Things To Do in December & January
by Emma Honcharski
December 16, 2024
Whether the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve feel like they’re flying by or dragging on, it’s a great time for reflection and connection with ourselves and nature. Before we know it, the days will be getting longer. Here are a few events for a slower season…
A few hours of your weekend can make a big difference in keeping the city’s green spaces clean. Plug in to a volunteer opportunity with Allegheny Cleanways on December 15 in Spring Hill, and stay tuned for more events from the local non-profit that works to empower people to eliminate illegal dumping and littering in Allegheny County. Keep giving back and building a relationship with Pittsburgh’s largest park by joining Upstream Pittsburgh for their Volunteer Workdays in Frick Park on December 17 and 22.
Celebrate the year’s accomplishments with Pittsburghers for Public Transit on December 19. Their work demonstrates what is possible through collective organizing – such as the permanent half-fare program for SNAP/EBT recipients. Get more information about the event at East End Cooperative Ministries and learn how to support their work here.
Curious about how the winter solstice is celebrated around the world, and what the astrological significance is? Join Allegheny Land Trust for an early morning hike on December 21 at the Wingfield Pines Conservation Area. Then, ring in the new year with another event in their Science Stroll series.
Nature enthusiasts unite! Make meaningful connections with people and nature at this free monthly nature photography meetup with photographer Don Orkoskey in Frick Park. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Find more information about the event on December 22 here.
Before Christmas, experience Downtown Pittsburgh’s transformation into Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ with local and global vendors. There will also be live music on the Sounds of the Season Stage in Market Square, and opportunities for kids to play indoors in partnership with Fred Rogers Productions and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Don’t forget about Pittsburgh’s very own ball drop at Light Up Night on Dec 31. Get more information on the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s holiday programming throughout the month here.
On January 4, return to the Wingfield Pines Conservation Area for Owl Prowl to learn about the fascinating biology and folklore of owls and learn why to look for them in the dead of winter.
Get inspired by the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement and connect with the fleeting beauty of nature at Contemporary Craft during the exhibition, 芸［Gei]: The Beauty of Ephemeral and Eternal. On January 18, explore the show with a guided tour before the show closes.
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