I think we can all agree that living in PA is not the best during the winter season. Who would want to walk outside to brown slush and below freezing weather. It’s an acquired taste, but not for me. Despite this, there are still numerous activities to get involved with this holiday season. So grab your coat and mittens and let’s go outside! 

1. Name PPG Place Ice Skating Rink
2. Location 100 Three PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
3. Cost $11-$12 for adults and an additional $5 for skate rentals 
4. Website  http://www.ppgplace.com/directory/the-rink/
5. Description  They are a seasonal outdoor ice rink in the center of the PPG Plaza. They usually open around November 20 (Typically every Light Up Night) and stay open until late February or early March. Admission tickets and skate rentals can be purchased on their website. 

Lindsay Mack went to PPG Place for a baton performance for the American Cancer Society’s “Tribute of Life” Celebration.  She went with Sarah Conley and two other friends. 

Mack said, “It was lots of fun especially because it wasn’t crowded at all, but it was very cold. After we left, we stopped at Chick-fil-a.”

1. Name Shadrack’s Christmas Lights
2. Location 205 Currie Rd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057
3. Cost $30-40 depending on the day of the week
4. Website https://shadrackchristmas.com/pittsburgh-butler-co-pa#gettickets
5. Experience the wonder of Christmas as cutting-edge technology unites with a multitude of lights and Christmas tunes. Everywhere you look is perfectly synchronized to the music on your radio. All in the comfort of your own car.

Amber Ludolff recently went to the Christmas lights. She was so excited to go, she decided to take the long way home and drive through the lights. 

Ludolff said, “The new location is so much nicer than the years before. I think the lights are bigger and better than ever.”

After she saw the lights, she craved some Panera. Her favorite item on the menu is grilled cheese, so she ordered the grilled cheese. 

1. Name Light up Night Sax
   onburg
2. Location E Main St Saxonburg, PA 16056
3. Cost free
4. Website no website
5. The Holiday Parade was on November 25th at 7pm. There were cookies and beverage trucks. 

Jay Allen attended the light up night. He was supposed to be in the student council float, but it didn’t work out. He ended up going with Amber Ludolff, Grace Bogacz, and Eden Moyer. 

Allen said, “My favorite part of the parade was watching Jake Santora cycle down the street with all of the cycle moms.”

1. Name Phipps Conservatory
2. Location 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
3. Cost $20-$30 depending on day of the week
4. Website https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/tickets
5. A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has provided a world-class garden experience to its visitors since 1893. It is a fantastic frozen journey that takes you through the enchanted arctic, with dripping icicle lights, hanging snowflakes and trees glowing blue. 

I have never been to Phipps Conservatory during the holiday season, but from the pictures it looks so pretty! 

1. Name Pittsburgh Zoo
2. Location 7370 Baker St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
3. Cost $50
4. Website https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/
5. Twinkle, shimmer, and shine your way through the season at the much anticipated return of the Zoo Lights Drive-Thru! Get cozy in your car as you drive through thousands of environmentally friendly LED lights that transform the park into an unforgettable winter wonderland.

Willow Danehy, Bella Oskin, Lily Hawks, Dara Patten, and Paige Wilson went to the zoo for Christmas lights.  

Wilson said, “We loved looking at the lights. It was fun even though it was a bit pricey.” 

I hope this article inspires you to try one of these activities to lighten up your Christmas. 

As Mr. Eakin said, “Go touch the grass kids.”