Road Advisory

PITTSBURGH — The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works Forestry Division announced press details and traffic advisories Tuesday morning for the transport, installation, and celebration of the 113th City of Pittsburgh Christmas Tree at the City-County Building.

 

This year's official tree is a 38-foot blue spruce donated by Anthony Vallecorsa of Brighton Heights. Serving as Downtown Pittsburgh's only live outdoor holiday tree, the evergreen will make its journey from the North Side neighborhood to the City-County Building on Saturday, November 14, continuing a city tradition established in 1913.

Transport Route & Rolling Closures (Saturday, Nov. 14)

Motorists should expect rolling traffic closures and temporary delays between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM on Saturday morning as public safety and police escort crews transport the 38-foot spruce.

 

The escort route will impact the following corridors:

 

• North Side & Brighton Heights: Richbarn Road, Brighton Road, Termon Avenue, and Brighton Heights Boulevard.

• Highways & Bridges: Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard), I-279, Fort Duquesne Bridge, and Fort Pitt Boulevard.

• Downtown Corridors: Smithfield Street, Boulevard of the Allies, and Grant Street.

Downtown Grant Street Closures & Decorating Schedule

Full street and lane restrictions in front of the City-County Building will take place over the weekend:

 

• Saturday, Nov. 14 (Installation): Grant Street will be completely closed between Third Avenue and Fifth Avenue from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM to position heavy equipment and install the tree on the portico.

• Sunday, Nov. 15 (Decorating): The northbound travel lane of Grant Street closest to the City-County Building will close from 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM for decorating crews to wrap the tree in holiday lights and ornaments.

Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Festivities

The official 113th Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place during Highmark Light Up Night on Saturday, November 21, 2026.

 

• Event Time: Festivities run from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM along Grant Street.

• Tree Lighting & Fireworks: The formal illumination occurs at 5:00 PM, accompanied by rooftop fireworks and scheduled holiday light-and-sound shows.

• City-County Building Lobby: The popular annual Gingerbread House Display will also open inside the lobby during the festivities and remain on display through early January.