Light Up Night is returning in 2021 with some changes, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership announced Thursday.
Held on the Friday before Thanksgiving in previous years, Pittsburgh's official kickoff to the holiday season is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 20 this year.
In a release, organizers said the date change is part of a special 60th anniversary celebration and makes navigating the city easier on commuters and those attending the festivities.
"Highmark Light Up Night’s move to Saturday comes after discussions with various City and Public Safety offices offering a broad consensus that this move will reduce a myriad of operational challenges. In particular, the move will virtually eliminate rush hour complications with street closures pushed to Friday evening to avoid vehicular and public transit detours. The shift also makes accessing the celebration less challenging for people who live in surrounding communities, especially families. Parents will no longer need to schedule around school times and works hours to ensure they don’t miss the festivities. Drivers will no longer need to contend with weekday rush hours on major commuting arteries, and more parking will be readily available across Downtown."
Organizers will launch a Friday night restaurant and retail promotion this year to coincide with the opening of the People's Gas Holiday Market.
Details about other attractions will be released in the coming weeks, but the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership promises tree lightings, live music, craft foods, shopping, music and fireworks from Zambelli Internationale.
"We know that this 60th Anniversary will provide an especially significant year of holiday spirit," said Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership in a release. "The community is really seeking out immersive experiences that can evoke happiness and joy, and help you find that wonder you can only get at the holidays – and we’re confident they’ll find that in abundance Downtown this year.”
Light Up Night was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.