The winter season brings not only cold weather, but also a great variety of winter and holiday themed shows and concerts. Whether you’re bringing the whole family or coming alone, there are a variety of options that will appeal to everyone right here in the Cultural District. Here are our top picks.
The Nutcracker
Now – Thursday, December 27th
Benedum Center
Journey to a Land of Enchantment filled with snowflakes, flowers and dances set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. A wonderful winter wonderland awaits you at the Benedum Center as Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre performs The Nutcracker in five scenes with dozens of dancers and over 150 costumes! Help make this event one of your family’s new holiday traditions.
Photo by Rich Sofranko, artists Amanda Cochrane and Yoshiaki Nakano
Holiday Brass Spectacular
Wednesday, December 5th
Heinz Hall
Be one of the first to join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in their new tradition of the PSO360 Holiday Brass Spectacular. This renowned brass section of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is known for its refined, powerful and brilliant performances. The performance is perfect for the whole family and includes everything from traditional Baroque favorites to innovated arrangements of your favorite holiday tunes.
A Musical Christmas Carol
Friday, December 7th – Sunday, December 23rd
Byham Theater
It wouldn’t be the holidays without A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL! presented by Pittsburgh CLO. Join loveable characters like Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim as they welcome holiday magic and the spirit of the season in your favorite yuletide melodies. With dazzling special effects, holiday charm and affordable ticket prices, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays!
Photo provided by Pittsburgh CLO
Lindsey Stirling’s “Warmer in the Winter”
Monday, December 10th
Benedum Center
One of the century’s most innovative stars is coming to Pittsburgh to help spread holiday spirit through her unique and innovative violinist style! Performing songs from her top selling Christmas album, as well as Christmas classics, this is a perfect opportunity for those unfamiliar with Stirling’s work to be introduced! Each ticket purchased for this event will include a digital download of her album Warmer in the Winter, and will receive instructions on how to redeem this offer approximately seven days after purchase.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Tuesday, December 11th – Wednesday, December 12th
Benedum Center
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary re-imagination of Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. This is the fourth national tour, following up three successful sold out tours prior! This supercharged cast of dancers, DJ’s and violinists perform an evening-length production. Digital scenery transforms sugar drops into 1980s Brooklyn as Maria-Clara and her nutcracker prince travel back in time to when her parents meet in a nightclub. The Hip Hop Nutcracker celebrates community, love, and the magic of New Year’s Eve.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Thursday, December 13th
Benedum Center
From the producers of Broadway’s big hit “The Illusionists” comes an incredible and spell-binding holiday production known as A Magical Cirque Christmas! Breathtaking illusions and cirque artists perform to your favorite holiday music in this dazzling show. One of the key performances comes from finalists on this season’s “America’s Got Talent,” the husband and wife aerialist team Tyce and Mary Nielsen of Duo Transcend, who will be preforming a Duo Trapeze and Duo Roller Skating.
Highmark Holiday Pops
Friday, December 14th – Sunday, December 23rd
Heinz Hall
Pittsburgh’s favorite holiday tradition is perfect for the whole family as we welcome the most wonderful time of the year! Take a “Sleigh Ride” with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, The Mendlessohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Broadway’s Doug LaBrecque, and Santa Claus, along with special guest Christopher Sanders! Come enjoy the holiday season with holiday classic tunes!
A Benedum Christmas – Home for the Holidays
Wednesday, December 19th
Benedum Center
A Benedum Christmas – Home for the Holidays is an incredible showcase of talent that came from right here in Pittsburgh! This year’s talent includes vocalists, songwriters, and musicians performing holiday classics as well as their own original songs. Featured artists include: Brooke Annibale, Margot Bingham, Scott Blasey, Bill Deasy, Kelsey Friday, Joy Ike, Donnie Iris, Jimbo Jackson, Anthony Jardine, Billy Price, Lyndsey Smith. Featured bands include: Trio +, Steeltown Horns, Buffalo Rose Singers, Shadyside Brass.
Home Alone
Thursday, December 20th
Heinz Hall
Enjoy this classic movie experience on the giant screen in high definition, with John William’s orchestra holiday score enhancing the film live! The score will be performed by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and choir. Come see why Home Alone has delighted families for nearly 30 years!
Elf
Wednesday, December 26th – Sunday, December 30th
Heinz Hall
The loveable and laughable tale of Buddy the Elf hits the stage this holiday season in Pittsburgh. Based on the 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf features songs by Tony Award winning nominees Matthew Skylar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). This modern-day Christmas classic is being raved about by The New York Times, USA Today, and Variety. This performance will have everyone embracing their inner Elf.
Photo by Joan Marcus