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.
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.
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.
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.