Photo by Byelikova_Oksana
The ice rink at PPG Place is a place to gather for fun while planning a trip to explore the holiday shopping scene in Market Square.-DID YOU KNOW?-
By Tara Yilmaz
→ Did you know there are holly, jolly Christmas events for everyone in Pittsburgh this year?
→ Did you know the annual Highmark Light Up Night kicks off the holiday season in Pittsburgh? This November festival of concerts, family activities, and the illumination of the Golden Triangle is the precursor to Pittsburgh’s winter attractions.
→ Did you know in Market Square the Peoples Gas Holiday Market national and local vendors sell everything from unique holiday gifts to scrumptious delights? These vendors congregate in wooden chalets meant to resemble a German Christkindlmarkt from Nov. 19 through Dec. 23. Helmut’s Strudel serves authentic baked goods from Austria, including apricot and cherry strudels, bratwurst, pretzels, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider that are a staple in old-world cooking. There will be enough delectables to satisfy the sweetest sweet tooth!
→ Did you know you can taste and buy wine at the Holiday Market? R Wine Cellar, located in the historic Strip District, is a family-owned urban winery. This wine cellar sells wines made from grapes from South America, California, and Pennsylvania with minimal additives and preservatives, and will no doubt attract the conscious food and wine lover.
→ Did you know you can stuff both your face and your stockings at the Holiday Market? Season-long vendors such as Bali Made, 837 North, and Cha-Ching Coin Jewelry sell locally made tokens and custom crafts. 837 North will offer homemade perfumes and soy candles inspired by scents from around the globe. Bali Made has ethically made ornaments and wood boxes composed of sustainable wood. Cha-Ching Coin Jewelry features key chains, pendants, earrings, and bracelets.
With the trinkets available from each vendor at the Holiday Market there will be enough to fill all the 12 days of Christmas. Who would settle for turtle doves, French hens, pear trees, or geese a-laying when there are fantastic locally handcrafted gifts available!
→ Did you know the Pittsburgh Creche is the world’s only approved replica of the Vatican Nativity Scene? The stunning display opens during Light Up Night and remains open through Epiphany in January, which is the Christian celebration commemorating the presentation of the infant Jesus to the Three Wise Men. An estimated 250,000 people visit the attraction each year, and it has become a major visiting site for residents and out-of-towners.
→ Did you know Pittsburgh’s UPMC Rink at PPG Place is 67% larger than the Rockefeller Center ice rink and two-thirds the size of the National Hockey League rink? PPG is a staple attraction during the holiday season in Pittsburgh, and the premier ice-skating rink is a popular place for families, first-dates, friends, and couples to shout with glee and drink hot chocolate while creating memories. UPMC Rink at PPG is open from Nov. 19 through Feb. 27.