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Holiday Cheer: List of holiday-themed activities
Thursday, November 19, 2009

Looking for Christmas spirit? It's all around us. Here is the big holiday list with Light Up Nights, "Nutcrackers," concerts, plays and more.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS Hartwood Acres, Hampton and Indiana townships. The 3.2-mile drive-through Christmas display, now in its 15th year, features more than 2 million lights and 300 animated characters. It benefits The Salvation Army/WTAE-TV Project Bundle-Up and various local charities. Nov. 20-Jan. 3. Sun.-Thurs. 6-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 6-11 p.m. $12 per car. 412-767-9200.

OGLEBAY WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Oglebay Park, Wheeling, W.Va. Six-mile drive-through display features the 12 Days of Christmas, Snowflake Tunnel, Peanuts gang plus model-train display and laser shows. A light and music show at Good Zoo at Oglebay runs every 20 minutes nightly, with 35,500 lights choreographed to holiday music from Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Through Jan. 3. Dusk-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs.; until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Suggested donation $15. 1-800-624-6988.

HOLIDAY PLACES

CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART/NATURAL HISTORY Oakland. The traditional display of holiday trees celebrates decorative arts (Dec. 4-Jan. 10). Preview party Dec. 3, 5:30-8 p.m. ($60; 412-622-3325); Neapolitan presepio, a miniature Nativity scene with more than 100 life-like figures created 1700- 1830 (Dec. 4-Jan. 10), tours daily. Holiday concerts Sat. and Sun. 1 p.m.: Brooke Annibale (Dec. 5); Chatham Choir (Dec. 6); Robert and Roberta Erickson: Solo and Duet Handbells (Dec. 12); Center for Young Musicians (Dec. 13); Joy Ike (Dec. 19); Frank Cappelli (Dec. 20). Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. 412-622-3131.

CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER North Shore. Holiday-themed offerings featuring Fallingwater, the latest original replica in the 2,300-square-foot Miniature Railroad & Village (opens Nov. 27). Breakfast Express features trains, stories, breakfast, a morning of activities and crafts, "The Polar Express: An IMAX Experience" and more: Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 9 a.m.--1 p.m. 412-237-3400. CarnegieScienceCenter.org.

COMPASS INN MUSEUM Route 30, Laughlintown. Restored 1799 stagecoach stop furnished with period pieces. Christmas Tours, 5-8 p.m. Nov. 27 and 3-7 p.m. Nov. 28-29; Festival of Lights, Dec. 5-13; Christmas Candlelight Tours, 3-7 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 12-13. 724-238-4983.

FRICK ART & HISTORICAL CENTER Point Breeze. Tours of Clayton, the 23-room turn-of-the-20th-century Frick mansion, featuring holiday decorations in the spirit of the early 1900s and customs of calling on and receiving visitors during the Gilded Age. Seasonal craft workshops and other activities. Through Jan. 3. Holiday hours: Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Extended hours Dec. 9, 11, 16, and 18, when the site, including The Cafe, is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Clayton admission: $12 adults; $10 seniors, students, military.

GATEWAY CLIPPER CRUISES Station Square. Santa Fun Cruises Nov. 27-29, Dec. 5-9, 12-13 and 19-20 (call for times); Holiday Captains Dinner Cruise 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20 and 28, Dec. 4-5, 12, 18-19; Holiday Luncheon Cruises, noon Dec. 4, 11-12, 17. 412-355-7980.

HARMONY MUSEUM Seasonal display of the Yobp-Eckstein log house village and toy railroad. Harmony is at I-79 exits 87-88, about 10 miles north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and 30 miles south of I-80. 1-4 p.m. daily except Mondays and holidays, through early January. Harmony. 724-452-7341; www.harmonymuseum.org.

HARTWOOD ACRES Indiana Township. The mansion is decorated for the holidays. Candlelight Tours Dec. 1-2, 7-9, 14-15, 5-8 p.m. by reservation. 412-767-9200.

