KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my own
parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them to
grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Step into the magic of the holiday season with A Musical Christmas Carol, returning to the Byham Theater from December 13–23, 2025! This beloved Pittsburgh CLO tradition brings Charles Dickens’ timeless tale to life with festive flair, starring the acclaimed Denis O’Hare as the miserly Scrooge. Families will delight in dazzling special effects, heartwarming performances, and favorite carols wrapped in holiday cheer. Don’t miss this joyful celebration of redemption and goodwill—perfect for kids and grownups alike! Plus, enjoy a Sensory Friendly performance on December 20 at 11am, specially designed for guests who prefer a more relaxed theater experience.
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Pittsburgh’s Favorite Holiday Tradition! Set in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh, Terrence S. Orr’s dazzling version of The Nutcracker highlights the city’s beloved landmarks, sports teams and history. Join Marie and the Nutcracker Prince on an unforgettable adventure through sparkling snow into the dreamy Land of Enchantment. Experience favorite dances, memorable scenes, magical costumes, shimmering snowflakes and the iconic Tchaikovsky score as you are swept into the most festive time of the year. Don’t miss your chance to experience it with your loved ones!
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In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids – probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide head-on with the story of Christmas! This delightful show, adapted from the bestselling Young Adult book, is a heartwarming and hilarious holiday experience perfect for the entire family!
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Pittsburgh's biggest holiday shopping event returns, celebrating 21 years in 2025! Shop small & local this holiday season from more than 290 makers and artists selling handcrafted clothing, accessories, art, home decor, jewelry, body products, and more unique items you won’t find anywhere else. Bring your friends and family for a weekend full of shopping, hands-on art-making, incredible live art demos, and more.
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Travel back in time and experience the enchantment of a 19th-century Christmas at Old Economy Village. On December 6th and 7th, witness the village come alive with the glow of candlelit cobblestone streets and historic buildings, creating a festive winter wonderland reminiscent of yesteryear, complete with period demonstrations and local choirs performing holiday carols.
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Get into the holiday spirit with the return of this festive favorite annual event! Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch buffet, meet ambassador animals, write a letter to Santa, and deliver it to him right here at the Zoo.
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Let us share this holiday season together! After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year! Visit with Santa and his elves, decorate Christmas cookies, paint a holiday canvas, visit game and craft stations, and step into a life-sized snow globe! Fun for all ages!
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Join us for our annual walk through Christmas event at Wright Fields with vendors, food trucks, light displays, holiday mini golf, synthetic ice skating, a gingerbread house competition, and a free visit with Santa!
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The Harrison Township Recreation Board will hold the annual Christmas Parade on December 6, 2025 at 1pm.
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Join in welcoming in the Christmas season with the New Brighton Community Life Committee and their annual Christmas in the Park event at Townsend Park on Saturday December 6, 2025.
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Join us in Uptown Mt. Lebanon for a festive Winter Market & Holiday Celebration! On Saturday, December 6th, Washington Road will transform into a holiday marketplace featuring regional vendors, seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy shopping outdoors in the heart of our community while supporting local makers and Uptown businesses.
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Eat, drink and be merry! Grab your friends, family, and fellow foodies for seasonal-inspired entrées crafted by Executive Chef Nathan Collins and Atria’s Specialty Catering. Toast to being on the nice list with an add-on cocktail, a refreshing beer, or glass of wine. PLUS, stroll through our warm, cozy tropical habitats while taking in our enchanting holiday décor.
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You are invited to Sounds of Christmas 2025 at The Oaks Theater for an unforgettable Christmas experience. This year's show features an exciting blend of music, costumes, and dance. As always, the 22-piece Latshaw Pops Orchestra will be center stage and joined by a talented group of singers and dancers performing your favorite Christmas songs and carols. A visit from Santa Clause makes your holiday experience complete. This year we feature Mike Latham from Pure Gold, Lindsay Fitzpatrick and Josie Crooks from The Gemtones, and Frank Czuri, longtime singer for Pure Gold and Wee Jams. Don't miss this Christmas family tradition with Sounds of Christmas featuring The Latshaw Pops Orchestra, the longest running Christmas show in the area for nearly 40 years. Join us for a festive celebration, where music, dance and Christmas cheer come together to create a memorable experience for the whole family.
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Enjoy Dave & Buster’s Annual Breakfast with Santa featuring a festive breakfast, private arcade play, photos with Santa, crafts, and holiday fun for all ages. Choose from two ticket packages, with optional Power Card and unlimited video games. Space is limited; all guests need tickets except children under 2. Tickets are nonrefundable. Contact Michael Cecchini for details and reserve your spot for a magical holiday morning.
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Visit us for the 2025 Christmas Home Tour on Sunday, December 7th, 2025 for another wonderful assortment of homes! Visit inside beautiful homes, both large & small, decked out in all their Christmas glory! This self-guided tour is on December 7th and features 5 homes and some special additions throughout the borough that are adorned with festive holiday décor for the Christmas season
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This holiday season, join us for a hilariously irreverent twist on the classic A Christmas Carol with Christopher Durang's Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge. In this madcap comedy, Mrs. Cratchit has had enough of her overworked husband, their countless children, and the sentimental holiday clichés. When the Ghost of Christmas Past arrives to set things right, chaos ensues as the story takes wildly unexpected detours. Filled with sharp wit, zany characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, this uproarious spoof turns tradition on its head and delivers a fresh dose of holiday cheer. Perfect for anyone looking to shake up their holiday season with something unexpected and wildly entertaining!
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The Pittsburgh area offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in
festive activities.
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Pittsburgh's big list of holiday events in 2025 : Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve. The activities we've listed
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- Christmas in Chippewa - 3848 37th Street Extension, Beaver Falls, PA, USA, Google Maps, December 6, 2025, 4 pm
- Harrison Township Christmas Parade - Municipal Drive, Natrona Heights, Harrison Township, PA 15065, United States, Google Maps, December 6, 2025, 1 - 3 pm
- Victorian Christmas Tour of Maxwell Mansion - Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion,
West Tulpehocken Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Google Maps, December 6, 2025, 12pm, 1pm & 2 pm
- Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ in Market Square - Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, 307 Fourth Avenue Floor 2, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States, Google Maps, December 6, 2025, Times
vary.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Pittsburgh area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas.
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2025's best places to take kids in and around Pittsburgh, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. Plus there is LOTS more to do in and around Pittsburgh beyond the Top 20: Get great ideas here at KidsOutAndAbout.com!
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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