Downtown Pittsburgh – November 6, 2019 – The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and our many partners announced plans for Comcast Light Up Night® that include live music, attractions, and celebrations for the official Holiday Season kick off in Downtown Pittsburgh. Scheduled for Friday, November 22, 2019, the festivities showcase a blend of long-standing traditions and new holiday experiences to share with family and friends. Downtown Pittsburgh is expected to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors on Comcast Light Up Night®, kicking off a season of events.
“Downtown Pittsburgh truly shines during the Holiday Season and it all starts with Comcast Light Up Night®. We’re excited to welcome visitors to our Downtown neighborhood to enjoy activities, shopping, entertainment, and fun for all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong Pittsburgher or new to the area, Comcast Light Up Night® is an iconic Pittsburgh tradition you want to be a part of,” said Jeremy Waldrop, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
Comcast Keystone Region Senior Vice President Michael Parker adds, “Comcast Light Up Night® is an outstanding example of Pittsburgh’s sense of community and brings us all together in a way few events do. Comcast is pleased to join the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership again this year in continuing the evolution of a celebration that has something for every member of the community.”
Entertainment Highlights of Comcast Light Up Night® include:
- National recording artist and recent Queen front man Adam Lambert headlining the Comcast Main Stage at Ft. Duquesne Boulevard and Stanwix Street.
- Beauty Slap, a crowd favorite that blends traditional brass horns with contemporary dance music, on the BNY Mellon New Music Stage at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street.
- The EQT Jazzmasters Stage will offer MCG Jazz Presents: Celebrating The Music of Fred Rogers, with special appearances by Daniel Tiger. The performance will include some of Pittsburgh’s iconic jazz talents including Music Director Daniel May on piano, Dwayne Dolphin on bass, George Heid, III on drums, and vocals by Chantal Joseph.
- The celebration culminates with the BNY Mellon Fireworks Finale, put on by the first family of pyrotechnics, Zambelli! The show starts at 9:30 p.m. and is synchronized to your holiday hits broadcast live on Q92.9.
In addition, Comcast will offer free interactive attractions and entertainment as part of the evenings festivities:
- Stop at the Xfinity Experience located on the Clemente Bridge, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Even if the weather’s balmy, expect lots of snow as soon as you step onto the bridge! While there, warm up with a complimentary cup of hot chocolate and look for your friends and family in a live stream of images from across Light Up Night®. And a fan favorite from years past is returning: a winter sleigh will be onsite for visitors to use for holiday card photos.
- On Twitter and Instagram, be sure to use the hashtag #LUN2019, and you might see your pictures and posts on multiple jumbotrons around the Golden Triangle.
- Look for Comcast Street Team ambassadors outfitted in branded jackets throughout Downtown. They will be giving away Santa hats.
Other key highlights for Comcast Light Up Night® include:
Ft Duquesne Boulevard Riverfront Promenade
Ft. Duquesne Boulevard between 6th and Stanwix Streets will be a pedestrian promenade, filled with tasty food, vendors, and unique experiences. New this year, dozens of picnic tables and other seating will make this area even more inviting. It’s also the perfect spot to view the fantastic BNY Mellon Fireworks Finale.
BNY Mellon Fireworks Finale
Beginning at 9:30 p.m. don’t miss one of Pittsburgh’s most spectacular displays by the first family of pyrotechnics, Zambelli Fireworks, synchronized to a live holiday broadcast on Q92-9. Spectator viewing will be best on Ft. Duquesne Boulevard between Sixth and Stanwix Streets.
Peoples Gas Holiday Market™
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ will open with an expanded diversity of special gifts and every half hour Market Square will be transformed by the musically synchronized BNY Mellon Season of Lights, which kicks off with Santa flipping the switch at 5:45 p.m.
Tree Lightings and Ceremonies
A full slate of seven official tree lightings and ceremonies begins at noon with the dedication of the crèche at the US Steel Building and concludes at 7:00 p.m. with the lighting of Highmark Christmas Tree followed by rooftop fireworks and a jumbotron show. Additionally, many of Downtown’s signature buildings and businesses, including Fifth Avenue Place, One Oxford Centre, and PPG Place, will host a packed Comcast Light Up Night® schedule of music and free family activities.