NATIONAL AVIARY North Side. Saturdays with Santa, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19; $10 per child; adults pay regular $10 admission. Breakfast with Santa, 8:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. Dec. 6 and 13. $15. 412-323-7235, ext. 209.

NATIONALITY ROOMS Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh, Oakland. Rooms designed to reflect the ethnic heritage of Pittsburgh's immigrants are dressed for the holidays through Jan. 10. Narrated tape tours are available, without prior reservation, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $3 adults; $1 kids 8-18. Free Holiday Open House with performances, crafts, ethnic foods Dec. 6, noon-4 p.m. 412-624-6000.

NEMACOLIN CASTLE Front Street, Brownsville, Route 40. Light Up Night, Nov. 27. Christmas candlelight tours with hot wassail and cookies served, Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 27. 724-785-6882.

OLD ECONOMY VILLAGE Ambridge. Christmas with Belsnickel, 10 a.m. Nov. 28, pre-registration required; Christmas at the Village, 2-8:30 p.m. Dec. 5; Christmas Fundraiser Dinner, 6 p.m. Dec. 13. 724-266-4500.

OLIVER MILLER HOMESTEAD South Park. 18th-Century Thanksgiving, Nov. 22; Scots-Irish Pioneer Christmas, Dec. 6, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; 18th-Century Pioneer Christmas, Dec. 13, 1:30-4:30 p.m. $1. 412-835-1554.

PENNSYLVANIA TROLLEY MUSEUM Washington. Children and families can ride with Santa on vintage trolleys, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 27-29, Dec. 5-6 and 12-13. 724-228-9256; www.pa-trolley.org.

PHIPPS CONSERVATORY & BOTANICAL GARDENS Schenley Park, Oakland. Winter Flower Show Candlelight Evenings till 10 p.m. Dec. 7-31; Santa appears Sat. and Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 28-Dec. 20; Family Fun Days, Dec. 26-30. Also, Holiday Gifts, Greens and Tea at Phipps Garden Center Dec. 3-5. 412-622-6914.

POLISH HILL LIGHT UP NIGHT Brereton and Dobson streets, Polish Hill. Immaculate Heart of Mary Church choir performance, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4.

PPG PLACE WINTERGARDEN Stanwix Street, Downtown. "Spirits of Giving From Around the World" features a 32-foot Christmas tree, an exhibit by the Pittsburgh Miniature Society and a display of life-size Santas and oil paintings representing 16 countries and Gingerbread House Display and Train Exhibit. Mon.-Thurs. 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 20-Jan. 7. Free. 412-434-1900.

RINK AT PPG PLACE Downtown. Skating around the Christmas tree. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun. noon-8 p.m. $7; $6 kids and seniors; $3 rental. 412-394-3641.

SWEETWATER CENTER FOR THE ARTS 200 Broad St., Sewickley. Annual Holiday Mart, featuring handmade gifts and jewelry, Nov. 29-Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; "Champagne and Shopping" with food and music, Nov. 28, 5 p.m. ($30); Holiday Luncheon, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ($12); Light Up Night "Let the Men Cook" dinner, Dec. 4, 5-9 p.m. 412-741-4405.

WESTMORELAND MUSEUM OF ART Holiday American Marketplace with work of 14 artists, through Jan. 10. 724-837-1500, www.wmuseumaa.org.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

LIGONIER LIGHT-UP NIGHT Santa arrives at 6 p.m. Nov. 27. 724-238-4200 or www.ligonier.com.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON PARADE Features entertainers, news and sports personalities. Mellon Arena down Fifth Avenue to Macy's. Nov. 28, 9-11 a.m.

SATURDAYS IN THE CITY Downtown. Strolling carolers, street performers, free horse-drawn carriage rides, Nov. 21-Dec. 26. Rides depart from One Oxford Centre (11.a.m.-3 p.m.) and PPG Rink (3-8 p.m.) www.DowntownPittsburgh.com.

