Holiday Travels: Pittsburgh at Christmas
I dare you–get a room in New York City any day between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Go ahead. Try it. I’ll wait.
Drums fingers.
What’s that, you say? You can’t find a room for less than $500 per night? Not even for next year? Please hold while I feign shock.
Feigns shock.
The truth is, holidays are prime travel times. Flight prices may be high–depending upon your destination–and hotel prices will likely be high, also depending upon your destination. But there are places you can go for a fraction of the price–and one hundred percent of the same holiday spirit.
For example, did you know that the ice rink at PPG Place in Pittsburgh (pictured above) is larger than the one at Rockafeller Center? And that, at $7 per adult, it is less than half the price? Did you know that it is surrounded by an awesome, mirror-fronted skyscraper complex that reflects the twinkling lights forever and forever into the horizon? Because it is, it is, and it does.
Did you also know that the entire city wraps itself in tinsel and poinsettias for the entire holiday season? And that, during my visit at least, it snowed slowly but steadily for the entire weekend, like some sort of Norman Rockwell painting meets 1940’s Bing Crosby Christmas movie? And that you can holiday shop to your hearts content at quaint boutiques, street-side craft stalls, or in major department stores? The Macy’s on Pittsburgh’s 5th Avenue has heart-warming, music-filled holiday window displays as well.
In short, Pittsburgh–yes, Pittsburgh–is a fantastic yuletide destination. Still don’t believe me? Then check out my photos from my late-December visit…
Poinsettias and Evergreens at the Phipps Conservatory
The Architecture Room at The Carnegie Museum
The Lobby of the Omni William Penn
The Nationality Rooms and The University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning
Holiday Decor and Wintry Weather at The Frick and Clayton
Market Square and PPG Place
If you’re not in the holiday spirit after all of that, well, you might require all the Whos down in Whoville to hold hands and start singing. Pittsburgh during the holiday season was simply stunning. And–full disclosure–I visited after Christmas day, in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve. Not a single poinsettia leaf was drooping, and all stockings were still hung with care.
Where is your favorite unexpected holiday destination? Share in the comments section below!
I have never thought of Pittsburgh as a holiday destination I must confess. But you have inspired me to put that on my list. I have not traveled over Christmas because of the crazy prices and just general crazy busyness of the season I guess. I absolutely adore Christmas lights and every year I want to take the time to go somewhere for the holidays. I look up where the best Christmas lights are and try to figure out how to make it happen but it just never seems to work out. I enjoy seeing pictures of different holiday trips others take though so thank you. Looks like a fun trip.
I never thought of it as a holiday destination either! But clearly it is.
I also adore all things Christmasy–I’m not sure why, but it doesn’t seem like it is going away any time soon! I really wanted to go to San Antonio this past Christmas–they have amazing lights or so I’ve heard–but it wasn’t in the cards this year. Which ended up being a good thing, because it meant that I ended up in Pittsburgh, which was great! I HIGHLY recommend it!
No pictures from the “Spirits of Giving” exhibit inside the beautiful PPG Wintergarden??? That’s my absolute favorite Pittsburgh Holiday Display. Just SO Magical, it includes: Life-size Santa Figures from all over the world, hundreds of handmade Gingerbread Houses constructed for the Childrens Hospital yearly fundraising project, a huge Model Train with Live Music and Decorated Christmas Tree– and all offered FREE to young and old. This site just can’t be beat!
Oh no! I missed something magical! Boo!
I guess then all the more reason to return next holiday season!
Worst of all, if you were already in PPG Plaza taking pictures at the skating rink, you were only a few feet away from the “Spirits of Giving”! I really thought I mentioned this exhibit to you on Trip Adviser because you specifically mentioned wanting to see Christmas Decorations while you were here, didn’t you? I’ll have to go back and re-read that thread on TA. Enjoying your Blog very much. . . .
You don’t need to go back–you completely DID tell me about that! Ugh! I was not thinking. Not even a little!
I really like your articles about Pittsburgh. On my recent visit I really began to realize the impact of the topography on the city’s development. OK- its probably obvious but I appreciated more Lawrenceville, tucked on a hillside and valley. It makes for a crowed, yet small town feel for the neighborhoods. The West End is the same way. I made a video of my trip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6aIbFp7ocI). Some things you might find interesting: the Mattress Factory (a great museum), the herd of deer I found on the northside, the West End neighborhood (absolutely delightful- again perched on a hill), and some great (enhanced) sunsets. It’s such a cool city. Thanks for your nice blog.