Oakland Winter Lights Illuminates Pittsburgh’s Season of Connection

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — This winter, the Oakland Business Improvement District (OBID) invites residents and visitors alike to rediscover Oakland through a season-long celebration of light, art, and community.  

Running from December through February, Oakland Winter Lights transforms the neighborhood into a glowing destination where creativity meets connection, brightening some of the city’s darkest months with installations, displays, and experiences that bring people together.  

 

Lighting Up Pittsburgh’s Winter 

Building on the success of Glowland, which introduced Pittsburghers to the magic of illuminated public art, Oakland Winter Lights expands that vision into a neighborhood-wide experience that celebrates light as both art and invitation. The initiative turns the neighborhood’s core streets and public spaces into a beacon for winter activity, encouraging everyone to linger a little longer, explore local businesses, and see familiar places in a new light. 

Local light artist Cornelius Henke III of Projectile Objects leads this year’s creative direction, bringing a sense of motion and warmth to Oakland’s winter nights through multiple installations: 

• Living Lights, this year displayed on the trees at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital 
• Dippy the Dino at Carnegie Museums will be dressed in neon lights for the occasion 
• A series of light washes along Forbes & Fifth Avenue, creating a dynamic glow across Oakland’s Business Improvement District. 

Returning this season is “Love Glow,” a beloved community piece by Naomi Chambers, originally featured during Glowland. 

To complement these installations, Forbes Avenue and Craig Street will sparkle with festive pole lighting, and businesses will participate in ‘Windows of Wonder’ a window display competition, inviting friendly rivalry and plenty of photo ops. 

 

A Neighborhood that Glows from Within 

Oakland Winter Lights coincides with some of Pittsburgh’s most anticipated seasonal traditions, creating a full circuit of winter experiences within walking distance: 

December Features include: 

• Phipps Conservatory’s Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden, beginning November 14, dazzles with radiant, glowing displays for all ages. 
• The Carnegie Museum of Art’s Carnegie Trees, opening November 22 with the theme “Around the World in 80 Days,” continues a cherished holiday tradition. 
• 34th Nationality and Intercultural Exchange Programs Holiday Open House

 

Local businesses are also joining in the glow with their own displays, events, and activations throughout the season, including:

• Winter Igloo Lounge at the Oaklander with a bottle of champagne, light appetizers, and a view overlooking all of Oakland
•  Speciality Cocktails at locations like Viva Los Tacos, The Porch, The Oaklander, and more
• Winter offerings like Frosty's Peppermint Crunch at

 

See a full list of winter experiences, business specials, and festive menu items at OaklandPIttsburgh.com

 

About the Oakland Business Improvement District (OBID) 

The Oakland Business Improvement District (OBID) has been enhancing Oakland’s community for over 25 years, focusing on economic growth, public art, safety, and placemaking initiatives that make Oakland a vibrant and innovative neighborhood — a true crossroads of culture, creativity, and connection in Pittsburgh. 

Learn more at oaklandpittsburgh.com and follow @Oakland_412 for updates throughout the season.