LIGHT UP NIGHT IN THE VILLAGE Light Up Night in Sewickley with holiday festivities and art walks. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 4; Santa Parade, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Decorated trees and gift boutique. Ligonier. Begins Dec. 5, noon-7 p.m. 724-238-6818.

OLD ALLEGHENY VICTORIAN HOUSE TOUR Restored homes decorated for a 19th-century Christmas. Tours start at Calvary United Methodist Church, North Side, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 11; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 12. $20. 412-323-8884.

REINDEER BALL Children's holiday gala. Benefits A Child's Place at Mercy. Westin Convention Center Ballroom, Downtown. 4-7 p.m. Dec. 13. $80 adults; $45 children. 724-934-3537.

SKATE WITH SANTA Park Skating Rink, Schenley Park. Outdoor skate with refreshments. 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13. 412-422-6523.

FIRST NIGHT Downtown. Celebration with musicians, dancers, puppeteers, actors and poets to greet the new year. Dec. 31.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

GREATER PITTSBURGH ARTS & CRAFTS SPECTACULAR More than 220 booths, plus Santa. Monroeville Convention Center (formerly Wickes). Nov. 20-22, Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 724-863-4577.

PITTSBURGH CENTER FOR THE ARTS Shadyside. Annual holiday shop with work by local artists. Through Dec. 30. Opening party Nov. 20 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. 412-361-0873.

SOCIETY FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT Holiday Preview Party, Nov. 19, 6-8 p.m. Strip District. 412-261-7003.

PITTSBURGH GLASS CENTER Annual holiday glass sale. East Liberty. Dec. 4, 6-9 p.m.; Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. On Dec. 5, you can make your own glass ornament ($25). 412-356-2145.

HOLIDAY PLAYS

BABES IN TOYLAND A magical holiday treat. Gemini Theater, The Factory, Point Breeze. Nov. 28-Dec. 27. Sat.-Sun. 1 and 3 p.m. $9.50. 412-243-6464 or www.geminitheater.org.

WHITE CHRISTMAS Two soldiers remember their commander and find love along the way. Comtra Theatre, Cranberry. Dec. 4-19. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. $15. 724-773-9896.

A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL Dickens' classic gets the full Broadway treatment. Stage Right!, Palace Theatre, Greensburg. Nov. 20-21, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 22, 2 p.m. $12-$22. 724-836-8000 or www.thepalacetheatre.org.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER A family of mischievous kids join the Holiday play and discover the true meaning of Christmas. Greensburg Civic Theatre's Greasepaint Players, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg. Nov. 27, 10 a.m. $8-$9. 724-836-8000 or www.thepalacetheatre.org

A LIGONIER CHRISTMAS Valley Players at Ligonier Theater, Ligonier. Dec. 5, 2:30 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 6, 2:30 p.m. $10. 724-238-6514.

A LYRICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL Dickens' magical, musical tale. Pittsburgh Musical Theater at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square, North Side. Dec. 17-20. Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. $10 advance, $20 at door; $10 students. 412-539-0900, ext. 232.

MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS A musical version of Madeline. Little Lake Theatre, Route 19 South, near Donaldson's Crossroads, North Strabane. Nov. 22-Dec. 20; Sat.-Sun. 1:30 p.m. $14-$12; 724-745-6300.

A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL Dickens plus music, now in its 18th year. Pittsburgh CLO at Byham Theater, Downtown. Dec. 10-23. Thurs.-Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 4 and 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 and 6 p.m. (some exceptions). $26.50-$44.50. 412-456-6666 or www.pittsburghclo.org.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL -- A GHOST STORY Dickens' classic tale. Actors Civic Theater at the Baverso Theater, Father Ryan Arts Center, McKees Rocks. Dec. 11-20; Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. $10-$15. 412-394-3353.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dickens' classic play. The New Olde Bank Theatre, 722 Allegheny River Blvd., Verona. Dec. 11-19; Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. $12. 412-251-7904.

