Your guide to Western Pa. holiday performances this season
It’s Christmastime in the city! The holidays are upon us, and the streets are bright with colorful lights and alive with festive music. While family visits, gift shopping and weekend afternoons of baking are filling up the calendar for the next few weeks, the holidays wouldn’t be quite as special without a few seasonal events and performances thrown in. Here’s a schedule of what’s going on in the region.
Gavin DeGraw Christmas Tour — Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, Nov. 28, 8 p.m.: The singer of 2000s hits including “Chariot,” and “I Don’t Want to Be” will head to Munhall for the start of the holiday season, keeping things cheery with this Christmas Tour.
“Christmas with C.S. Lewis” — Greer Cabaret Theater, Downtown Pittsburgh, Nov. 28-30: This 110-minute performance is a slice of life at the home of “Chronicles of Narnia” author C.S. Lewis.
“The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show” — Byham Theater, Nov. 28, 8 p.m.: Comedians, performers and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” veterans BeDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon return with another spectacular filled with laughs, songs and holiday fun.
Winter Nights at the Westmoreland — Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, Dec. 12, Dec. 19 and Dec. 26: The Westmoreland will be open late for these Friday night events, where guests can explore the grounds’ light displays and participate in a changing array of activities, different each week.
“A Peter White Christmas” — City Winery Pittsburgh, Nov. 30, 5 p.m.: Contemporary jazz fans won’t want to miss this opportunity to get into the cheerful spirit with acoustic guitarist Peter White, joined by Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala.
“Mark Milovats’ Winter Wonderland” — Byham Theater, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.: Entertainer Mark Milovats will perform this show that features lots of dancing, songs, celebrity guests and even live penguins for a great time getting into the spirit of the season.
“Yippee Ki Yay (the parody celebration of Die Hard)” — Greer Cabaret Theater, Dec. 2-21: Is the 1988 action film “Die Hard” a Christmas movie? All that matters is that this one-man show, produced by Pittsburgh CLO, written and performed by Richard Marsh, will be a hilarious retelling of the movie while weaving in Marsh’s personal story.
“Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland” — Palace Theatre, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.: This combination of high-flying circus performing and holiday music will be a dazzling experience for the whole family. From acrobatics to aerial tricks, all set to great tunes, this all-new production will thrill audiences.
“Christmas with Sal ‘The Voice’ ” — Palace Theatre, Dec. 4, 8 p.m.: It’s time to hear Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti croon his way through Christmas hits with this Rat Pack-inspired holiday concert. A veteran of “America’s Got Talent,” this singer’s golden pipes are here to usher in the season.
“A Christmas Story: The Play” — O’Reilly Theater, Dec. 4-21: No one can argue that “A Christmas Story” isn’t a quintessential holiday film. This play from Pittsburgh Public Theater has become a tradition all its own and will bring the magic of a nostalgic classic to life right in front of audiences.
Screaming Orphans Christmas Show — Lamp Theatre, Dec. 5, 8 p.m.: This Celtic rock and pop band has made a name for themselves putting Celtic twists on massive hit songs. This show will bring its talents to the Lamp Theatre in Irwin for something different during the holidays.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” — Benedum Center, Dec. 5-28: Another tradition not to be missed, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will provide the sparkle and fantasy of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” to the Benedum stage, with cameos by local celebrity guests.
Texture Contemporary Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” — August Wilson Cultural Center, Dec. 6, 2 and 7 p.m.; Palace Theatre, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.: If you’re a bigger fan of the modern than the classic, check out this version of “The Nutcracker” with stunning choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s score. They’ll perform it at the Palace Theatre with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra as well as in Downtown Pittsburgh.
“Christmas Brasstacular” — Palace Theatre, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.: The River City Brass will blow their way through a whole concert of seasonal music, from the classics to the contemporary and more. Whether holiday movie scores or jazzy renditions, there’s something for everyone in this brassy show.
“A ‘Not So Silent Night’ Holiday Concert” — East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.: Western Pennsylvania’s only LGBTQIA+ choir, Pittsburgh Pride Choir, will perform this shiny, soaring concert full of singing, dance and joyous celebration of the season.
“A Very Yinzer Christmas” — Benedum Center, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.: This concert, now in its fourth year, benefits Band Together Pittsburgh. The show brings together local music heroes, including The Clarks’ Scott Blasey, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, Clinton Clegg, Jeff Jimerson and more for a local lineup of holiday tunes.
