Things to Do in Pittsburgh, PA. During the 2009 Holiday Season

1. Light-Up Night in Pittsburgh - November 20, 2009 - at various locations throughout Downtown Pittsburgh, has become a tradition for thousands in the area. It is really the beginning of the holiday shopping season, but has grown to be so much more as the spirit and warmth of the season is apparent on every street and in every business in the downtown area, with decorations, musical performances, and the decorated windows of major department stores. The city's buildings are all brightly lit to celebrate the season and the night is brought to a climax with a huge fireworks display at 9 PM. For more information, go to http://www.downtownpittsburgh.com/light-up-night-2009

2. B.E. Taylor Christmas Concert - B.E.Taylor has been doing this holiday concert of uniquely arranged Christmas songs for several years now and has amassed a following audience who look to these concerts as a kick-off to their holiday season. The concert locations are increasing every year but the favorite is at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh. Here are some dates and locations for the concerts this season:

DECEMBER 5, 2009
Middle School Auditorium--Beaver Falls, PA

DECEMBER 7, 2009
Orchard Hill Church--Wexford, PA

DECEMBER 8, 2009
Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center--Johnstown, PA

DECEMBER 14 & 15, 2009
Heinz Hall--Pittsburgh, PA

DECEMBER 19, 2009
Scottish Rite Cathedral--New Castle, PA

For tickets and more concert locations, go to http://betaylor.com/frames/appear_no_js_live.htm

3. 29th Annual Celebrate the Season Parade - November 28, 2009 - Downtown Pittsburgh brings a huge holiday parade event to the area. Many local and nationally known celebrities are in this parade. It has become Pittsburgh's version of the New York Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. For more information, go to http://www.wpxi.com/entertainment/20968558/detail.html

4. Pittsburgh CLO's A Musical Christmas Carol has become another holiday tradition, as this wonderful musical version of the Charles Dicken's classic has several performances from December 10 - 23, 2009 at the Byham Theater. For more information, tickets and show times, go to http://www.pittsburghclo.org/shows/view/8/refer:clo-shows

5. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the New York City Rockettes, began making this event available in other locations around the country in the last few years. This is a great way to celebrate the holiday season as it brings the traditional show into Pittsburgh at the Benedum Center from November 12 - December 6. For tickets and information, go to http://www.pct-arts.org/