to know to visit the holiday market, including 2023 dates, opening times, locations and local specialties.
Christmas in Pittsburgh is marked by community gatherings, festive decorations, and a variety of seasonal events throughout the city.
Events include the following:
- Pittsburgh Holiday Market
- Highmark Light Up Night
- Santa’s House
- Holiday Kidsplay and Selfie Garden
- The Black Market
Pittsburgh Holiday Market 2023
The Holiday Market in Pittsburgh is a lively festive destination situated in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Market Square.
You’ll find an array of wooden chalets filled with unique crafts, handmade jewellery, and a selection of holiday decorations.
Food vendors are a notable feature, providing an assortment of international culinary delights, from German bratwurst to sweet pastries.
The market is known for its blend of cultural traditions, bringing a sense of international Christmas spirit to Pittsburgh, making it a unique place to visit during the holiday season.
Dates and Location
Pittsburgh Holiday Market dates: Likely dates: 17th November to 22nd December 2023.
Location: Market Square.
Opening times: Monday to Thursday: 11am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am to 9:30pm. Sunday: 11am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, Christmas tree switch-on and fireworks at Highmark Light Up Night: 18th November 2023.
Santa: Yes, at Santa’s House. Take a photo with Santa at Heinz Hall Courtyard. $10 donation suggested.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Traditional wooden stalls, Santa’s house, live music, selfie garden.
Recommended tour: Downtown History and Architecture Tour.
Specialities: Local pastries, roasted nuts, mulled wine, strudel, artisan chocolate.
Where to stay: The Industrialist Hotel is a popular hotel, located 4 minutes from the Christmas market village.
Hotels near Pittsburgh Christmas Market Village
For those looking to be near the Holiday Market in Market Square, staying in the Downtown area is an ideal choice. The Downtown district provides easy access to the market as well as other city attractions, making it a convenient base for exploration.
I recommend the Industrialist Hotel, as it’s a popular hotel situated in a great location close to the market village.
Location of Pittsburgh Holiday Market
Walking City Tours
A city tour of Pittsburgh is an excellent opportunity to explore the city’s industrial heritage and vibrant arts scene.
With its renowned museums, striking bridges and significant landmarks, Pittsburgh is a city that merits exploration, even in winter.
I recommend this history and architecture tour of Downtown Pittsburgh as it enables you to discover many of the city’s highlights with a local guide.
Christmas in Pittsburgh
The video provided gives you a glimpse into what the Pittsburgh Holiday Market is like during the festive season.
Christmas Specialties in Pittsburgh
Pierogies: A staple in Pittsburgh, these dumplings are often filled with cheese, potatoes, and onions. Some stalls even serve variations with meat or seasonal ingredients. You’ll also find plant-based options, making this a treat that caters to vegetarians as well.
Kielbasa Sandwiches: This Polish sausage is a local favourite and can be found grilled and served in a sandwich, often with sauerkraut and mustard.
Cinnamon Roasted Almonds: Warm and fragrant, the variety of roasted nuts available at the market offers a simple and satisfying snack, often glazed with cinnamon or other festive spices.
Mulled Wine: Known for its warmth and rich spices, mulled wine is a classic winter drink you can enjoy as you stroll through the market.
Strudel: Authentic Austrian-style strudel in flavours that appeal to every taste, such as apple, cherry, cheese, and almond apricot.
Soft Pretzels: An international favourite, soft pretzels come in various flavours and dips, providing a versatile snack option for all tastes.
Hot Chocolate Stands: Serving traditional hot chocolate along with variations like peppermint or white chocolate, these stands are sure to please those with a sweet tooth.
Local Craft Beers: Reflecting Pittsburgh’s thriving craft beer scene, several vendors serve local brews, allowing you to taste a bit of the city’s brewing tradition.
Vegan Pastries: For those following a plant-based diet, vegan pastries and baked goods are available from select vendors, ensuring that everyone can indulge in festive treats.
International Snacks: Alongside the local delicacies, the market also features a variety of international snacks, such as German bratwurst or French crepes, to offer a global taste of Christmas.
Christmas Gifts and Stocking Fillers
Handmade Glass Ornaments: Pittsburgh has a rich history in glassmaking, which is reflected in the beautiful glass ornaments at the market. These pieces are intricately crafted by local artisans and can make for a unique and treasured gift.
Steel Artwork: In a nod to the city’s industrial heritage, some vendors specialize in artwork made from steel. This can include decorative pieces or functional items like candle holders, reflecting both creativity and skilled craftsmanship.
Local Honey Products: Several stalls sell honey-based products from local apiaries. This might include raw honey, beeswax candles, and honey-infused skincare products.
Wooden Toys: Traditional wooden toys, such as puzzles, cars, or dolls, are crafted by skilled woodworkers and are perfect for children. They bring a touch of nostalgia and are often made with sustainable materials.
Pittsburgh-Themed Merchandise: From T-shirts to mugs, these items celebrate the city with designs featuring Pittsburgh’s iconic landmarks, sports teams, or local sayings.
Classic Christmas Decorations: Alongside the unique products, you’ll find stalls selling classic Christmas decorations like wreaths, stockings, and festive tableware to deck your halls in traditional style.
Fine Chocolates and Confectioneries: For the sweet-toothed, some vendors specialize in high-quality chocolates and candies wrapped in festive packaging, making them ideal stocking fillers or gifts for colleagues. Includes Holiday Collection truffle gift boxes.
For a well-researched guide to the best Holiday markets across the United States, including detailed insights, you can visit my dedicated US Christmas market page.
You may also find Visit Pittsburgh a useful resource when planning your visit to the city, as it provides updated information on various activities, the latest events, and helpful guides on things to do.
Sustainable Christmas Tips
Here are a few tips on how you can travel more responsibly in Pittsburgh at Christmas:
Eco-Friendly Accommodation: When choosing where to stay, consider hotels that are committed to sustainability, using renewable energy, and implementing waste-reduction practices. Many establishments in Pittsburgh have adopted eco-friendly initiatives, such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and water-saving fixtures, so ask for these features when booking your stay.
Reducing Food Waste at Markets: Enjoying the local food at Pittsburgh Christmas Market is a must, but be mindful of your portions. Many stalls provide ample servings, so it’s easy to over-order. Try sharing dishes with your travel companions or asking for smaller portions to minimize food waste.
Ethical Consumption: Christmas shopping can be enjoyable, but overbuying can lead to waste. When purchasing gifts and souvenirs, particularly at local markets, focus on buying only what you truly need or will use. Supporting local artisans who produce goods sustainably is a great way to shop responsibly.
Sustainable Diets: Opting for vegetarian or plant-based options can reduce your carbon footprint. In Pittsburgh, there are many vendors offering delicious plant-based meals at the Christmas market, as well as restaurants throughout the city that specialise in sustainable and locally-sourced cuisine.
Sustainable Transport: Pittsburgh provides various public transportation options, including buses and light rail systems that run on clean energy. Using these services or renting a bicycle from one of the city’s many bike-sharing stations helps reduce your carbon emissions while exploring the city.
FAQ
The Pittsburgh Holiday Market dates start 17th November to 22nd December 2023.
You’ll find the Holiday Market at Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh.
The Holiday Market in Pittsburgh opening times are Monday to Thursday: 11am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am to 9:30pm. Sunday: 11am to 6pm.
Winter in Pittsburgh can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snow is common, so visitors should pack warm clothing, including winter coats, scarves, and gloves.
If you would like to leave a review of Pittsburgh Xmas Market, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Pittsburgh, United States. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
hope all goes well this year