No one does the holiday season like Pittsburgh. With three rivers, a “golden triangle,” and some of the most diverse, colorful, and vibrant communities to decorate for the season, it goes without saying that December and January in our region is infused with uniqueness, innovation, and a genuine desire to enjoy the joy of the season. Welcome to the Holiday Season in the Steel City!
In addition to yuletide cheer, Pittsburghers have already gotten an early gift: home sales are on the rise, as well as sales prices. This is proof that our market has continued to weather the “storm” that most of the nation has suffered from. In addition, Pittsburgh’s unemployment rate has just been ranked among the fifth lowest in the state’s 14 metro regions, and the city’s unemployment is lower than the state average and the national unemployment rate. The sectors that saw the most regional employment growth were retail, education, mining, natural resources, and construction.
So, since our economy continues to do well despite headlines for the rest of the nation and world, and given the fact that real estate is showing signs of continued improvement and promise, it’s definitely time to celebrate the upcoming holidays in style and with gusto. Pittsburgh has treasured holiday traditions that continue to entertain families for generations. For some fun ideas this season, check out the following list of local events!
The Winter Flower Show at Phipps Conservatory is a decadent array of botanical splendor for the entire family to enjoy. Phipps is a Victorian glasshouse built in 1893 that transforms into a winter wonderland during the months of December and January. The site is carefully decorated with thousands of LED lights and over 2,000 “Polar Bear” poinsettias, “Merry Christmas” amaryllis, and “Glacier” ivy.
Phipps’ bromeliads and tropical plants are also featured and represented in Nutcracker scenes, supported by sumptuously designed interiors that include gingerbread homes, toy soldiers, and twinkling lights, snowflakes, and a carpet of delicate white frondescence. Their Garden Railroad will also be on display in the South Conservatory, chugging through its expertly crafted landscape.
Friday Happy Hour in the month of December offers Conservatory guests flatbreads and cocktails inspired by the Nutcracker, as well. On Saturdays with the Sugar Plum Fairy, youngsters can take a creative movement class with a Pittsburgh Ballet Theater professional and enjoy story time following.
Santa visits every Saturday and Sunday before Christmas in the month of December, and Brunch in Bloom takes place on select Sundays. Items like made-to-order omelets, chef's choice carved meat, roasted vegetables, and more are served. Reservations are required (412-622-6914, ext. 6400).
Candlelight Evenings at Phipps mean that visitors can enjoy the winter flower show until 10 p.m. from December 5-31. On New Year’s Eve, families are invited to participate in an early countdown to 2012.
The Highmark Holiday Pops with Marvin Hamlisch thrills symphony-goers in Pittsburgh’s cultural district December 15-18 downtown. Seasonal favorites will be performed, like Sleigh Ride and Hallelujah from Handel’s Messiah. Jodi Benson, the voice of Disney’s Ariel, will sing from her holiday and Broadway repertoire, and Gary Mauer, from Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera, will join Ms. Benson and the pops symphony before night’s end, too! It would be hard to miss, but be sure to take a picture in front of Heinz Hall’s 25-foot tall tree in the Grand Lobby.
Outside of the Pittsburgh region, city slickers can find relief from the hustle and bustle by cozying up to the fireplace at Gateway Lodge’s warm and inviting oasis during their Winter in the Woods getaway special. Located in Cook Forest close to Clarion, PA, guests can enjoy two nights in a suite, a chef’s tasting dinner on Saturday evening in their award-winning restaurant, and breakfast each morning. Take a walk in one of the country’s most spectacular old growth forests. The 7,182-acre state park is home to the famous "Forest Cathedral" of white pines and hemlocks, and is a Natural National Landmark. If you’re interested in “warmer” activities, visit the lodge’s new on-site spa and relax in style while their professional staff helps to melt the hectic holiday stress away for good.
Continuing with the outdoor celebration of the season, visit Seven Springs Ski Resort on December 31, 2011 to ring in the New Year with adrenaline and speed. The resort located in the Laurel Highlands is hosting its annual snow tubing extravaganza from 10:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is wowing audiences again this year for one night only on December 23, so get your tickets now! 1- 800-745-3000. Civic Light Opera is also putting on their annual production of a musical Christmas Carol at the Benedum Center from December 8-23. Kids age 3-14 are half-price.
Get your skate on at the Rink at PPG Place. Skate with Santa from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on December 17. Local radio station 3WS will be there playing Christmas classics, and Tuesday nights from January to March are family nights when guests can take advantage of special admission rates.
Also at PPG, is the annual Wintergarden display. In the open, plant-filled glass garden environment, Santa Clauses from around the globe will be featured in the Spirits of Giving Around the World show. Entries for the gingerbread house competition can be viewed until January 7, 2012, too. The gingerbread creations are made by local bakers, organizations, senior citizens, students, and chefs.
Until January 8, 2012, enjoy the Celebration of Lights at Hartwood Acres, benefitting the Salvation Army’s Project Bundle Up. With over 400 displays and 3.2 miles of lit holiday scenes, be one of the eager 600,000 visitors that take advantage of this area treasure sponsored by UPMC and Allegheny County. In its 20th season, the Celebration of Lights also helps the Woodlands Foundation which serves kids and youth with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
Whatever you decide to do this season, be sure to remember those less fortunate than yourself and to keep your kin and family close. Though the holidays are a time for celebration, they are also the best time of year to consider our blessings and to give thanks to those who make every day special. Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza, and my best for a prosperous and healthy New Year!
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