Pittsburgh Light Up Night By Haylee Shaffer

Pittsburgh Light up night is November 22, 2025, marking their 63rd anniversary. This event is for all ages to enjoy. The city has so many activities such as watching the lighting of the tree, fireworks, ice skating, dancing, crafts, and music. There’s also a gingerbread house competition at the city-county building. Light up night even has food and drink vendors.  

There’s live music containing many different genres. The music playing will be anything from national headliners to local legends and carolers. Pittsburgh’s symphony orchestra is also included with the live music performances since the audience doesn’t need tickets for this event. Music will be heard downtown, and some people will be dancing. 

What truly makes light up night is the lighting of the tree. The first thing to be full of lights is the U.S. Steel Tower. Second is the Allegheny County Tree & tower during a ceremony held at the County Court House Courtyard. Third to be lit up is the City County building tree, which takes place at the PPG Plaza. The next tree to be lit is the one in Oxford Center. The last and final tree to be lit would be the lighting of the Highmark tree at the corner of Stanwix Street & Penn Avenue.                                             

Lenape Tech students and teachers have been asked if they go to any light up nights during the holidays. Unfortunately, people at the Tech do not seem to annually attend local light up nights.  However, there is a local light up night in Kittanning that seems to be more attended. 

Food trucks and drink vendors are common with light up nights. There is also an app to download to know where the food trucks can be located. The most popular food truck in Pittsburgh around light up night in November is the BRGR truck. Serving gourmet burgers with their signature consists of bacon, jam, and cheddar. Always a crowd favorite in Pittsburgh.               

At Heinz Hall, there are activities for the kids to do, make sure to be dressed warmly since the kid activities are held in the Heinz Hall courtyard with crafts, science activities, and more. Mister Rogers was a main attraction in Heinz Hall for the kids to take pictures with his replica.