Every November, Pittsburgh kicks off the holiday season with its beloved Light Up Night—a dazzling citywide celebration filled with music, fireworks, and twinkling lights. This year will be the 64th Annual event! Held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this event transforms downtown into a winter wonderland, with tree lightings, rooftop fireworks, and live performances across multiple stages.

At the heart of it all is Market Square, home to the Peoples Gas Holiday Market—a charming European-style Christmas village inspired by Germany’s Christkindlmarkt. Visitors can stroll through rows of wooden chalets offering handcrafted gifts, festive treats, and warm drinks, all while enjoying carolers and pop-up entertainment. It’s the perfect place to soak in the season’s magic, snap photos, and shop for one-of-a-kind holiday treasures.

Whether you're skating around the illuminated tree at PPG Place or watching the Zambelli fireworks light up the skyline, Light Up Night is a joyful, memory-making experience—and Williams Travel Plus is bringing you there in style.

Q: What’s included in my ticket? Your ticket includes round-trip motorcoach transportation to Pittsburgh aboard a comfortable Anderson Coach & Travel bus, plus driver gratuities and free time to explore the city’s charming Christmas Market. food, shopping, and activities at the market are not included.

Q: Where and when do we depart? Departure will be from the Penn Dot Parking Lot at Noon. Parking on the weekends in the lot is free. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in and boarding.

Q: Can I get a refund if I can’t go? Unfortunately, all ticket purchases are non-refundable. Please double-check your availability before booking. If Williams Travel Plus cancels the trip for any reason, you’ll receive a full refund or credit toward a future trip.

Q: What if the weather is bad? We monitor conditions closely. If weather poses a safety risk, we’ll notify all passengers and offer a refund or reschedule. Otherwise, the trip will proceed as planned—so bundle up and bring your holiday spirit!

Q: Who is the bus company? We’re proud to partner with Anderson Coach & Travel, known for their excellent safety record and cozy motorcoaches. Passengers must follow both Williams Travel Plus’s policies and Anderson’s rules, available at www.goanderson.com.

Q: Will I have access to the bus during the market visit? No—due to city logistics and parking restrictions, the bus will not remain parked near the market. It will drop off and return for pickup at the designated time and location. Please plan to carry your purchases throughout the day, and we recommend bringing a sturdy tote or backpack to keep your hands free and your treasures safe.

Q: What should I bring?

• Warm clothing and comfortable shoes

• Spending money for food, gifts, and market fun

• A phone or camera to capture the holiday magic

• Snacks or water for the ride (optional)

• A backpack or tote for carrying purchases

Q: Can I bring children? Absolutely! This is a family-friendly event. Children must be accompanied by an adult and have their own ticket.

Q: How long will we be at the market? You’ll have approximately nine hours to explore at your own pace. We’ll provide a return meeting time and location before drop-off.

Q: What does accessibility look like? Light Up Night is primarily an outdoor event. The stage areas are paved and navigable for those with mobility needs. We encourage patrons who require mobility assistance to utilize personal forms of transportation, such as wheelchairs and scooters. We do not provide wheelchair / scooter services or rentals. There will be designated ADA-accessible viewing areas at both the Highmark and Xfinity Riverside Stages on Light Up Night. These areas will be demarcated with signage and closed off from the general viewing area. 

Q: Are there restrooms available? Yes. There are restrooms within the event footprint as well as on the motorcoach.