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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.Pittsburgh, a city long described as up-and-coming, has finally arrived. It was one of four U.S. locations featured in National Geographic’s The Best of the World list for 2026. Stellar cultural institutions, outdoor recreation opportunities and a vibrant downtown are the driving forces behind Pittsburgh’s recognition.
There’s much to see and do in the ’Burgh this December — and Pittwire has you covered. Here are five free ways to explore what National Geographic described as “one of America’s most underrated cities.”
Revel with Krampus
Friday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m.
Beware, all naughty mischief makers: Krampus, the mythical half-goat, half-demon Christmas creature, is making a return to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s Peoples Gas Holiday Market. The annual Krampuslauf will kick off with a parade winding through the three sites of this year’s market: the Cultural Trust Oasis, Agnes R. Katz Plaza and Benedum Lot, all located in the Cultural District.
Where: Peoples Gas Holiday Market, 7th Street and Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222
A stitch in time
Sunday, Dec. 7, 1 p.m.
Spend an afternoon at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s main branch, learning the art of embroidery with fiber artist Leslie Benigni of Les is More 894, a Wilkinsburg-based craft business. Explore the history of embroidery, learn stitches and fashion a one-of-a-kind piece of embroidered wall art.
Where: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
Strike a pose
Thursday, Dec. 11, 6 p.m.
Each week through January, TransYouniting and True T Studios invite youth and young adults ages 16-25 to a series of vogue sessions. The one-hour classes, led by the Pittsburgh Prince Kiss Ebony, will introduce participants to the culture and dance of vogueing, an art form innovated by Black and Latino members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Where: True T Studios, 1632 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15219
A reimagined holiday classic
Dec. 19-20, various times
Catch the world premiere of a hip-hop remix of Handel’s “Messiah,” a theatrical concert melding live-mixed soundscape, classical music, beatboxing and community voices. The show is produced by DNA Works, an arts and service organization dedicated to dialogue and healing.
Where: The Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15206
Clown around
Saturday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.
See actor and playwright Daniel Maseda perform his one-man show, “‘Be Good’ with Paulette.” This audience-interactive production showcases Maseda’s professional clowning education with the renowned École Philippe Gaulier school in France. Don’t miss this 2025 Philadelphia Fringe Festival fan favorite.
Where: The Glitterbox Theater, 210 W. 8th Ave., Homestead, PA, 15120