Levi Griffith-Esposito’s New Year’s resolution is to be more creative and artistic.
The Carson Middle School student is well on his way completing his first project, a multi-colored 2026 hat as part of Pittsburgh’s First Night Celebration.
Arts and crafts were among the many activities Wednesday evening provided by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Levi, 12, of McCandless was accompanied by his mother, Danielle Griffith-Esposito, and father, Tony Esposito. The couple have been married for 12 years and have been to previous Pittsburgh New Year’s kickoffs.
“Now that Levi’s old enough to enjoy it, we decided to bring him down (and) had dinner at Yuzu Kitchen,” Danielle said. “It was so good. We’re doing sightseeing around here for First Night. We’re looking forward to the fireworks and just enjoying the winter wonderland that’s going on outside.”
They were among the many who braved the freezing temperatures and blustering snow to ring in the new year Downtown.
Esposito, who works as a stage hand in the Cultural District, said the layout was a little different this year with construction going on in the area. He was happy to spend some family time.
“I’m not building anything, I don’t have a wrench on me, I’m good,” he said. The father’s New Year’s resolution is to enjoy life more.
Danielle said she plans on being more expressive and honest about her opinions.
Levi was assisted with his art by Pittsburgh Cultural Trust teaching artists Emily McMahon of Pittsburgh’s North Side and Christina Muzzie of Lawrenceville.
“We really like to let kids be creative,” McMahon said. “We’re not expecting everyone to make a craft that looks the same. Sometimes we’ll have kids here working for two minutes, and sometimes we’ll have kids working here for 25 minutes on masterpieces. I absolutely love it. … There’s some repeat attendees that come and visit us.”
This was the fifth year McMahon and Muzzie worked together at the celebration after previously working at separate stations.
“It brings a lot of joy to the families and the kids,” Muzzie said. “They really have a good time.”
Arts and crafts were at Highmark Fifth Avenue Place. Other events there included robotics demonstrations by Rogo Robotics, balloon art from Mike the Balloon Guy, face painting by Beanie Paints and activities with the Scouts of America.
The Trust also gave away free books and hosted a LEGO activity at the Benedum Lot, courtesy of the Trust Family Series and Trust Community Engagement.
Marilou Tripodis of Blairsville checked out the books with her daughter, Arianna Triposis, and granddaughter, Aria Cecconi, 11, both of Homer City. They warmed up in the big tent on their way to watch the fireworks.
First Night has become a tradition for the Indiana County family.
“I brought my kids down here when they were young and we carried it on with (Aria),” Marilou said. “We don’t know what else to do on First Night. We always come here. Even through the snow.
”I’ve always liked coming down here because I’ve always felt safe. Even when it’s been real busy. I’ve never felt uncomfortable. They always have it lit up. It’s always nice to see everything. The bridges are gorgeous. We were down here for Light Up Night, too.”
Their New Year’s resolutions include picking a hobby and sticking with it, win competitions and live healthier.
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust program coordinator Breanne Thomas said coordinating everything took several months and was a labor of love to bring people families and groups together.
More to see
Other First Night activities included live entertainment at the Highmark stage at Stanwix Street and Penn Avenue, juggling from stilt-walker O’Ryan the O’Mazing, tarot card readings and live ice sculpting by artists from Ice Creations.
Ice Creation artists get to work on a Pittsburgh themed ice sculpture pic.twitter.com/CVu2r6MV62
— Mike D. (@MikeJdiVittorio) January 1, 2026
O’Ryan the O’Mazing performing for first night guests in downtown Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/IhgMG8eTxh
— Mike D. (@MikeJdiVittorio) January 1, 2026
Other attendees included furries and mounted Pittsburgh police.
The crowd started to gather around 7 p.m.
Shahed Alali, 16, of Cranberry and her siblings Eman, 10, and Hasan, 11, were at the main stage early to pick their spots.
“It’s always crowded,” Shahed said. The youths said they were excited to hear the music and see some fireworks.
Pittsburgh police blocked off many Penn Avenue intersections except for parking garage access to improve pedestrian safety.
Several pro-Palestine groups including Jewish Voice for Peace Pittsburgh and Boycott, Divestment, Sanction gathered across from the main stage and made their way up and down Penn Avenue carrying signs decorated with holiday lights and occasionally chanted “Free Palestine.”
Callie Disabato of JVP said there were out to keep Palestine top of people’s minds.
Emily DeFerrari of BDS said it’s important to also address homelessness and immigration as well as Palestinian concerns.
