This holiday season, Mellon Square transforms into a winter wonderland with Aurora: Illuminating the Holiday Magic of Mellon Square. Coming November 23, experience Pittsburgh’s newest holiday tradition as a radiant wave of light brings Mellon Square to life, creating a magical atmosphere for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.
Partnering with renowned public art specialists Shiftworks and acclaimed light installation artist Joshua Ice, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has curated a breathtaking spectacle. Aurora features hundreds of diamond-shaped panels, which shift their hues as they catch the breeze or respond to the touch of passersby. Arranged in an argyle pattern, these panels echo the terrazzo design of the park’s ground, as though the iconic diamonds have come to life, lifting off and floating in the air. The installation rises and dips as it bounces across pathways, stretches over the central fountain, and weaves through landscaping and gathering spaces, soaring more than two-stories high at its peak.
Whether you're taking a stroll through the glowing surroundings or sipping hot cocoa from the seasonal cocoa cart, Aurora offers something for everyone. From live music to "Holly Trolleys," this is a celebration of light, joy, and community that you won’t want to miss.
With the generous support of The Benter Foundation and Eden Hall Foundation, Aurora is set to be the marquee holiday attraction in downtown Pittsburgh, offering a unique blend of art, light, and festive cheer.
Additional support for Aurora comes from the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
Schedule of Events and Seasonal Attractions
Enjoy Mellon Square this holiday season by exploring the festive programs below!
FREE TROLLEY RIDES
Saturday, November 23: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday, November 30: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday, December 7: 1:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday, December 14: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday, December 21: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday, December 28: 1:00pm-8:30pm
Light Up Night 2024
Date: November 23
Time: 6:00 PM
Cello Fury
Cello Fury is bringing their dynamic sound to Mellon Square for an electrifying two-night holiday performance, celebrating the spirit of the season with original music that blends cinematic, symphonic melodies with a rock-driven beat. Known for their high-energy shows, Cello Fury will perform with three cellos and drums, creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere as part of the Aurora: Illuminating the Holiday Magic of Mellon Square program. This concert is part of a larger seasonal activation that transforms Mellon Square into a holiday wonderland, dazzling visitors through mid-January.
Date: November 26 and November 27
Time: 7:00 PM
Saturday in the Square
Saturday in the Square
Join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for the first “Saturday in the Square” party of the season! Watch as Aurora: Illuminating the Holiday Magic of Mellon Square makes its official debut and dazzles in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.
Enjoy festive holiday music and catch a live performance by the Pittsburgh Festival Opera. Capture a magical holiday photo with Aurora, courtesy of Keep Pittsburgh Dope, and stay connected with the sights and sounds of the season with a ride on the FREE Holly Trolley, shuttling between Mellon Square and Market Square.
Date: November 30
Time: 4:30 PM
Saturday in the Square
Beginning at noon, the selfguided Best Bites Tour will take ticketed guests on a food and drink tour that explores Downtown Pittsburgh’s vibrant food scene. The tour will feature over 16 deliciously festive tastings from local restaurants, bars, and more. Guests will be taken on a jolly tour of holiday sights as they indulge in refreshing drinks and tasty bites, with Mellon Square’s Aurora acting as the tour’s homebase.
As the tour winds down, visitors to Downtown and tour guests alike will be invited to The Commoner’s pop-up. This Mellon Square District darling known for its James-Beard nominated chef’s inventive eats and avant garde cocktails is crossing the street to bring cheer to Mellon Square. The Commoner Corner will dazzle under the lights of Aurora and feature holiday-inspired cocktails and mocktails along with delicious handheld snacks.
Live musical performances by Nick Guckert and Joe Grushecky and The House Rockers will set the tone for another glittering night in the square. The Mellon Square Holly Trolley will offer free and festive rides from festivities in Mellon Square to Market Square to the Cultural District and back again.
Date: December 7
Saturday in the Square
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and Shiftworks invite Pittsburghers and visitors alike to the launch of Beautifully Lit: A Self-Guided Tour. This unique collaboration highlights stunning installations, their creators, and the rich history woven into the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.
