What to Know for Pittsburgh’s 64th Annual Light Up Night
Written by Arlo Grey MacFarland
This year, Pittsburgh will celebrate its 64th Annual Light Up Night on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at various locations throughout the downtown area. Sponsored by Highmark, Light Up Night has become a Pittsburgh tradition, expanding into the surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs, but the one downtown boasts the most attendees by far. With several different activities, including vendors, tree lighting, fireworks, and various small parties throughout the city, Light Up Night is back and bigger than ever!
Beginning in 1959, the tradition started as a late-year baseball event for the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, one year later, the event shifted to what we now know as the annual Light Up Night. In a time when Pittsburgh was still considered a smoky city due to steel production, the holiday lights brought spirit into the dark area. Nowadays, we carry on the event as a kick-off for the holiday season here in Pittsburgh.
Free live music will be playing at two different stages: the Highmark Main Stage at the corner of Penn Ave. and Stanwix St., and the Xfinity Riverside Stage at the corner of Ft. Duquesne Blvd. and Sixth St., featuring musical artists and groups like the Pittsburgh CLO Mini Stars, Kahone Concept, and Slim Tha DJ. In addition, there will be three different Christmas tree lightings, three fireworks shows, and a light show by local artist Shikeith on the Three Sisters Bridges called Three Scores in Blue.
There will be the “Blast!” VIP Party presented by Highmark, featuring signature cocktails and appetizers, and a relaxed atmosphere. There’s also the “5 at 5” Bridge Party on the Sixth Street Bridge, with $5 drinks, food vendors, and vintage clothing sellers. Lastly, there’s the Highmark Holiday Block Party, with a pop-up shop benefitting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
As always, Light Up Night is a free event open to the public, with food and gift vendors available throughout the city. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets for the VIP party, visit downtownpittsburghholidays.com.