A KODACHROME CHRISTMAS A one-woman play featuring Peggy Roeder as Earlene Hoople -- taking a trip through Christmases past. City Theatre, South Side. Dec. 5-29. Tues. 7 p.m.; Wed.-Fri. 8 pm; Sat. 5:30 and 9 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. No perf. Dec. 24-25. $35-$60. 412-431-2489 or www.citytheatrecompany.org.

CHRISTMAS BELLES An annual holiday play finds Santa with a kidney stone and an Elvis impersonator in the manger. Little Lake Theatre, North Strabane. Dec. 3-19. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m. $12-$15. 724-745-6300 or www.littlelake.org.

NUTCRACKERS

THE NUTCRACKER Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Benedum Center, Downtown. Dec. 11-27. Dec. 11, 7 p.m.; Dec. 12, 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 13, noon and 4:30 p.m.; Dec. 18, 7 p.m.; Dec. 19, 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 20, noon and 4:30 p.m.; Dec. 22-23, 7 p.m.; Dec. 26, 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 27, noon and 4:30 p.m. Starting at $20.50. 412-456-6666, www.pbt.org.

THE NUTCRACKER Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, Upper St. Clair Theatre, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 5, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 6, 2:30 p.m. $10-$25. At Pittsburgh CAPA with student orchestra, Dec. 18-19, 7 p.m. 724-969-6000; www.pybco.org.

THE NUTCRACKER Carnegie Performing Arts Center at Carnegie Free Library Music Hall, Carnegie. Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-13. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. $12; $10 students and seniors. 412-279-8887.

THE NUTCRACKER Westmoreland Symphony and Laurel Ballet Company at Palace Theatre, Greensburg. Dec. 12, 3 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 13, 3 p.m. $10-$28. 724-836-8000.

HOLIDAY CONCERTS/POP

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR. Omni William Penn Hotel, Nov. 24, 11:30 a.m. $47.95 (includes lunch). 724-836-8000.

LEE GREENWOOD CHRISTMAS SHOW Palace Theatre, Dec. 2, 2 and 8 p.m. $30-$50. 724-836-8000.

B.E. TAYLOR CHRISTMAS Heinz Hall, Dec. 4-5, 7:30 p.m. $29-$49. 412-392-4900.

THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER CHRISTMAS SHOW Palace Theatre, Dec. 4, 8 p.m. $45-$75. 724-836-8000.

HIGHMARK HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH CHRIS BOTTI Heinz Hall, Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m. 412-322-0800.

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Featuring Joe Negri. Palace Theatre, Dec. 16, 2 and 8 p.m. $20-$30. 724-836-8000.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Mellon Arena, Dec. 16, 3 and 8 p.m. $26.25-$57.50. 1-800-745-3000.

DUKE ELLINGTON'S BEGGAR'S HOLIDAY Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. $42.50. 412-322-0800.

CLASSICAL CONCERTS

ALLEGHENY BRASS BAND "Holiday for Brass," Christ Church at Grove Farm, Sewickley. Dec. 6, 7 p.m. 412-486-1888.

BUTLER COUNTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA "Holidays With Marianne," with mezzo-soprano Marianne Cornetti, Butler Intermediate High School Auditorium, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. 724-283-1402.

CHATHAM BAROQUE "Gloria," with Sherezade Panthaki, soprano, Erika Cutler, violin, and Andrew Appel, harpsichord, Synod Hall, Oakland, Dec. 19, 8 p.m.; and Laughlin Music Center, Chatham University, Shadyside. Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m.; "Wandering Minstrel" catered concert, St. James Parish, Sewickley, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. 412-394-3353 or 412-687-1788.

COMMUNITY BAND SOUTH Holiday concerts. St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Brookline, Dec. 12, 4 p.m.; and Bethel Park Community Center, Bethel Park, Dec. 13, 3 p.m. 412-833-6110.

CORO LATINOAMERICANO Christmas Concert. Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, Oakland. Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. 412-661-1211.