Beautifully Lit will be available throughout the holiday season, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Begin your journey at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy information station at AURORA in Mellon Square, where you can pick up a tour passport. Each stop features engaging videos and QR codes, unlocking stories and insights with just a smartphone.
Evening Highlights Include:
7:00 PM – Deryck Tines Gospel Singers: Pastor Deryck Tines and his dynamic ensemble will deliver an electrifying performance at AURORA, blending gospel songs, spirituals, and hymns that celebrate Black history, spirituality, and soul.
Mellon Park Cocoa Cart: Warm up with complimentary hot cocoa, available while supplies last.
5:30 – 8:30 PM Holly Trolley: Enjoy free festive rides connecting Mellon Square, Market Square, and the Cultural District.
Celebrate the season with art, music, and community as you explore the magic of Beautifully Lit. This event is free and open to all.
Date: December 14
Saturday in the Square
Please note that the special performance of the Ellington-Strayhorn’s Nutcracker is CANCELLED due to the weather.
The Commoner Winter Warm-Up pop-up reopening at 5:00 PM. Gather for an evening of seasonal cocktails, mocktails, warm beverages, and tasty snacks for all ages.
- 5:00 PM – The Commoner Winter Warm-Up opens
- 5:30 PM - Holly Trolley begins
- Beautifully Lit – A Self-Guided Tour: Pick up a Passport at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Information Tent in Mellon Square to experience the magic of downtown Pittsburgh.
Date: December 21
Saturday in the Square - Season Send-Off
Join us for a festive farewell to Aurora with a day full of holiday cheer and entertainment!
The December 28 Saturday in the Square is an extended day of fun at the Holiday Hop. Beginning at noon, families will flock to Mellon Square for a kid-friendly food and fun tour of Downtown Pittsburgh. With over a dozen stops, guests of all ages will be delighted with festive holiday food and drink tastings, holiday entertainment, story time, and craft stations. The Mellon Square Hot Cocoa Cart will be active throughout the day, offering complimentary hot cocoa. The Holiday Hop is a ticketed event with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Purchase tickets here.
Keep Pittsburgh Dope, the city’s beloved photographer, will offer free holiday portraits under the lights of Aurora from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Pre-registration for professional holiday photos is encouraged. Click here to save your spot!
- Enjoy a live Holiday Songwriter Showcase featuring Coltt Winter Lepley and Dave Shepherd
- Warm up with free hot cocoa at the Mellon Square Hot Cocoa Cart, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
- Explore seasonal pop-up surprises from Mellon Square District restaurants.
- 7:00 PM - Delight in an uplifting performance from the legendary Derek Tynes Gospel Singers during the evening’s finale.
Date: December 28
Time: 12:00 PM
Joshua Challen Ice is a sculptor and installation artist known for transforming public spaces with immersive, interactive artworks that engage both the environment and the people who encounter them through light, movement, and interactive design. Inspired by the built environment and everyday objects, Ice reimagines these elements to create engaging public sculptures that invite viewers to see their surroundings in new ways. His installations encourage interaction and exploration.
With a background in lighting design and entertainment technology, Ice’s work blends artistic creativity with technical precision, resulting in immersive environments that connect people to the space around them. His installations are carefully crafted to respond to their surroundings, often incorporating architectural features or responding to natural elements. Ice’s work has been exhibited in a wide range of settings, from galleries like SPACE Gallery and The Sculpture Center to public spaces in Pittsburgh and beyond.
Journey Through Art + Light
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and Shiftworks invite Pittsburghers and visitors alike to experience Beautifully Lit: A Self-Guided Tour. This unique collaboration highlights stunning installations, their creators, and the rich history woven into the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.
Beautifully Lit will be available throughout the holiday season, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Begin your journey at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy information station at Aurora in Mellon Square, where you can pick up a tour passport. Each stop features engaging videos and QR codes, unlocking stories and insights with just a smartphone.
A heartfelt thank you to Jim Cunningham and WQED-FM for their invaluable participation in this project!