Free Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Concerts
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will open the doors to Heinz Hall for several, free, mini-concerts on Comcast Light Up Night®. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. guests are invited to enjoy holiday classics. The mini concerts will last about 30 minutes and visitors may pop in at any time.
City-County Building Tours and Gingerbread House Display and Competition
City of Pittsburgh is proud to open the doors of the historic City-County Building (414 Grant Street) to the public, allowing a unique behind the scenes look at the seat of Pittsburgh’s government when decorated in its holiday best! Visitors are invited to stop by on Comcast Light Up Night®, Friday, November 22 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Plus Pittsburgh’s annual Gingerbread House Display & Competition moves to the Grand Lobby of the City-County Building. Returning this year, see a model train weaving through the exhibit.
Trust Oasis
Dance your way into the holiday season with live DJ performances in the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s pop-up art experience at 133 7th Street featuring temporary, large-scale installations. Dance party is from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Blast! Party
One way visitors can take their Comcast Light Up Night® celebration to the next level is to attend Blast! The VIP Party. Hosted by Comcast and thrown by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, the event will be held once again in the upper lobby of the U.S. Steel Tower. As an added bonus, guests will have the rare opportunity to go ON the roof of the Steel Building (weather permitting) for this ticketed event featuring signature cocktails, fine foods, desserts, and entertainment! Also, with ticket purchase, guests will receive special viewing access for the BNY Mellon Firework finale. To learn more about the event and to purchase tickets, visit DowntownPittsburgh.com/Holidays.
Food, Glorious Food
Visitors to Comcast Light Up Night® are encouraged to bring their appetites because Pittsburgh’s best-loved food trucks will be stationed at 3 locations in Downtown. Hungry revelers can find food at EQT Plaza on Liberty Avenue, at the Penn Avenue Extension near Gateway Plaza, and on the Ft. Duquesne Boulevard and 6th Street.
Vendors include: Le’s Oriental – Seivers Concessions – Uzi’s Pastries – Panca – Redstart Roasters – Grandpa Joe’s – The Vault – Steel City Jerky – La Tutti Cake, LLC – Revival Chili – Little Athens – South Side BBQ Company – Hoshi Food Truck – La Catrina Mexican Food LLC – PGH Halal Foods LLC – The Coop Chicken and Waffles – Blue Sparrow – Emporio Meatball Truck – Cilantro & Ajo Venezuelan Street Food – Totopo Mexican Food Truck – Miso Hungry – PGH Crepes – Knock About Coffee – Pittsburgh Pierogi Truck – Hot Bunz Food Truck LLC – Three Seasons
Vendors are subject to change. Visit DowntownPittsburgh.com/Holidays for the most current information.
Complete Schedule of Comcast Light Up Night® Events:
Official Tree Lighting and Ceremonies
12:00 p.m. U.S. Steel Tower Dedication of the Crèche
4:45 p.m. Allegheny County Courthouse Tree & Tower Lighting
5:15 p.m. City-County Building Tree Lighting
5:30 p.m. PPG Plaza Tree Lighting
5:45 p.m. One Oxford Centre Tree Lighting
5:45 p.m. BNY Mellon Season of Lights Countdown
7:00 p.m. Highmark ChristmasTree Lighting with Rooftop Fireworks & Jumbotron Show
Stages
Comcast Main Stage
Ft. Duquesne Boulevard and Stanwix Street
The Comcast Main Stage is where you’ll want to be for exciting, live music all night long, headlined this year by Adam Lambert. Rising to national attention on American Idol and recently touring with rock super-group Queen, Adam Lambert just released his latest album, Velvet, featuring the songs “New Eyes” and “Superpower.” Also on stage, don’t miss Pittsburgh icon and Bruce Springsteen collaborator Joe Grushecky as well as up and coming rockers the Nox Boys.
