FROM HOLIDAY CHEER TO WINTER TRAILS: PITTSBURGH PARKS CONSERVANCY UNVEILS SEASONAL PROGRAMS
Discover nature and seasonal fun across Pittsburgh’s parks this winter
PITTSBURGH – DECEMBER 1, 2025– The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy today announced an engaging lineup of winter events sure to get park-goers into the holiday spirit and help make the most of the winter months. The season kicks off with a collaborative art exhibit opening at the Frick Environmental Center on December 4. Maxo Vanka: Gift to America 2.0: New Voices. New Walls. reinterprets and reimagines the timeless Maxo Vanka Murals of Millvale and is on view until mid-March.
Next up, Mellon Square and Schenley Plaza promise to dazzle Pittsburghers with traditional holiday magic. Festive lighting displays, special guest appearances, a worldwide orchestral tradition, and a pop-up market will add a touch of brightness and cheer this holiday season. The Witches of Oz will fly into Mellon Square on December 6, followed by Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who on December 20. On both nights, visitors can enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate while exploring the enchanting light display.
“Unlike many outdoor spaces around the country, Pittsburgh’s parks offer exceptional programming year-round,” explained Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Operations and Visitor Engagement Director Matthew Hileman. “By activating park spaces this holiday season, we hope to encourage visitors to take in the magic of our parks over the winter months.”
Also on December 6, TUBACHRISTMAS will present a free afternoon performance outdoors under the tent in Oakland's Schenley Plaza. Dating back to the 1970s, this global phenomenon features local professional and amateur musicians of all ages performing traditional holiday music on tubas and euphoniums. Pittsburgh's concert will be guest-conducted by Jack Anderson, the former Director of Bands at the University of Pittsburgh. During the performance, guests can browse a pop-up holiday market featuring park-inspired gifts in Schenley Plaza, with proceeds benefiting the Parks Conservancy.
Park lovers looking to extend their holiday shopping can also head over to the Schenley Park Visitor Center or visit the nonprofit's online store to browse an exquisite selection of park-branded fleece, tumblers, and beanies to complete their winter wardrobe.
Even with winter's chill, there are plenty of naturalist-led programs designed to get Pittsburghers up and moving this season. There is no lack of excitement in the bird world during the colder months, and Birding Pittsburgh's Parks offers a fascinating way to start the day.
“Birds become more visible in winter, thanks to less concealment from leaves,” said Stephen Bucklin, naturalist educator. “Many species can only be found locally in the winter months, as Pittsburgh offers a warm retreat from their nesting grounds in the boreal forests of the north.”
Check out birding events in Schenley, Highland, and Point State Parks this season. Bucklin will also lead a variety of park expeditions, including Lichens of Schenley Park and Frick Park, a Winter Tree ID Walk, and a collaboration with BirdLab—Winter Seed Sowing 101, which teaches participants a simple and effective way to grow winter seeds in their own backyard. Naturalist-led hikes exploring lichens and native tree species offer the public an opportunity to learn about the local ecosystem from experts in the field, using magnifying glasses to enhance their exploration and understanding.
“Winter is a great time to get started on your garden for the upcoming year,” added Bucklin. “Our Winter Seed Sowing class will help folks learn how to plant native species to feed our native wildlife, like butterflies and birds.”
For those seeking peace and calm amid the holiday season's hustle and bustle, Forest Bathing with 10.27 Healing Partnership offers complimentary sessions at the Frick Environmental Center. Participants can embark on guided walks through the forest of Frick, immersing themselves in the serenity of the winter landscape, this January.
Last but certainly not least, little ones can get their hands dirty with immersive nature-inspired play at the Frick Environmental Center with a three-part Discovery Time Series. Throughout December, January, and February, children can learn about insects, rocks, and water while making playful creations on Sunday afternoons.
To view a digital version of the program guide, the complete program calendar, and register for events, please visit Pittsburghparks.org.
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About Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy:
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was founded in December 1996 by a group of citizens concerned with the deteriorating conditions of Pittsburgh’s historic city parks. A non-profit organization, the Parks Conservancy works closely with the City of Pittsburgh under an official public-private partnership agreement to restore and improve the city’s park system to its full potential. To date, the Parks Conservancy has raised more than $150 million and completed 25 major park improvement projects. The Parks Conservancy works with thousands of volunteers, hosts hundreds of events, and provides programming for more than 7,500 children annually.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact
Bethany Wells
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
412.956.0788
bwells@pittsburghparks.org