5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Dec. 24-26
It’s Christmas weekend. Here are some things to do around Pittsburgh to get in the holiday spirit.
On the court
The Harlem Globetrotters performing in Pittsburgh is an annual happening every holiday season. They are bringing their “Spread Game Tour” to PPG Paints Arena, Uptown at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday.
For more than 50 years on the day after Christmas, the Globetrotters have brought basketball, laughter, and family fun to Pittsburgh. The globetrotters have been around for 95 years.
Tickets start at $24.
Details: harlemglobetrotters.com
Pittsburgh Creche
For a 23rd year, the Pittsburgh Creche located in front of U.S. Steel Tower on Grant Street, Downtown.
The creche is the only authorized replica of the nativity scene that St. John Paul II commissioned for the Vatican. It is an ecumenical effort by Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Christians to preserve the true meaning of Christmas, standing as “a reminder of God’s great love for all his creation,” according to Christian Leaders Fellowship, an ecumenical group of local bishops and denominational leaders.
John Edkins of Upper St. Clair, who owns J.E. Scenic, a set rental and set construction facility, collaborated with Pittsburgh architect Lou Astorino to build the creche. Some pieces were made in Rome.
They are all anchored to the floor. Clothing for the figures was designed and sewn and is maintained by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth and Sisters of the Holy Spirit.
Free.
Details: facebook.com
Lace ‘em up
The UPMC Rink at PPG Place, Downtown is larger than the one in Rockefeller Center in New York City. As skaters glide along the ice, they encircle a 360-degree immersive tree that lights up and plays music. The rink will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
This is its 21st season for the rink, one of the first outdoor rinks for Florida-based Magic Ice USA, which manages rinks across the country. More than 1 million people have skated there.
The rink’s tree can perform more than 150 choreographed musical shows.
Admission is $12 for adults and $11 for children.
Details: ppgplace.com
O Christmas trees
Since 1961, the annual installation and decoration of the Carnegie Trees has kicked off the holiday season at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland by the Women’s Committee of the museum. The committee promotes the cultural and educational value of the museum.
To celebrate the 60th anniversary, this year’s installation is titled “Bedazzled: Celebrating the Diamond Anniversary of the Carnegie Trees.”
The Hall of Architecture features five soaring Fraser fir trees adorned with hand-made ornaments. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors, $11.95 for children 3 to 18, $14.95 for seniors, $11.95 for students, children 2 and under are free.
Details: cmoa.org
Have you been to the museum this holiday season? Now through January 10, there is so much to experience that you won’t want to miss!
Learn more about everything happening at the museum right now, and plan your visit at https://t.co/ujsFWg1K8W pic.twitter.com/7vosVWbowZ
— Carnegie Museum of Art (@cmoa) December 23, 2021
Holiday laser show
The Buhl Planetarium Laser Shows inside the Carnegie Science Center on the North Side feature laserists who choreograph sight and sound spectacles to music.
The Laser Holiday Magic show is happening at 1:30 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. It features traditional and contemporary versions of beloved holiday tunes. Guests are invited to sing along.
The projection system features three high powered, solid state, laser projectors.
Tickets are $8.
Museum admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors, $11.95 for children ages 3-12 and children 2 and under are free.
Details: carnegiesciencecenter.org
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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