Christmas Shows in Downtown Pittsburgh
Written by Amanda Buchman
The holiday season is finally here, and Downtown Pittsburgh is ready to spread Christmas cheer! From drag shows to symphonic orchestras, you can celebrate the season with a number of themed performances.
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show is set to fill the Byham Theater with love and laughter on Friday, November 28. For eight years, BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon—award-winning comedians, actors, writers, and drag queens—have led a wild sleigh ride full of over-the-top camp spectacle, thrilling dance numbers, and heartfelt storytelling.
The Nutcracker is a must-see at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, Terrence S. Orr, puts a twist on the Christmas classic by highlighting Pittsburgh’s most memorable landmarks, sports teams, and historical moments. Witness this original performance set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score from December 5 to 28!
A Very Yinzer Christmas, presented by 3WS Radio, is returning to the Benedum Center on Saturday, December 8 for its fourth year in a row. The festive extravaganza features more than 25 iconic Pittsburgh musicians and will benefit Band Together Pittsburgh, a nonprofit creating music programs for people on the autism spectrum.
A Christmas Story: The Play will be performed at the O’Reilly Theater, the only venue downtown with a thrust stage, allowing audiences to view the actors from three sides. The beloved Ralphie Parker takes the stage with familiar friends and family in this all-star production from December 4 to 21.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas has remained a uniquely exciting tradition for 40 years. Chip Davis founded the new-age music ensemble in 1974, and today it includes 15 musicians with over 20 instruments. Rock on to modern versions of the songs you know and love on Thursday, December 11, when the Benedum Center is lit up with dazzling multimedia effects.
Highmark Holiday Pops is an annual tradition at Heinz Hall. From December 12 to 21, you can sing along to family favorites like “Sleigh Ride” and “Hallelujah.” Performers include the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Mendelssohn Choir, and guest vocalist Blaine Alden Krauss. Grab your tickets and get ready to see another very special mystery guest!
The Holiday Brass Spectacular only happens once a year, so don’t miss the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s performance of all your holiday favorites at Heinz Hall on Tuesday, December 16. The twelve musicians play baroque classics and modern tunes with talent, dedication, and of course, Christmas spirit.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve brings an electric energy to PPG Paints Arena on December 20. Lasers, pyrotechnics, and a rock-and-roll vibe work together to tell the story of a young runaway who takes shelter in an abandoned theater. The music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra along with several spirits help the girl find her way.
A Musical Christmas Carol runs at the Byham Theater from Saturday, December 13 to Tuesday, December 23. Watch Ebeneezer Scrooge meet the ghosts of his past, present, and future as yuletide melodies aid along his journey. The Charles Dickens tale paired with classic holiday music is the perfect recipe for a night of nostalgia.
Artistic performance is a vital part of getting into the holiday spirit. There is plenty to see and do in Downtown Pittsburgh, so bundle up and embrace the season!
