Whether you’re looking to support Small Business Saturday, Shop Local for your holiday gifts and selfies, or merely want to enjoy some quality time in the Steel City, making it through this year is definitely cause to celebrate! The Downtown Pittsburgh Partnership has a series of events and activities planned that are sure to help you get into the holiday spirit.

The 9th annual Peoples Gas Holiday MarketTM returns, and outdoor shopping certainly makes shopping safer in the COVID-19 era. From November 27 through December 23, enjoy an illuminated Market Square, creative vendors, live music, and even a re-imagined Santa experience.

The Santa Zoom Visit to the North Pole offers a safe experience for kids to visit Santa in real-time. Oopen daily between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s free with a minimum $5 suggested donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank. Open through December 23. Hours vary.

Finding you’re “in a pickle” for a unique selfie experience this year? Then head to EQT Plaza, and check out the World’s Largest Pickle Ornament. It’s a 35-foot tribute to the Heinz hometown roots, honoring a German-American tradition of hiding a pickle on the family Christmas tree. Open daily until 9 p.m., beginning Black Friday.

Another annual winter tradition in Downtown open for its milestone 20th anniversary season in 2020 is the Ice Rink at PPG Place. With special safety measures in place like online ticketing and temperature checks, skaters can lace up in the heart of Downtown under a stunning 65-foot Christmas tree. After the Rink at PPG Place was expanded by 25% in 2015, its overall surface size grew to 67% larger than the Rockefeller Center ice rink and two-thirds the size of an NHL rink.

Looking for free — and festive? Find your way to the Pittsburgh Crèche, and you’ll find the only “authorized replica” of the Vatican’s Nativity scene in the world, found at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The massive nativity scene sits on U.S. Steel Tower plaza and has been there since 1999. Featuring a total of 20 life-size figures on display, you’ll find Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, plus a supporting cast of characters, available to view 24 hours a day.

Getting There: Enjoy your favorite Downtown holiday experiences with $3 parking options in December! All season long, find $3 night and weekend parking at the 350 Oliver and the Theater Square garages. And, take advantage of discounted weekday parking for up to three hours at 350 Oliver. No promo code or coupon is required at the above garages — the rate will automatically apply. One bonus: Street parking is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day on Sunday.

For more ways to enjoy the holidays in Pittsburgh this year, like the Holiday Wonderland Projections and Family Selfie Garden, visit the Downtown Pittsburgh Partnership.