Photo representing winter and fall events in Pittsburgh

Fabulous Fall & Winter Exhibits and Displays

Thanksgiving marks the time of year where both fall and winter festivities are in full swing. While some events are canceled this year due to COVID-19, some of our favorites are still happening. Don’t miss these highlights of the season Pittsburgh has to offer.

Graphic promoting Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Zoo Lights Winter Holiday Event
Image from Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium on Instagram

Zoo Lights

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has long been a family favorite destination. Strolling through the many exhibits in the summer is a great weekend outing. However, as the temperature drops and people wish to keep warm, the zoo adapts with some spectacular events.

This year’s Zoo Lights display promises a festive holiday drive-through complete with Christmas carols and thousands of environmentally-friendly LED lights. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and drive through in your car as you listen to a themed audio tour and see many of the zoo’s fascinating residents along the way.

Zoo Lights runs on select nights from November 27 – January 3, so look to their website today and plan your visit. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Tickets cost $60 per vehicle for nonmembers and $40 per vehicle for zoo members.

Phipps indoor garden with graphic promoting Home For the Holidays Winter 2020 display

Image from Phipps Conservatory on Instagram

Winter Flower Show: Home for the Holidays & Garden Railroad: Rails and Trails

Magic is always in the air at Phipps Conservatory. This year’s winter showcase features thousands of poinsettias illuminated by twinkling lights. The ‘Home for the Holidays’ theme is illustrated with living room furniture and decorations composed entirely of plants. Walk through the Victoria Room and admire the dancing reflections of the carousel on the pond below. Learn about animals’ winter habitats with trees cut to resemble foxes, groundhogs, bears, and more.

As you stroll through the illuminated glasshouse, you’ll also find the beloved miniature railroad display. This exhibit is meticulously crafted to bring to life a landscape complete with a boat gliding across a lake, and people riding horses, swimming, and camping. The touchless interactive stations allow you to activate the various scenes in the exhibit while the train chugs along its tracks.

Phipps is doing its part in curbing the spread of COVID-19, so timed tickets can be purchased online. Tickets cost $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for students (age 18+) & seniors (age 62+), and $11.95 for children (age 2 -18). Admission is free with a Phipps membership.

This display runs from November 20 – January 3, so don’t miss the holiday magic at Phipps. Masks must be worn at all times.

The Rink at PPG Place with Christmas tree and ice skaters from Instagram

Image from The Rink at PPG Place on Instagram

The Rink at PPG Place

This holiday staple of downtown Pittsburgh celebrates its 20th year in 2020. The ice encircles a beautiful Christmas tree adorned with lights and ornaments. Bundle up and enjoy ice skating all season long. Bring your own ice skates or rent a pair onsite ($5). Prices (excluding skate rentals) are $11 for adults (age 13 – 49), and $10 for children, seniors, and with military I.D. Check PPG Place’s website for information on special group rates, holiday hours, and more special events. Masks are required while skating.

Visit your favorite animals at the Pittsburgh Zoo, revel in the beauty of Phipps Conservatory, or strap on a pair of skates at PPG Place. These local events will bring joy to all this holiday season, and they’re all within a 10-minute drive of Franklin West’s apartments in Shadyside.

3 Sensational Museums to Visit Near Shadyside

We’re finding more and more workarounds for going about our lives as naturally as possible. Hand sanitizer is bountiful, wearing face masks is becoming second nature, and people have gotten the hang of social distancing. Some of the things we’ve missed for a while now are coming back, and among those things are museums. 

If you’re feeling the itch for a museum or gallery visit, these are some you should check out that are only a short walk or drive from our Shadyside neighborhood!

Pittsburgh Center For Arts & Media

Right on one corner of Shadyside where Fifth meets Shady Ave sits this organization enabling artists throughout our community. PGH Art and Media all about visual arts here, and there’s a new gallery debuting early next month. 

Creatives in the Era of COVID-19 will have its public reception on Saturday, October 3 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The event is free, but timed tickets are required and only 10 people will be allowed in at once. Come explore creations reflecting the thoughts and struggles surrounding the current pandemic.

Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Center for Art and Media via Instagram

Open Air Photography Gallery

This photo gallery is completely free and in the heart of Shadyside. Right across from the Apple store, CAPTURED::PITTSBURGH is all about community-sourced artwork, and this is exactly what you’ll find on display.

Everyone has a photo they’re proud of, and this organization wants these photos on display. Have a photo you’d like seeing on display? Post it on Instagram with #capturedpgh and consider it submitted. 

The Frick Pittsburgh

Take a step back in time at The Frick Pittsburgh. Henry Clay Frick amassed a fortune in the early days of Pittsburgh’s steel industry, and his residence is a testament. Exhibits include the car and carriage museum with an assortment of antique automobiles and carriages, plus the Maker & Muse: Women and Early 20th Century Art Jewelry. 

You will need a ticket with a reserved time slot to visit exhibits, so head over to The Frick website and choose a time. This museum also sits on a vast estate on the edge of Frick Park, which becomes a gorgeous place for a walk this time of year. 

Photo Credit: The Frick Pittsburgh via Instagram

Enjoy these exhibits as we plunge further into the new season. As always, don’t forget your mask!