105th City of Pittsburgh Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The City of Pittsburgh officially kicks off the holiday season with the 105th Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
In line current-health regulations and the cancellation of traditional Light Up Night festivities, the City presents this year’s lighting virtually, for the first time, on social media.
The Honorable Mayor William Peduto joined Santa Claus in a pre-recorded, socially-distant ceremony.
It wouldn't be the holidays without the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Our GRAMMY-award winning orchestra is now in its 125th season and is represented by five members of the brass section who played a medley of holiday favorites.
The ceremony also featured the Duquesne Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
“I want to thank our Department of Public Works, Office of Special Events, and Department of Public Safety for making sure this beloved tradition endures. I invite all of Pittsburgh to gather with their family and watch the ceremony online this year. 2020 has been a year like no other and until we can gather again, we’re all adapting to this new medium.”
Downtown's only live evergreen, Pittsburgh’s first Christmas Tree lighting ceremony took place in 1915 on the construction site of an unfinished City-County Building. This year’s 33-foot spruce hails from the yard of Ms. Nona Lee in the Hill District’s Crawford-Roberts. The Department of Public Safety's Bureau of Police Motorcycle Unit escorted our 105th tree Downtown last weekend.
The tree remains on display with occasional light shows on the front façade of the City-County Building through early January.