6:00 p.m. The Nox Boys
7:00 p.m. Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers
8:30 p.m. Adam Lambert
BNY Mellon New Music Stage
Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street
The BNY Mellon New Music Stage is bringing together some of Pittsburgh’s most talked-about local talent for a night of R&B, funk, and indie rock. Kicking off the night will be Beauty Slap, a crowd favorite that blends traditional brass horns with contemporary dance music. Also on stage: Tribe Eternal, an R&B collaboration featuring vocalist Clara Kent, and Krunk Movement.
6:00 p.m. Beauty Slap
7:00 p.m. Lighting of the Highmark Christmas Tree
7:30 p.m. Tribe Eternal
8:30 p.m. Krunk Movement
EQT Jazzmasters Stage
EQT Plaza, 625 Liberty Avenue
MCG Jazz Presents: Celebrating the Music of Fred Rogers with special appearances by Daniel Tiger at the EQT Plaza. Experience some of Pittsburgh’s iconic jazz talents including Music Director Daniel May on piano, Dwayne Dolphin on bass, George Heid, III on drums, and vocals by Chantal Joseph.
Holiday Market Stage at Market Square
Count down with Santa as he flips the giant switch to the dazzling BNY Mellon Season of Lights with more than 150,000 lights and a 35’ high sphere tree synchronized to favorite holiday music! The light show repeats every half hour alternating with holiday tunes by award winning barbershop singers Vocal Confluence.
5:45 p.m. Santa Flips the Switch for the BNY Mellon Season of Lights. Show repeats every half hour.
Partner Activities and Events
Fifth Avenue Place
5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Discover a shimmering display featuring Ice Circus Animals with live ice carving shows by Rick Bubin of Ice Creations.
7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Highmark Unity Tree Lighting with Rooftop Fireworks & Jumbotron Show, countdown with Mr. McFeely. At the Corner of Penn Avenue & Stanwix Street.
One Oxford Centre
5:45 p.m. Annual Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival – Join One Oxford Centre for the official lighting of their 30-foot Christmas tree and welcome Santa Claus! Santa will be on hand to hear children’s holiday wishes.
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides – Take a ride around the block in a beautiful horse drawn carriage. Pick up will be on Fourth Avenue. (Last ride at 8:45 p.m.)
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Santa’s Reindeer and Free Activities – Santa’s faithful reindeer are ready to greet you in the outdoor plaza. Enjoy free indoor activities for children such as face painting, balloon art, and live music by Scott and Rosanna.
PPG Place
The MassMutual Pittsburgh Ice Rink is open until midnight on Light Up Night®.
4:45 – 5:00 p.m. Robert Morris University Island Sports Figure Skating – Kick off the holiday season with a dazzling performance.
5:00 – 5:30 p.m. East End Kids – This talented group kicks off the evening’s festivities with a dazzling performance.
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. American Cancer Society’s Tribute of Light/Plaza Tree Lighting – The Plaza will glow as more than 300 people carry hand-held Tribute of Light memorials, dedicated to someone touched by cancer. The ceremony culminates with the lighting of the breathtaking 65-foot Plaza Christmas tree. All proceeds benefit The American Cancer Society.
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Guitar virtuoso Bryan Nash plays the sounds of the season.
Open until 9:30 p.m. Visit the Spirit of Giving from Around the World Exhibit and admire a display of 16 life-size Santas and original paintings depicting holiday traditions from around the globe. New Location: Two PPG Place and One PPG Place Lobby
DowntownPittsburgh.Com/Holidays
As a helpful resource for the anticipated crowds, the PDP has a comprehensive website www.DowntownPittsburgh.com/Holiday that provides an overview of the events and activities occurring throughout Downtown Pittsburgh this holiday season including schedules and maps for Light Up Night®, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™, Downtown shopping, cultural performances and special weekend activities. The PDP also produces a weekly Holiday Season e-newsletter to keep everyone current with the latest holiday updates. To receive this e-newsletter, visit http://www.downtownpittsburgh.com/subscribe.
