Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh is for friends, family and loved ones.  It can be a magical time.  Here are 9 must-do things on our list to have a great Pittsburgh Thanksgiving.  What’s on your list?

Give back to those in need

There are plenty of chances to give back to those less fortunate in your community. Pittsburgh Cares helps connect people to volunteer opportunities in their neighborhoods. The Salvation Army of Western PA offers Thanksgiving (and Christmas) dinners to those in need. There’s also four county-wide dinners and community dinners at Worship and Service Centers in the area.

See the Phipps Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show & Light Garden

The Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden is always one of the best Thanksgiving and holiday events in Pittsburgh.  Be sure to take family and friends!

Head to Kennywood’s Holiday Lights

Every Thanksgiving and Holiday season, Kennywood’s annual Holiday Lights spectacular features almost two million lights around the park. The Holiday Lights are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend from 5-9 p.m.

Do the YMCA Turkey Trot

The Annual YMCA Turkey Trot is a family-friendly event on Thanksgiving morning. There are options for a family one mile run/walk, Turkey Trot 5K or a Pittsburgh Pirates 5-mile run.

Play a game of flag or touch football at a local park

Use a local park and grab the whole family to play a game of flag or touch football.  This thanksgiving in Pittsburgh tradition can be seen throughout the region!

Become a tourist again with out of town family

There’s so much to do in Pittsburgh! Check out a local museum you haven’t visited, or eat a meal at a local restaurant you haven’t popped into in awhile. The possibilities are endless, especially with out-of-town visitors. Sometimes it’s fun to play tourist in your hometown.

Take in a performance, show or lecture at Heinz Hall

Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, has a variety of shows, lectures and performances.   A great thing to do during Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh!

See a Show at the Benedum Center

Use the long weekend to take in a show at the Benedum Center.

Light Up Night in Pittsburgh

A Pittsburgh holiday tradition, light up night is attended by thousands in downtown Pittsburgh.