Hammajack Heat Co. and the Creation of Pittsburgh’s Hot Sauce Scene
September 23, 2025
Your Guide to Light Up Night & Pittsburgh’s Holiday Kickoff 2025
The most magical night in the Steel City returns! Highmark Light Up Night® officially launches the Pittsburgh holiday season on Saturday, November 22, 2025, transforming Downtown into a center of festive music, markets, and spectacular fireworks.
We’ve compiled a complete guide to navigate the festivities and plan your perfect night!
🗓️ Event Schedule: Lights, Music, and Fireworks
Not sure what you want to do? Here is the schedule of the tree lightings, bridge lightings, and fireworks—the events you won’t want to miss.
You can find free music and performances across multiple stages all night long:
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Highmark Main Stage (Penn Ave & Stanwix St.): Features local rock legends Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers (6:00 PM – 7:45 PM), preceded by the Pittsburgh CLO Mini Stars (4:00 PM).
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Xfinity Riverside Stage (Ft. Duquesne Blvd & 6th St.): The headline rock act The Calling (“Wherever You Will Go”) takes the stage at 8:30 PM.
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Heinz Hall Courtyard: Enjoy free concerts by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra throughout the evening (6:30 PM, 7:15 PM, 8:00 PM).
🛍️ Markets, Skating, and Family Fun
Beyond the lights, there are plenty of attractions open all day and into the night:
Peoples Gas Holiday Market™
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Location: Market Square
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Dates: The market soft-opens on Friday, November 21st, and is fully open on Light Up Night. It runs daily through December 24th.
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Must-Try: Stroll through the Alpine-style chalets and try the authentic Helmut’s Austrian Strudel and R Wine Cellar’s Glühwein (hot spiced wine).
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5 at 5 Bridge Party
Location: 6th Street Bridge | Details: Between 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM for the “$5 at 5” Bridge Party featuring discounted drinks and artisan food vendors, and DJ Slim spinning on the bridge.
The Rink at PPG Place
Location: PPG Plaza | Details: Ice skate around the dazzling 66-foot illuminated holiday tree. The rink opens for the season on November 14th.
Tip: Book your reservation online in advance!
Santa’s House
Location: Heinz Hall Courtyard | Details: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Bring the kids to visit with Santa (both Black and White Santas are available). Visits are by suggested donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
Highmark Holiday Block Party
Location: Penn Ave. and Stanwix St. (near the Highmark Tree) | Details: Features a light-up dance floor, silent disco, and outdoor fire pits to keep you warm and toasty while you enjoy the music and fireworks!
🅿️ Practical Tips for the Day
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Parking & Traffic: Expect major road closures starting Friday, November 21st.
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Best Transit Option: Use the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) and utilize the Fare Free Zone on the light rail (The T) to move around Downtown easily.
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Alternative Parking: Consider parking in the North Side or Mount Washington and using the Inclines or the free T-service to get Downtown.
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Warm Up Spots: Indoor venues like Heinz Hall (for the symphony concerts), the BNY Merry Marketplace at the Encore (100 7th Street), and the City-County Building (to see the Gingerbread House Display) offer great ways to duck out of the cold.
