Get ready to experience Pittsburgh’s newest holiday tradition! We have your family guide to Aurora: Illuminating the Holiday Magic of Mellon Square coming November 23 to Mellon Square in downtown Pittsburgh.
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.
 | FREE TROLLEY RIDES |
ALL ABOARD the Holly Trolley in Mellon Square to enjoy the bright sights of the city, with a stop in Market Square to shop the Holiday Market or visit the iconic Ice Rink at PPG Place. NEXT STOP, the Cultural District where you can soak in dazzling lights and sights or hop off to enjoy a show. LOOP BACK to Mellon Square to make sweet holiday memories at AURORA and enjoy special programming and gorgeous holiday photo opps.
THE HOLLY TROLLEY SCHEDULE
Saturday, November 23rd: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday, November 30th: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday, December 7th: 1:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday, December 14th: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday, December 21st: 1:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday, December 28th: 5:30pm-8:30pm
 | LIGHT UP NIGHT 2024 |
Start the holiday season in Downtown Pittsburgh with an unforgettable evening of family fun! Meet enchanting princesses from the frosty realms of northern Europe, and watch as skilled ice sculptors transform blocks of ice into breathtaking masterpieces. Festive carolers will fill the air, and the hot cocoa stand will make its sweet debut and Mellon Square District restaurants will pop-up with cocktails, mocktails, and tasty bites to toast the season. Take a spin on the "Holly Trolley," offering a scenic shuttle between Mellon Square and Market Square. Plus, be among the first to preview Aurora before the illuminated sculpture officially lights up the Mellon Square district later in November!
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, 2024 and November 27, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
 | PITTSBURGH FESTIVAL OPERA |
Enjoy an enchanting evening of operatic voices performing songs from film, Broadway, and opera. This winter-inspired performance features award-winning stars of the Pittsburgh Festival Opera.
Date: November 30
Time: 7:00 PM
 | APRES TEA HAPPY HOUR |
Ritual House is warming up your winter. Introducing RH's Apres-Ski... it's not a happy hour, it's a lifestyle. Bundle up in your cozy best or slope-ready favorites as we kick off at the new AURORA in Mellon Square Park. Ticketed guests will gather at the official lighting of the newest holiday experience for a taste of the season. Toast under the lights of AURORA with caviar bites and custom cocktails.
Ticketed guests can warm up across the street in Ritual House's new Lotus Room where they will find a spread of delicious canapes, seasonal cocktails, and a stylish gift perfect for winters in Pittsburgh. The chic new event space will be transformed to a luxe lodge where guests can defrost in style.
There for the lights and not for the lodge? Ritual House's Apres-Ski Bar will be in the park from 5pm-9pm that evening and will have custom cocktails and warming cheer for sale to all guests and passersby throughout the evening!
Look for our Apres Ski pop-up events all winter long. Limited tickets available for each event. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. $75 ticket includes food & 3 drink tickets @ Aurora official lighting on 11.30 + access to the Lotus Room luxe lodge space.
Date: November 30
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Registration required - sign up here!
 | BEST BITES |
Experience the festive flavors of the holiday season with Best Bites Downtown! This self-guided food and drink tour invites you to explore Downtown Pittsburgh’s vibrant food scene, featuring 15+ deliciously festive tastings from local restaurants, bars and more.
Have a jolly time walking around Downtown and indulging in seasonal beers, themed cocktails and warm, comfort-food bites. Plus, delight in the magical sights of Mellon Square's radiant light installation, creating a perfect blend of culinary exploration and holiday cheer in the heart of the city.
Date: December 7
Registration Required — Secure Your Spot Here!
 | DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY HOP! |
Join us for the Downtown Holiday Hop, a festive celebration where families can explore charming local establishments and enjoy a variety of holiday happenings. This interactive event features activities for all ages, from crafts and games to seasonal treats, ensuring a memorable experience filled with joy and holiday spirit. Don't miss the chance to make cherished memories together in the heart of downtown!
Date: December 21
Registration coming soon!
 | DUKE ELLINGTON'S NUTCRACKER |
Jazz legend Duke Ellington's 1960 interpretation of "The Nutcracker" was arranged with Pittsburgh jazz artist Billy Strayhorn. This one-night-only event features a 17-piece big band offering three performances of this iconic holiday classic, including stories and commentary on the creation of the work and its Pittsburgh connection.
Date: December 21
Time: 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM
 | THE DERYCK TINES GOSPEL SINGERS |
Pastor Deryck Tines leads a high-energy, spiritually-energizing, and soul-stirring musical performance. The show features dynamic singers and a medley of gospel songs, spirituals, and hymns celebrating Black history, spirituality, and soul.
Date: December (TBD)
Time: TBD
