:Lumaze Pittsburgh:

An Indoor Wonderland

Nov. 23 through Jan. 4

The Sunday before Thanksgiving, we had the opportunity courtesy of Lumaze Pittsburgh to check out this festival of lights. What a magical way to kick off the holiday season! Everywhere you turn, there’s something else to see. It feels like only during the holidays can you get away with so many lights, bows and ornaments but it all comes together to really move the spirit.

Here’s some of what you can expect when you visit Lumaze…

• Interactive light gardens (like, lights literally dripping from the sky and illuminated “tire” swings)

• Lots of food vendors and DRINKS! I myself had a prosecco in a flashing light bulb. It was delicious and bright! Stella and CJ had awesome hotdogs from Franktuary and gourmet donuts. So yeah, they were also delighted.

• SANTA! Yes, the big guy is on hand to take down everyone’s gift requests.

• Live music - Uh, Smokey Robinson will be there on Sunday, people!

• A vendor market with all sorts of great gifts

With all of this awesomeness there is one downside… lines. All of the best spots had pretty substantial lines when we went (and that was on a Sunday around 4:30). So be prepared if you would like to see Santa or if there’s a particularly cool photo opp that you may have to wait for a bit.

Here’s the best part of all… No. Jacket. Required. Because Lumaze is completely indoors, you can frolic around the entire venue and not worry about frost bite. For a cold-blooded gal like me, that is an enormous bonus!

You can get your tickets here. Discounts are available and prices vary from weekdays to weekends. Children 3 and under are admitted at no charge!