Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on January 15, 2025.
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Winter is in full gear in January in Pittsburgh, which means it is time to either embrace the season or rush to a museum or favorite libation spot to stay warm inside.
No matter which you pick, there are many great things to do in Pittsburgh in January- so check out the following options to get a few ideas on where to start!
Tubing at Boyce Park
You don't have to drive all the way out into the mountains to enjoy Pittsburgh activities during the winter. Allegheny County's Boyce Park offers their own dedicated skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing hills during the winter months- perfect for those who want to get outside without the drive!
Although we advocate going to proper mountains for skiing and snowboarding, the snow tubing hills at Boyce Park makes for a great afternoon out in town when snow is on the ground.
Winter Activities at Nemacolin Woodlands
When we get out, we try to stay close to Pittsburgh. But when we suggest you drive out of the city for an experience, there is often a good reason. The winter activities at the Nemacolin Woodlands resorts are one such reason as this property is home to dog sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and a whole lot more.
So if you are wanting to embrace all things winter, especially in the great outdoors, an overnight to Nemacolin may be for you!
Looking for a meal while at Nemacolin? Be sure to get reservations at Aqueous if you are staying overnight!
Dry January at Two Frays Brewing
In the mood to start the year off with Dry January, but still want a beer? Head over to Two Frays Brewing in Garfield during January to try one of their numerous NA beers available on draft. They're truly the leader in local non-alcoholic beer production and have some tasty gems to try!
The Phipps Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show
If you are in need of warmer thoughts this January, take a trip to Phipps Conservatory for their annual Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show which starts on January 11th in 2025! This year's theme is A Moment of Beauty and will delight you with, well, the beauty of these unique flowers! We expect it to be quite colorful as always!
Bicycle Heaven and Johnny Angel's
You should make a return trip to the North Side to check out Bicycle Heaven– what is claimed to be the largest bicycle museum and store in the country (and possibly the world). This multi-level store features numerous showrooms of the most unusual and rarest bicycles on the planet (which, in many cases, they have duplicates of). Whatever you do, do not miss their upstairs rooms which are the very best.
Afterward, check out Johnny Angel's Ginchy Stuff located right next door- a music museum dedicated to Johnny's impressive 50-year career as a local Pittsburgh musician.
For more things to do in the North Side, why not grab a drink at Southern Tier or, if the weather is nice, take a stroll along the North Shore River Trail?
Try a New Spot During Pittsburgh Restaurant Week
Pittsburgh Restaurant Week takes place a couple of times each year, and the winter edition of this one is on January 13th to 19th in 2025. This one typically features dozens of participating restaurants with menu specials, including a few of our favorites like The Porch often taking part.
So if you need an excuse to go out and try a new restaurant, this is it.
• Traveling to Pittsburgh soon? Find a flight deal.
• In need of a room? Check out hotel and apartment prices.
• Don't overlook picking up a rental car or day tours as well!
Garfield First Friday
It is always fun to get out and explore Garfield and Friendship for their monthly First Friday festivities, aptly named Unblurred. Explore local businesses and art galleries that are open late and shop, eat, and drink your way around the neighborhood from 3 to 11 pm on January 3rd!
Crapteka by Apteka
One of our favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh, the vegan Eastern European restaurant Apteka, does something special each January. For three weekends only, they roll out their aptly named “Crapteka” menu- namely, vegan junk food of vegetable-based burgers, fries, and sunflower seed milkshakes with some incredible flavor combinations.
In 2025, Crapteka will run for three weekends only, starting January 17th through February 2nd, with limited takeout available. But be warned, if you want to visit this one be prepared for the lines as this one is quite popular!
Sports in Pittsburgh
January is always a bit of a slower month for sports (if the Steelers don't make the playoffs, at least). The final regular season game for the Steelers is home against the Bengals on the 4th at 8pm- so head to Acrisure to cheer them on!
Although football could be light this month, the Pittsburgh Penguins season is in full swing with home games on the 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th, and 14th, plus numerous away games that you can enjoy from local restaurants and bars.
Finally, Pitt basketball is still going strong with home games on the 1st (Cal), 4th (Stanford), 11th (Louisville), 18th (Clemson), and 28th (North Carolina).
Shows in Pittsburgh
January is often a quieter month for concerts in Pittsburgh, but thankfully our local ensembles have many performances.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has something for you throughout January with Debussy's La Mer on the 10th and 12th, Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on the 17th-19th, and the music of One Piece on January 25th and 26th to name a few.
The Benedum Center will be hosting The Life of Pi starting on the 28th, and
The Pittsburgh Opera will be performing Armida on January 25th, 28th, and 31st at the CAPA Theater.