EDGEWOOD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA "Joyeux Noel," First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. 412-473-8880.

HEINZ CHAPEL CHOIR Holiday concerts, Heinz Memorial Chapel, Oakland, Dec. 5, 8 p.m.; Dec. 6, 3 p.m.; Dec. 11, 8 p.m.; Dec. 13, 3 p.m. 412-624-4125.

HEINZ CHAPEL ORGAN AND ARTISTS SERIES Doug Starr, Heinz Chapel, Oakland, Dec. 20, 3 p.m. 412-624-4157.

MCKEESPORT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA "Bells Are Ringing," McKeesport High School, Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m. 412-664-2854.

MUSIC AT CALVARY "Lessons and Carols," Calvary Episcopal Church, Shadyside. Dec. 6, 5 p.m. 412-661-0120, ext. 20.

NORTH SUBURBAN SYMPHONIC BAND "Images." Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center, Ross, Dec. 13, 3 p.m. 412-366-1983.

PITTSBURGH PHILHARMONIC "A Winter's Eve." Butler County Community College Succop Theater, Dec. 11, 8 p.m.; and North Hills Jr. High School Auditorium, Ross, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. 412-394-3353 and 412-818-7262.

OPERA THEATER "Beggar's Holiday." Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, North Side, Dec. 18-19, 8 p.m. and Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m. 412-456-1390.

PITTSBURGH CAMERATA "Journey to the Manger." St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Highland Park, Dec. 5, 8 p.m.; Sixth Presbyterian Church, Squirrel Hill, Dec. 11, 8 p.m.; Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church, Dec. 12, 8 p.m. 412-421-5884.

PITTSBURGH CIVIC ORCHESTRA "A Polish Christmas," Upper St. Clair High School, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. 412-279-4030.

PITTSBURGH CONCERT CHORALE "Gloria." Ingomar United Methodist Church, Dec. 4, 8 p.m., and Dec. 6, 4 p.m.; Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, Dec. 5, 8 p.m. 412-635-7654.

PITTSBURGH OPERA "Auld Lang Syne" with Marianne Cornetti, Antony Walker, the Pittsburgh Opera resident artists and the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra. Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland, Dec. 31, dinner 7 p.m., concert 9 p.m. $75 and up. 412-281-0912.

PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Handel's "Messiah" with the Mendelssohn Choir. Heinz Hall, Downtown, Dec. 11-12, 8 p.m.; with singalong Dec. 12, 3 p.m. 412-392-4900.

PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY POPS Family Holiday Pops, Dec. 12, 11:15 a.m.; "Holiday Pops" with Marvin Hamlisch, Dec. 17-20. Heinz Hall, 412-392-4900.

PITTSBURGH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Christmas Concert with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Choir. Hicks Memorial Chapel Auditorium, East Liberty, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. 412-362-5610, ext. 2196.

RENAISSANCE AND BAROQUE SOCIETY "In the Fields in Frost and Snow" with Chris Norman & David Greenberg, Synod Hall, Oakland, Dec. 5, 8 p.m. 412-361-2048.

RENAISSANCE CITY CHOIRS 25th Anniversary Holiday Concert, Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. 412-362-9484.

RIVER CITY BRASS BAND "The Bells of Christmas," various venues, Dec. 3-13. 1-800-292-7222.

SOUTH HILLS CHORALE "Holiday Sounds" with the Pittsburgh Philharmonic Orchestra, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair. Dec. 18-19, 7:30 p.m. 412-341-4712.

WASHINGTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA "Ho Ho Ho with the WSO," Trinity High School, Washington, Pa., Dec. 5, 8 p.m. 724-223-9796.

WESTMORELAND CHORAL SOCIETY "Caroling, Caroling," First Presbyterian Church, Greensburg, Dec. 5, 8 p.m. 724-853-2763.

WESTMORELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA "Home for the Holidays," with the All-Star Choir of Westmoreland County, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. 724-837-1850.

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First published on November 19, 2009 at 12:00 am
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