One of the sad truths that we must face is a harsh and cold one: winter is coming. Whether we like it or not, the muddy, slush-covered ground is fast approaching.
People will hang Christmas lights and ring bells of the New Year, and then we will face the drudgery of post-holiday winter. As the temperatures begin to decrease and the Christmas excitement fades, so too do our happiness and social lives. Often, we let it become the least wonderful time of the year.
But it doesn’t have to be a season of isolation. I have compiled a list of the best local winter activities so you have something to do if you are bored, cold, and lonely on a random day this winter. Grab a friend and get out of the house!
I have scoured the internet, asked around, and used my own experiences so that you have a wide variety of options that fit all of your needs. Instead of having another monotone winter, embrace the cold and go see new places and do new things! Are you sick of having a depressing, lacking winter? Let it go!! Let it go!! You can start by completing this list.
Ice skating at North Park
- Outdoor ice skating rink
- Open from mid-November to mid-March
- 1101 Pearce Mill Road, Allison Park, PA 15101
- 33 minutes from the school
- Cost for resident: $5; Non-Resident: $6
- Skate Rental: Resident $4.50; Non-Resident: $6
- Visit Allegheny County Website for updated hours and more information
Light Up Night in Pittsburgh
- Start the holiday season right with tree lightings, fireworks, and lit-up bridges!
- November 3rd, 2024
- Free admission! Includes live music!
- Fifth Avenue Place: 527 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
- 44 minutes from the school
- Visit Light Up Night in Pittsburgh for updated information as the date approaches!
Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Pittsburgh
- Adorable Christmas market filled with gifts for everyone!
- 28 Market Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
- 46 minutes from the school
- Right next to the UPMC Ice Skating Rink!
- Open daily from November 22nd-December 24th
- Monday-Thursday: 11 am-8 pm
- Friday & Saturday: 11 am-9 pm
- Sunday: 11 am-6 pm
- Christmas Eve: 11 am-3 pm
- Closed Thanksgiving
- Free admission!
- Visit Peoples Gas Holiday Market for more information
Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show
- Indoor and outdoor gardens wrapped in Christmas cheer!
1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213- 52 minutes from the school
- Open November 16th until January 5th
- Tickets are on sale now!
- Visit Phipps Holiday Magic for more information or to buy your tickets!
Carnegie Museum
- Did you know that all Carnegie Museums are FREE for teens?? I bet you didn’t.
- Teens ages 13-18 who are residents of Pennsylvania are eligible for a free teen membership. With this membership, you can get into the Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum for free! (They also enjoy a 10% discount in museum stores and cafes!!!)
- For more information or to sign up for a membership, visit Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
That’s all for my list, but if you are looking to find more information on activities in our area, head to Eventbrite or NEXTpittsburgh! They are great resources with tons of unique events that you wouldn’t hear about otherwise.
I hope that one of these activities piqued your interest! If you go to one of the places on my list, be sure to tell me about it. Last year I went to the Christmas Market and the UPMC Rink on Christmas Eve. I had a great time exploring the market and skating in a beautiful holiday atmosphere, so I highly recommend it.
This winter is your season to seize every opportunity and experience a whole new array of wonderful activities in our area, so I suggest you start now. Happy Adventuring!
