Here’s How to Take Part in the Holiday Cheer this December

Written by: Gloria Pytlak

As temperatures begin to fall into the 20s and snow makes its arrival here in Pittsburgh, we know it’s officially time for the holidays. With joy and merriment in the air, we gathered a list of our favorite holiday events near Shadyside.

Here are some events you’ll want to mark down on your calendar for this month.

Shadyside Nursery Trees and Charity Wreaths

If you’re still in the market for a holiday tree, head over to the Shadyside Nursery! With a wide range of different types and sizes, you’ll definitely be able to find a tree you like. This year, the Shadyside Nursery is also selling locally made ornaments and holiday lawn decor too.

When you purchase a handmade Charity Wreath you’ll be supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. Over one hundred have been sold so far!

photo from Shadyside Nursery website

Phipps Conservatory’s “Let it Glow!” Show

When you ask any Pittsburgh local what the best thing to do during the holidays, we would bet Phipps Conservatory is one of their suggestions. Phipps winter garden show is both breathtaking and mesmerizing!

The theme is “Let It Glow,” and they certainly pulled out all the stops. With a ton of new features, you’ll experience dazzling holiday tree displays, winter ice towers, color-changing architectural lights, and an array of gorgeous flowers. On select nights, Phipps will host a variety of musical entertainment. Check out the schedule here.

photo from Phipps Conservatory Instagram

This weekend is the Gifts and Greens Market too! It’s a free event hosted by Phipps and welcomes guest vendors. Shop for fresh greens, garland, poinsettias, holiday decorations, and so much more.

If you haven’t yet been out to Phipps during the holidays, you definitely need to put it on your calendar this year.

East End Brewing: Holiday Crafts & Drafts

On Saturday, December 15, East End Brewing will host Crafts and Drafts! Local artists and vendors will be present with arts, crafts, and gifts to help with your last minute shopping. Great food will also be available from La Palapa Mexican Kitchen and Leona’s Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Clayton Holiday Tour at The Frick Pittsburgh

Holiday tours at the Clayton Mansion are a must-see Pittsburgh tradition. The beautifully decorated Frick Family home will allow you to reimagine the events of 1908. This Saturday, December 8th, the Frick is also hosting a free event of holiday art-making and interactive tours. Check out their site for more events and ticket information.

Holiday’s at The Carnegie Museum of Art

There’s nothing more festive than towering evergreen trees dressed in lights and decorative ornaments! As you make your way to the Hall of Architecture, you’ll experience the Carnegie Trees and Neapolitan Presepio.

This year, CMOA collaborated with Carnegie International artist, Karen Kilimnik, to bring the five trees to life. Each one decorated with handcrafted ornaments. Displayed next to the trees is a lifelike and colorfully detailed 18th-century Neapolitan Presepio Nativity Scene. CMOA notes the scene was crafted by hand between 1700 and 1830.

CMOA’s holiday display will be up until January 7th. This one is a Pittsburgh tradition you’ll want to see for yourself.

photo from the Carnegie Museum of Art Instagram

Holiday Events at Ace Hotel

If you want to do something unique during the holidays, you can always count on the Ace Hotel. They’re hosting several events this month. The first is Yappy Holidays: A No-Flea Market for Humane Animal Rescue and it’s this Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. It’s a holiday pet market with plenty of pet-related vendors and bloody marys for you. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Humane Animal Rescue.

On Sunday, December 16th, the Ace Hotel is hosting the Anemoia Vintage’s Made + Found Holiday Market. It will feature over 50 of the regions vintage and handmade vendors! Admission is free and light drinks and brunch will be available for purchase.

Wanting more of a holiday dinner experience? Get yourself a ticket to Sharing Knives – Apteka’s Eastern European Christmas Dinner with Kate Lasky and Tomasz Skowronski. This vegan style dinner is based around traditional Eastern European holiday meals. Buy your ticket and make your reservation soon because this event is taking place on Wednesday, December 19th.

Here are a few more holiday events hosted by Ace Hotel:

New Years Eve Fiesta at Steel Cactus

If you’re looking for New Years Eve plans, check out the Fiesta at Steel Cactus. Make dinner reservations before 8 pm and get your new year celebration on with a DJ and dancing starting at 9 pm.

That’s a wrap on our list of holiday events, and yes, we checked it twice! Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more updates on events in Shadyside and so much more during December.