Fighting food insecurity the goal of Light Up Night, Pittsburgh's holiday season
As Pittsburgh prepares to kick off its holiday season, organizers are shining a brighter light on the issue of food insecurity. This year’s Highmark Light Up Night and Peoples Gas Holiday Market will place a special emphasis on supporting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which is facing heightened demand amid the ongoing government shutdown.
At a Thursday announcement at Heinz Hall, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and its community partners highlighted ways residents can give back while celebrating.
“We want to highlight ways to help with food insecurity,” said Kannu Sahni, Highmark’s vice president of community affairs. “Getting food to those who need it most is the basis of our mission.”
The 64th annual Highmark Light Up Night will take place Nov. 22, and the 14th annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market opens the day before.
Both will look a little different because of the construction in Market Square, which is expected to be completed before the end of April when Pittsburgh hosts the NFL Draft, said Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
“The holidays bring people of all ages and from all corners of the region together in Downtown to celebrate beloved Pittsburgh traditions, while discovering new, memorable experiences,” Waldrup said. “I learned back in 2011, we take holidays very seriously here in Pittsburgh.”
Light Up Night will include tree and bridge lightings, two stages of live music, craft food vendors, shopping and, of course, fireworks.
Festivities officially begin at 4 p.m.
Two of the Light Up Night events will include donations to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Sahni said representatives from the food bank will be on hand for the 7 p.m. Highmark Christmas Tree lighting with Zambelli fireworks that will take place at Stanwix Street and Penn Avenue.
“We’ve invited the food bank to be with us, to flip the switch to turn the tree on to highlight how important this cause is,” Sahni said.
Tree lightings begin at 5 p.m. at the City-County Building on Grant Street, where a tree donated by the Leslie Park Boys and Girls Club in Lawrenceville will be lit. At 6 p.m., the UPMC Ultimate Holiday Tree will be lit for the American Cancer Society Tribute of Light Celebration at PPG Plaza.
At 8 p.m., the “Three Scores in Blue” Lighting of the Sister Bridges with the Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol and Rachel Carson bridges will take place.
A lifelong Pittsburgher, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato talked about the importance of helping to end food insecurity and the year she ran the food bank collection at the Holiday Market.
“My experience runs deep and personal with this, and now Allegheny County is creating a new tradition for families across this region to come down and experience this holiday season,” she said. “We’re bringing you something new and deeply meaningful to our skyline.”
At 9:30 p.m., the night will finish with the Xfinity Fireworks Spectacular Zambelli Finale.
Free live music will be performed beginning at 4 p.m. at the Highmark Main Stage at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street. At 4 p.m., the Pittsburgh CLO Mini Stars & More will be on stage, followed by Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers at 6 p.m. and Kahone Concept at 8:15 p.m.
On the Xfinity Riverside Stage at Fort Duquesne Boulevard and Sixth Street, Slim Tha DJ will be on stage at 4 p.m. followed by Justin Fabus at 6:30 p.m. and then the to-be-announced featured musical artist will perform at 8:30 p.m.
New Holiday Market location
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market will open at 11 a.m. Nov. 21 at Seventh Street and Penn Avenue in the Cultural District because of the renovation being done in Market Square. The Market will be open through Dec. 24.
“While Market Square undergoes its transformation, we’re thrilled to help bring the spirit of the season to the Cultural District,” Peoples Gas President Michael Huwar said in a statement. “It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity for families to experience the magic of the holidays in a new setting.”
In 2024, 3 million people went Downtown for festivities throughout the season, Waldrup said.
“We could talk about the lights. We could talk about all the festivities that go on. But the one thing about Light Up Night that I don’t think gets enough attention is that it’s probably a time when we bring families together,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “It’s a time to make a memory.”
Former Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster and World Series pitcher Steve Blass and the Pirate Parrot addressed the crowd. Blass said he’s tried to live his life by this phrase: “It only takes a minute to make a moment.”
Santa Claus made an appearance. He will be stationed in the Heinz Hall courtyard throughout the holiday season. A suggested donation of $10 for visits and pictures with him will benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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