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Published on November 07, 2024
The Fray to Headline Pittsburgh's 63rd Highmark Light Up Night, Ushering in the Holiday Season with Festive CelebrationsSource: Jazzfestsiouxfalls, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pittsburgh's beloved holiday tradition, the Highmark Light Up Night, is prepping to kick off the season with a major announcement earlier today. Grammy-nominated alternative rock band The Fray is all geared up to headline the 63rd annual celebration, a press conference revealed today. Known for their emotive ballads like “How to Save a Life” and "Over My Head (Cable Car)," the band will take the stage in what promises to be a nostalgically charged performance at 8:30 p.m. on the Xfinity Riverfront Stage, according to TribLIVE.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is holding the event, which is set to unfurl a vast array of family-friendly activities starting from 4 p.m. on Nov. 23. Locals can look forward to the Highmark Holiday Block Party, live music performances across various stages, and the impressive tree lighting ceremonies, as reported by TribLIVE. This year's event, designed to welcome all ages from across the region, aims to light up downtown Pittsburgh with new and traditional festivities. Jeremy Waldrup, the president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, clearly intends to ensure this year's event will shine, as he noted, "The holidays are an incredible opportunity to welcome people of all ages and from all corners of the region to Downtown for cherished Pittsburgh traditions, along with some new experiences that will make the season even brighter."

Additional evening highlights include a snowman, a Christmas tree, and various ice carvings at Fifth Avenue Place. Holiday-themed crafts are available at the Holiday KidsPlay area, and there is a not-to-be-missed Gingerbread House Competition Display at the City-County Building. Moreover, Light Up Night 2024 will introduce Tech25, an event filled with art, an organ recital, and a workforce resource fair specifically focused on anti-violence programs, as TribLIVE details it.

Adding to the festive spectacle, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato announced the return of the light show adorning Pittsburgh's Three Sisters Bridges during the celebrations. And for those eager to take the celebrations beyond mere observance, the Rink at PPG Place will also be open for skaters to glide away amidst this festive backdrop, as reported by WPXI.