Handel’s “Messiah” — Heinz Hall, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.: In the first of several holiday concerts, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will perform Handel’s epic oratorio with the assistance of several vocalists and the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.
Manheim Steamroller Christmas — Benedum Center, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.: Bringing a battery of tunes in the classic Manheim Steamroller style, 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments will rock the theater in front of stunning multimedia backdrops for a full holiday extravaganza.
Row House Christmas — Row House Cinema Lawrenceville, Dec. 12-25: Check out a slate of holiday favorite films on the big screen at Row House Cinema. They’ll be showing “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” “Die Hard,” “Love Actually,” “Krampus,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Meet Me in St. Louis” and “The Polar Express.” There will also be special events along the way.
Highmark Holiday Pops — Heinz Hall, Dec. 12-21: The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is also offering this concert featuring holiday favorites, sing-alongs and the talents of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and the Tamburitzans.
“A Musical Christmas Carol” — Byham Theater, Dec. 13-23: What holiday is complete without Charles Dickens’ tale of Scrooge and his change of heart on Christmas Eve? Pittsburgh CLO has added music to truly liven up this tale. Denis O’Hare, a star of stage and screen, will be joining this year’s production as Scrooge.
“Sounds of Christmas: A Festive Christmas Experience” — Palace Theatre, Dec. 14, 3 p.m.: This enchanting show will include the 22-piece Latshaw Pops Orchestra, 13-year-old “America’s Got Talent” finalist singer Victoria Brinker, other special guests and a visit from Santa Claus.
George Dvorsky’s “Home for the Holidays, Too” — Lamp Theatre, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.: Broadway actor, recording artist and local native George Dvorsky will charm with a show full of Broadway classics, storytelling and holiday warmth, featuring Victoria Stubbs and the Mon Yough Chorale.
“A Motown Christmas” — Palace Theatre, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.: This concert will add the flavor of ’60s and ’70s R&B to the best of Christmas carols. Leading the show will be The Motortown All-Stars, a group comprised of members of famous Motown acts, and a fantastic live band to accompany them.
Holiday Brass Spectacular — Heinz Hall, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.: Completing their contribution to the season, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s brass section will take the reins for this performance of holiday favorites and baroque classics, all on brass.
“Luminare Christmas!” — Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, Dec. 16, 8 p.m.: Welcome to the ultimate holiday rock concert! This high-octane, pulse-pounding show is perfect for anyone who wants a little bit of extra electric guitar with their carols, with a captivating light show to boot.
“A Lyrical Christmas Carol” — Gargaro Theater, Dec. 17-21: Pittsburgh Musical Theater has kept this version of Dickens singing for more than three decades and will carry on the tradition with heartwarming fun for the whole family.
“A Christmas Carol” — Palace Theatre, Dec. 18 and 19, 7:30 p.m.: This musical version of “A Christmas Carol” in Greensburg is brand-new and full of charming showtunes and witty lyrics.
Trisha Yearwood with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra — Heinz Hall, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.: Country vocalist Trisha Yearwood is teaming up with the PSO for a charming evening of holiday music and expert musicianship.
Billy Price Holiday Show — Lamp Theatre, Dec. 19, 8 p.m.: Blues singer Billy Price, a local mainstay for decades and an internationally acclaimed musician, will head to the Lamp Theatre for a soulful holiday show.
Holiday Classics at the Lindsay — Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center, Dec. 19-25: Don’t miss your favorite holiday films at the Lindsay Theater in Sewickley, including “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Elf,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Christmas in Connecticut” and the live action “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.”
“Home for the Holidays” — Palace Theatre, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.: The best of Westmoreland comes together for this holiday concert that features the All-Star Choir of Westmoreland and the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra for a last-minute dose of holiday cheer.
“White Christmas” experiences — Lamp Theatre, Dec. 20, 1 and 6 p.m.: The Lamp Theatre will bring back the classic film “White Christmas” with photo opportunities, themed cocktails for purchase and more surprises. The 1 p.m. show will be a sing-along with a live performance by Stage Right! and other fun activities. The 6 p.m. show will find the music “coming alive” with an immersive experience and live performances.
Trans Siberian Orchestra “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” — PPG Paints Arena, Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.: This epic ensemble is back once again with a powerful, rocking evening. The concert will include holiday staples, dazzling displays and an unforgettable show.
Alexis Papalia is a TribLive staff writer. She can be reached at apapalia@triblive.com.
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