What to do this week, from the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra to the Holiday Candy Charcuterie

What’s going on in Pittsburgh this week, December 20-26? Find out here.

Be sure to pack your mask and visit each organization’s website and social media to learn about Covid safety protocols. Do you know of a cool event? Send us an email.

Monday, December 20: Nationality room: discover a connection

7:00 p.m.

Doors will virtually open to some of Pittsburgh’s most exquisite spaces during this program led by Nationality Rooms Tour coordinator Michael Walter and Doors Open Pittsburgh. See how the rooms of the Cathedral of Learning reflect the region’s cultural diversity, thematic designs, and architectural significance. To buy tickets.

Tuesday December 21: Holiday Charcuterie at Bakery Square

6 pm-7pm

Create the candy charcuterie platter of your dreams during this holiday workshop using festive chocolates, cookies and sweets. Supplies and tools are provided. To buy tickets.

Tuesday, December 21: Spotlight on story time with the African-American Cultural Center August Wilson

6.30 p.m.

How did a 10 year old girl become “Sadie the Super Hairo?” Find out using this storytime virtual event featuring Ki’mm Norita’s children’s book in this educational series hosted by Cathryn Calhoun. Free registration.

Tuesday December 21: Christmas Eve New Year’s Eve on the Moon, Baby at Spirit

7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Add some glam and mischief to your vacation at the Moon Baby Christmas Show. Accompanied by pianist Jon David Russell, the musician and drag artist will sing the night away as he sing along to holiday favorites. Party goers can also reserve a table for a three-course meal at a prix fixe. Of course, it is better to peel the potatoes. To buy tickets.

Wednesday December 22: Holiday laser show at North Park

Various times

You have one last night to park the car at the North Park Pool for this dazzling laser show. The one-of-a-kind show syncs with holiday music streaming via 87.9 FM, and attendees can sit inside or outside their vehicle. Buy tickets before it sells out.

Wednesday, December 22: Holiday home concert at the Pittsburgh Playhouse

7:00 p.m.

Internationally renowned trumpeter Sean Jones returns to the Burgh to share the power of live music and spread the holiday cheer. The Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert is co-produced with MCG Jazz. To buy tickets.

Thursday December 23: Virtual stories with Santa Claus

6 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Before you snuggle up in your beds, join Phipps for a special winter-themed series directed by Kris Kringle Santa himself. Hear Santa read “The Mitten: A Ukrainian Folktale” – adapted and illustrated by Jan Brett – along with “Snowmen at Night”, written by Caralyn Buehner and illustrated by Mark Buehner. Free registration.

Photo courtesy of Phipps.

Thursday December 23: Acoustic music of the Appalachians at Bakery Square

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Exhale and relax while listening to live music from Acoustic Appalachian at the Bakery Square Conservatory, which is all adorned with holiday decor.

Thursday December 23: Joe Kwaczala at Arcade Comedy Theater

8 p.m.

Arcade Comedy Theater and Drusky Entertainment are teaming up to welcome LA-based, Pittsburgh-born stand-up comedian Joe Kwaczala. Known for posting video day marathons, Kwaczala has produced shows for Comedy Central, Amazon Prime, and SeriesFest. Hosted by Tyler Ray Kendrick, the One Night Show will also star comedians Danny Palumbo and Suzanne Lawrence. To buy tickets.

Photo courtesy of Joe Kwaczala.

Thursday December 23: Diamond Life at Spirit

9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Dance ’til the holidays with DJs Jesley Snipes and DZ Party Time – plus visuals by Tom Frank – at the upcoming Diamond Life Dance Party. From Bowie to Beyoncé and The Cure to Cardi B, you’ll find your rhythm with five hours of music spanning all genres.

Thursday December 23: People’s Gas Festivity Market

11 am-9pm

Calling all procrastinators: you have an extra hour to shop on the last night of the Peoples Gas Holiday Market. Find international gifts – like Peruvian textiles, Russian nesting dolls, Austrian strudel, locally made goods with a 412 twist and more. Shop from more vendors than ever before, stroll through an illuminated market square, and meander through cozy wooden chalets.

Peoples Gas Holiday Market. Photo by Renée Rosensteel.

Friday December 24 and Saturday December 25: Chinese cuisine and movies at the Row House cinema

Various timesh

This movie marathon will keep you happy. Four must-see holiday classics – The Muppet Christmas Carol, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, It’s a Wonderful Life and Die Hard – will take place on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day so you can catch some or all of the movies . Movie buffs can order at Zen Asian Bistro and Bierport to feast while watching. To buy tickets.