MonthlyFun – FamilyFun Things to Do in December
by Janet Jonus
December brings many holiday events including Holiday light displays, Holiday-themed shows and concerts, Christmas Trees, shopping, and Santa. There are also non-Holiday events too. Here is a list of our MonthlyFun Must-Do’s.
The Lawrenceville Joy of Cookies 2018 is a cookie scavenger hunt through 45 businesses in Lawrenceville. Pick up a map and go find those cookies! Joy of Cookies starts on November 30th and goes through December 2nd. Saturday December 1st is Lawrenceville’s Light Up Night at 630PM plus there is a free shuttle running through the Cookie Tour and you can buy gifts at the Cookie Shop and visit with Santa. All ages. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/joy-of-cookies-lawrenceville-holidays/
Younger kids will love Holiday Kidsplay in the Heinz Hall Courtyard every weekend through December 23rd and daily December 26th through the 31st. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood with fun kids activities, art, and crafts. Hours are 1100AM-700PM. This event is FREE but space is limited. Toddlers, preschool, and kids. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/holiday-kidsplay-heinz-hall-courtyard-2/
Take a tour of the beautifully decorated Nationality Rooms in the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland. Self-guided audio tours are available on weekends through December 23rd. Open 900AM-230PM on Saturdays and 1100AM-230PM on Sundays. $4.00 per person. The Annual Nationality Room Open House is Sunday December 2nd 1200-400PM. The Open House is FREE. Kids, tweens, teens. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/nationality-rooms-for-the-holidays-cathedral-of-learning/
Ride the Santa Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington, PA every weekend through December 16th. Take a ride on a decorated trolley around 2 miles of track. See the indoor train and LEGO displays. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, create a craft, and visit with Santa. 1000AM-500PM. $10-12. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/santa-trolley-pennsylvania-trolley-museum-2/
The Nutcracker debuts at the Benedum on November 3oth and runs through December 27th with a Sensory Friendly performance on December 27th at 200PM. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s lavish presentation of the classic holiday tale is sure to enchant. Kids, tweens, teens. $28-112. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/the-nutcracker-pittsburgh-ballet-theater-at-the-benedum-2/
For more HolidayFun read our article – Top 25 Things to Do in Pittsburgh for the Holidays! https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/holidayfun-top-25-things-to-do-in-pittsburgh-for-the-holidays/
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History has a holiday-themed Super Science Saturday: Holidays Around the World on December 8th. Learn about the holiday traditions and customs of cultures around the world at stations scattered throughout the Museum. Study amazing artifacts, taste traditional food, and make crafts. 1200PM-400PM FREE with Museum admission. Toddlers, preschool, kids, tweens. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/super-science-saturdays-carnegie-museum-of-natural-history/
The Carnegie Science Center has Technology Workshops on December 9th. There is a Makey-Makey Workshop for kids 8-12 years old from 900AM-1200PM. Discover circuits and currents as you use Makey-Makey kits to create a fruit piano and more. Teens 12+ can Explore Virtual Reality in a workshop using the latest technology and Science from 100-400PM. Each workshops costs $20-24 and pre-registration is required. Tweens and Teens. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/technology-workshops-carnegie-science-center-3/
AMC Waterfront has a Sensory-Friendly showing of Ralph Breaks the Internet at 1000AM. This PG rated film is a sequel to Wreck It Ralph. The Sensory-Friendly showing is for persons with sensory processing disorders or on the autism spectrum. The lights will stay on low, the sounds are turned down, and everyone is encouraged to experience the movie in their own way. $5 per ticket. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/sensory-friendly-movie-amc-waterfront-ralph-breaks-the-internet/
The Hip Hop Nutcracker heads to the Benedum December 11th and 12th. This mash-up of classical musical and modern dance breathes fresh life into the Christmas tradition. 730PM. Tickets are $30-75. Kids, tweens, teens. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/the-hip-hop-nutcracker-at-the-benedum/
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh has a Sensory-Friendly Afternoon from 100-500PM. Sound volumes are reduced and there are special activities as well as trained staff on-hand. Regular admission rates from $0-16. Babies and toddlers, preschool, kids, tweens. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/sensory-friendly-afternoon-childrens-museum-of-pittsburgh-3/
A Magical Cirque Christmas comes to the Benedum for one night on December 13th at 730PM. Enjoy the music of the holidays and the performances of amazing artists, acrobats, and illusionists. Kids, tweens, teens. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/a-magical-cirque-christmas-at-the-benedum/
The Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse has their holiday Creative Conundrum on December 16th from 300-500PM. Get your Creativity flowing with the Center for Creative Reuse. Make a holiday craft using repurposed and upcycled items. FREE. Preschool, kids, tweens, teens, https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/creative-conundrum-pittsburgh-center-for-creative-reuse-2/
The Harlem Globetrotters bring their unique wizardry to the Basketball court at the PPG Paints Arena on December 26th at 730PM. Tickets are $24-90. Preschool, kids, tweens, teens. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/harlem-globetrotters-ppg-paints-arena/
Family Fun Days at Phipps Conservatory brings activities, exploration, and adventure to Phipps for the holiday break. Family Fun Days are every day December 26th through the 30th from 1100AM-200PM. Regular admission rates $0-17.95. Babies and toddlers, preschool, kids, tweens. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/family-fun-days-at-phipps-conservatory/
Kids 8-11 years old can explore the Destination Moon exhibit at the Heinz History Center during History at Play: Moon Mania on December 28th from 1030AM-1200PM. $10. Kids and tweens. https://familyfunpittsburgh.com/event/history-at-play-moon-mania-heinz-history-center/
End the year with downtown with the First Night celebration. There are FamilyFun activities, entertainment, and fireworks. All ages. Watch for more information on FamilyFunPittsburgh coming soon!
