Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on February 16, 2024.
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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!
The Open Road
Thinking of participating in dry January but don't know where to begin? The Allentown shop, The Open Road, is for you! This one features all manor of alcohol free and de-alcoholized products like spirits, wine, beer, ready-to-drink mocktails, and so much more. They even have some products with infusions of hops, CBD, and more!
Even better? They offer samples of many of the faux-spirits as well!
In the mood for more non-alcoholic products that are locally made? Don't over look the NA options at Two Frays Brewing in Garfield, too!
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 13th in 2024! This year's theme is Into the Mist and will delight you with flowers arranged with water and mist elements to highlight their beauty. 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 15th to 21st in 2024. This one features over 30 participating restaurants with menu specials, including a few of our favorites like The Porch taking part.
So if you need an excuse to go out and try a new restaurant, this is it.
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 5th!
Heinz History Center
When it comes to museums about Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, there is none more inspiring than the Heinz History Center– a six-floor beast of a museum that covers every aspect of Pittsburgh's history from its early days as a colony (where it even hosted George Washington on several occasions) to modern industries, inventions, and entertainment (they even have the set of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood!).
If you've ever wanted to learn more about how Pittsburgh came to be the city we all know and love, this one is a must-visit.
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 away at Baltimore on January 6th at 4:30pm- so head to an area bar or restaurant to watch the game and cheer them on!
Although football could be light this month, the Pittsburgh Penguins season is in full swing with home games on the 2nd against the Capitals, the 6th against the Sabres, the 11th against the Canucks, the 15th against the Kraken, the 26th against the Panthers, and the 27th against the Canadiens at home.
Finally, Pitt basketball is still going strong with home games against UNC on January 2nd, Duke on the 9th, Syracuse on the 16th, and Wake Forest on the 31st.
Pitt football and basketball are both in action in November and the Panthers football team takes on Florida State on November 4th and Boston College on the 16th at home. Pitt's basketball team has games at home on the 6th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 22nd, and 28th this month as well- a solid home series if there ever was one.
Shows in Pittsburgh
November 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 The Courage to Stand on the 17th, Shakespeare Reimagined on the 18th, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert on the 20th and 21st, Barber & Bartok on the 26th-28th, and Rajaton Sings queen on the 30th!
The Benedum Center will be hosting PNC Broadway's Girl from the North Country January 9th to 14th, Dancing With the Stars Live on January 24th, and Shen Yun on January 27th and 28th.
The Pittsburgh Opera will be performing Iphigenie en Tauride on January 20th to 28th.