Tonight is Light Up Night in Pittsburgh! in Boring Pittsburgh

Light Up Night Nov. 28, 2008 pic by bethykae on flickr

You might notice a beautiful glow fill the sky above Pittsburgh tonight – that’s because it’s the 49th annual Light Up Night! All of the buildings downtown are supposed to leave their lights on in celebration of the event. This is your chance to see why our city is known for having one of the most beautiful skylines in the country.

Over 100,000 people are expected to join in welcoming the 2009 holiday season in downtown Pittsburgh – and even more if you include South Side, Station Square, and Mount Washington.

Most Downtown stores will stay open past 5:00pm for once! While shopping, be sure to check out unveiling of the Macy’s holiday windows… or, the lighting of the “Highmark Unity Tree” at Point State Park (isn’t it boring how everything in the ‘Burgh has become property of some company or another? Even the freakin’ Christmas tree at The Point! Pretty soon we won’t be calling it Pittsburgh anymore – it’ll be Company XYZ Burgh).

Various streets will be closed for the evening – so parking might be a pain. If you take the bus make sure you check out the service changes here. The weather isn’t too bad but it’s much colder than it was last week so bring a coat! It will be about 45° F, and cloudy. Perfect for the reflecting all the lights!

Things to see and do:

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Performances
5:00 pm – 9:15pm

Ice Skating @ PPG Place Wintergarden (map)
until midnight

Santa Clause Display @ One PPG Place (map)
until 10:00 pm

Macy’s Holiday Windows (map)
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm

Unity Tree Lighting at The Point (map)
6:45 pm – 7:00 pm

Light Up Night Bridge Party @ Roberto Clemente Bridge (map)
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Fireworks! 7th St. Bridge (map)
9:00 pm