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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2025 |
Jacob Williams
Press Officer
Jacob.Williams@pittsburghpa.gov
(412) 667-8264 |
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CITY OF PITTSBURGH TREE LIGHTING, ENTERTAINMENT & GINGERBREAD DISPLAY LAUNCH SET FOR LIGHT UP NIGHT
Schedule & Roadway Closures for Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
Pittsburgh, PA – On Saturday, Nov. 22, the celebration of Pittsburgh’s holiday season will officially launch with the lighting of the 110th City of Pittsburgh's Christmas tree on the Portico of the City-County Building, musical entertainment on Grant Street, and the unveiling of the 23rd annual Gingerbread House Display and Competition in the building's grand lobby.
The 110th Christmas Tree, a Norway Spruce, is coming from Leslie Park in Lawrenceville. The City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works Forestry Division advises that there will be closures of Grant Street between Third Avenue and Fifth Avenue from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 15th, to allow the Forestry Division to transport and install the tree at the City-County Building. On Sunday, November 16th, the northbound travel lane of Grant Street closest to the City-County Building will be closed from 6:30 am to 2:00 pm for crews to finish tree decorating.
Drivers can expect temporary delays and rolling traffic closures beginning at 7:30 am to 9:30 am along Butler Street beginning at 46th Street toward the 62nd Street Bridge, proceeding South on Route 28 towards the Veterans Bridge to Crosstown Boulevard exiting onto Grant Street. Both travel lanes at the City County Building will be closed during the installation. Roadway users will be detoured via Ross Street and Forbes Ave. ‘NO PARKING’ signage will be posted along tree route.
NOVEMBER 22nd TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY & ENTERTAINMENT ON GRANT STREET STAGE
The City of Pittsburgh's celebration of the 2025 holiday season kicks off with the lighting of a magnificent decorated 40-foot evergreen on the Portico of the City-County Building on Saturday, November 22, as part of Highmark Light Up Night festivities. The celebration on the Portico and along Grant Street will include musical entertainment, fireworks, a light show, food trucks and the lighting of the City's official Christmas tree, the only live holiday tree in Downtown Pittsburgh.
The tree lighting carries on a treasured tradition for the 110th year. Pittsburgh's official Christmas Tree was first erected at the construction site of the City-County Building in 1915. For more than a century, a beautiful live evergreen (the only live holiday tree Downtown) has graced the front steps of our seat of government. The 40-foot tree will be decorated with hundreds of larger-than-life ornaments, including Pittsburgh’s Coat of Arms designed by Wendell August Forge and 90 distinct ornaments, each bearing the name of Pittsburgh's beloved neighborhoods.
“Lighting the City of Pittsburgh’s Christmas Tree is one of our city’s most cherished traditions, and I’m proud to help carry it forward into its 110th year,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “This tree stands as a symbol of the joy, unity, and resilience that define Pittsburgh, a city built on community and care for one another. I’m grateful to everyone who helps make this celebration a moment of pride for all who call Pittsburgh home.”
Visitors to the City-County Building can also view the 23rd Annual Gingerbread House Display and Competition until 7:30 pm on November 22nd. This beloved Pittsburgh tradition has dazzled thousands of guests for over two decades. The display featuring hundreds of handmade gingerbread house creations can be viewed in the grand lobby November 22 through December 31, 2025.
The City of Pittsburgh Christmas Tree Lighting and 23rd Annual Gingerbread Display are presented by Clearview Federal Credit Union.
NOVEMBER 22nd CITY-COUNTY BUILDLING PORTICO & GRANT STREET STAGE SCHEDULE
- 4 - 4:45 pm EAST WINDS SYMPHONIC BAND SAXOPHONES
- 5 - 5:20 pm TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
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5:20 pm ALEX PECK TRIO
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6:30 pm LIGHT SHOW
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
- Inquires regarding the X-Mas tree and roadway closures:
- Press Officer Department of Mobility & Infrastructure, Department of Public Works: Jacob Williams Jacob.Williams@pittsburghpa.gov (412) 667-8264
- Inquiries regarding the tree lighting event and performances:
- Press Officer Department of Parks & Recreation, Office of Special Events: Pilar Briggs Pilar.Briggs@pittsburghpa.gov (412) 925-5518
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