Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on November 22, 2023.
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We've been to all manner of holiday experiences in Pittsburgh, but it was Allegheny County's North Park that gave us a real holiday surprise- a laser light show!
When we first heard about the laser light show, we knew we had to buy tickets for it right away. We snapped up a spot for opening night and eagerly awaited what was in store for us.
Lasers Bring the Cheer in North Park
The laser light show at North Park runs for roughly 40-minutes and is choreographed to music that is broadcast over the radio to enjoy directly in your car.
During our show, we got to enjoy dazzling lights synced up to the likes of Michael Buble, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and of course many of the classics (including “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer” to name a few). Some of these were the complete songs, while others were snippets in a medley that would run through an array of laser colors, patterns, and more.
Our favorite was perhaps a rolling candy cane-like pattern that was visible inside the fog. This one was impossible to get a photo of, sadly, but was a really cool effect beyond straight lasers shooting out to the sky (as visible in our shots).
While the show is mostly just that, dancing lasers through fog set to music, we have to admit that it is the execution of this event that made it one of the most enjoyable holiday experiences we've had in a long time. From the moment we arrived to when we departed the experience was flawless and came at a wonderful price-point as well.
Exceptionally Well Executed from Start to Finish
As with most holiday experiences, you can expect the laser light shows at North Park to be sellouts for each session (generally about three per night). With this means crowds, and with crowds means concerns about accessibility and what it does to the quality of the experience itself.
When purchasing your ticket, you are told to arrive at the North Park pool 30-45 minutes before the start of your show. Upon arrival, you get checked in by an attendant (by our count there were four or five booths with a separate attendant helping people get to the fastest one) and then yet another attendant puts you in a line of cars to park.
When ready, yet another attendant takes the cars to a row in the parking lot where even more attendants help direct you exactly where to park. This is done in a staggered pattern such that no car is parked directly in front of you and every seat could be considered the best in the house. Even in being in the back row, we had an exceptional view. From the time we pulled into North Park (about 30 minutes before show time) to the time we were parked was just about five minutes, and was incredibly easy.
At the end of the show an announcer came on the radio to tell everyone how cars would be released, and all of the attendants helped dismiss the rows one by one in a timely fashion that we were again out in just over five minutes.
To say this one was well executed is an understatement, as you also have to consider we also went on opening night!
Overall, the Holiday Laser Light Show at North Park is a gem. Between its well-done choreography, price point, and execution we had a great time at this show. Here's hoping it'll be back again next year!
The Holiday Laser Light Show at North Park runs on select nights in December. Tickets must be purchased online in advance for select showtimes. Prices vary for weeknight/weekend shows and whether or not you're an Allegheny County resident. The park recommends arriving 30-45 minutes before your scheduled performance to get checked in and parked.
