Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh is for friends, family and loved ones. It can be a magical time. Here are some 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 holiday tradition, light up night in Pittsburgh is attended by thousands in downtown Pittsburgh.
Attend a Pittsburgh Penguins Game
Folks who love hockey will be thrilled to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins battle it out at the PPG Paints Arena. Enjoy the new scoreboard, upgraded sound system and the energy of the crowd. Beforehand, you can stop at the Commoner or Bigelow Grille for a bite to eat. Here is what you need to do when going to a Pittsburgh Penguins game at PPG Paints Arena.
Experience the Flavours of Thanksgiving by Dining with a Variety of Culinary Choices
Experience classic fall flavors and ingredients in the sumptuous meals Pittsburgh has to offer. The Gateway Clipper Fleet’s Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise and Tour is an ideal way to enjoy a tranquil day on the water, with buffet dining, live entertainment, and captivating skyline views. For a cozy dinner at home, consider Bistro To Go’s catering services, offering apple cider-glazed meats and a pecan-topped sweet potato casserole. Pittsburgh’s vibrant culinary and bar scene provides various options to savor food and drinks for Thanksgiving.
Enjoy Listening to Orchestral Music with a Thanksgiving Theme
At Heinz Hall, visitors can relax in its grand and luxurious interiors and listen to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra play string-led performances. Classical music enthusiasts will be delighted by the deep and autumnal melodies, with Randall Goosby, a student of Itshak Perlman, taking the lead on the violin. Thanksgiving with the Symphony includes pieces such as waltzes and polka, bringing out whimsical harmonies and deeply-moving compositions.
The National Aviary: Where You Can Meet Santa’s Penguins Who Aid Him
Families can take part in a festive wildlife excursion on Season’s Greeting Saturday at the National Aviary. Attendees can snap photos with Santa and a penguin, as well as compose a letter to the North Pole and hear seasonal bird melodies. Make the most out of your zoo visit by attending this event and afterwards marveling at the various bird varieties at the National Aviary.
Explore the numerous activities available in Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
Thank you!