2024-25 Visitor's Guide to Winter in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh isn't just the perfect summer getaway, it's also an ideal winter retreat.
With a mix of indoor and outdoor options, those looking to relax and explore will enjoy Pittsburgh any time of the year, even when its iconic rivers are frozen. Check out some ideas to plan your perfect winter trip below:
For the Foodie
While Pittsburgh is the destination for foodies all year, winter in Pittsburgh is a special treat. Between seasonal events and indoor spaces that feature diverse options, foodies will obsess over the impressive possibilities.
- Pittsburgh Restaurant Week's Winter Celebration
January 15-21, 2024
Discover the most delicious time of year in Pittsburgh at the annual Winter Restaurant Week. Find dates, participating restaurants, maps and more.
- Enjoy a hot meal during the cold weather
Winter is the best time to indulge in the hottest and spiciest of dishes. While you're in town, be sure to check out the best soup spots or top Indian restaurants in Pittsburgh!
- Warm up with craft beer
Pittsburgh Beerfest is the perfect winter retreat Jan. 26-27, 2024, where you can sample 150+ local and craft beers, wines and spirits. Or, make your own beer tour and visit our award-winning craft breweries and warm up with stouts, ales and more winter warmers.
For the Family
From outdoor family fun to engaging family-friendly museums, kids of all ages will love Pittsburgh in the winter.
- Interactive Fun for Small Children
Embrace adventure at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh with interactive exhibits like the kindness gallery, makeshop®, garage and studio. For the older youth, be sure to visit MuseumLab for cutting-edge experiences in art, tech, metalworking and learning.
- Out of This World Fun for the Whole Family
Blast off to family fun! Visit the new Moonshot Museum to watch lunar landers being built as children explore rovers, landing sites and more with hands-on fun. Then, head to the Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center for the Mars: The Next Giant Leap permanent exhibit to drive a rover and learn about this 3000-million-mile journey. Visit The Rangos Giant Cinema, a 70-by 30-foot Certified Giant Screen, for a captivating film, defy gravity at SpacePlace or discover hidden gems along the Minature Railroad & Village®.
- Places to Get Out that Energy
Cooped up? Kids bouncing off the walls? Have them bounce off of ours instead at trampoline and adventure parks, laser tag facilities, indoor climbing, skate parks and more indoor fun.
For the Outdoor Enthusiast
Pittsburgh's unique environment makes for interesting outdoor winter activities for adventurers of any age and skill level. Whether you're looking for casual sightseeing or intense wintery fun, there's a perfect fit for you.
- Embark on a Snowy Adventure
Outside of the city is Seven Springs Mountain Resort, PA's ultimate winter getaway with 33 slopes and trails to ski and snowboard, plus seven terrain parks, including the region's largest snow tubing park! For some winter fun closer to the city, check out Boyce Park, a scenic park that offers ski, snowboard and snow tubing slopes.
- Create Ice Skating Memories
Make unforgettable memories ice skating in a picturesque ice rink. Visit the Schenley Park Ice Rink surrounded by nature in Oakland or The Rink at PPG Place in downtown Pittsburgh.
- Walk Through Incredible Gardens
Explore the beauty and wonder of nature at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The stunning Victorian glasshouse showcases seasonal flower shows, special exhibits and a nationally recognized orchid collection, making Phipps a must-see Pittsburgh attraction no matter the time of year.
For the Sports Fan
Cheer on the Pittsburgh Penguins
Experience professional hockey at its best with the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens are an exciting team to watch, and even more exciting to see live.
Celebrate Pittsburgh Sports
Celebrate the accomplishments of sports in the region with a visit to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at the Heinz History Center, hidden gem The Roberto Clemente Museum in Lawrenceville and the Steelers Hall of Honor at Acrisure Stadium.
- Go On A Behind the Scenes Sports Venue Tour
Explore the stadiums of Pittsburgh's three major professional sports teams with a stadium tour at Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers; PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates; and PPG Paints Arena, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
For the Arts Admirer
- Enjoy Broadway in Pittsburgh
For the theater enthusiast, don't miss the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series, presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. The 2024 season features Girl From the North Country, My Fair Lady, Company, The Kite Runner and more.
- Connect with Art at CMOA
The visual arts are also thriving this winter with various works of arts and new exhibits on display at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Explore visiting exhibitions like Amie Siegel: Panorama and Imprinting in Their Time: Japanese Printmakers and permanent galleries along with the Hall of Architecture, Hall of Sculpture and the Grand Staircase.
- "POP" into The Andy Warhol Museum
Explore seven floors of Warhol’s art, films and life at The Andy Warhol Museum, one of the most comprehensive single-artist museums in the world. In addition to experiencing Warhol’s work, you can create your own at The Factory, an underground studio with activities designed to bring out your inner artist. Sit for a screen test or try your hand at silkscreen or watercolors.
- Explore Pittsburgh's Gilded Age at The Frick
The Frick Pittsburgh is a collection of art and history museums located in Pittsburgh’s East End neighborhood. The museum includes a collection of 19th century European art, ever-changing exhibitions and a collection of historic cars and carriages.
- Release Your Creativity at the Mattress Factory
Hailed as the best facility for installation art in the United States, this contemporary art museum is an experimental lab featuring site-specific installations created by artists in residence from around the globe. Each exhibition takes you into another world that evokes a unique perspective.
For even more winter activities in Pittsburgh, check out our Pittsburgh Winter Indoor Fun and Outdoor Fun blogs.