21+ Night: Solstice Party (Friday)

Carnegie Science Center marks the longest night of the year with a party under the stars. It will feature a cosmic drag show hosted by Princess Jafar and beat box artist Kidmental, laser karaoke in Buhl Planetarium, and a chance to learn all about the winter solstice. That, plus hot food and specialty cocktails and live music. It runs 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25, $20 for members; carnegiesciencecenter.org.

Highmark Holiday Pops (Friday-Sunday)

For the second weekend, Daniel Meyer conducts the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in its annual holiday pops program at Heinz Hall, joined by the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Broadway star Blaine Alden Krauss, Christopher Sanders and Santa. Concerts are 8 p.m. Friday; 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $22 to $99; pittsburghsymphony.org. Also in the Cultural District, the PBT “Nutcracker” continues at the Benedum and “A Musical Christmas Carol” is running at the Byham; trustarts.org. 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Saturday)

The progressive-rock ensemble returns to PPG Paints Arena with “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve — the Best of TSO & More.” an updated presentation of the holiday show created by late founder Paul O’Neill and his wife Desi. It’s based on the TV special that features such fan favorites as "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24," "O’ Come All Ye Faithful," "Good King Joy," "Christmas Canon," "Music Box Blues," "Promises To Keep," and "This Christmas Day." “I love all of Paul’s stories, but ‘The Ghosts of Christmas Eve’ is one of my favorites and can’t wait to unveil this incredibly amazing new show for everyone,” TSO’s music director and lead guitarist Al Pitrelli said in a statement. Times are 3 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $49.50; ticketmaster.com.

The 1975 (Saturday)

The British band, in its 10th year, brings some rare rock-star energy to late December, when most of the concerts are full of carols. Flamboyant frontman Matty Healy leads The 1975 on a tour supporting fifth album, “Being Funny In A Foreign Language,” performing on a stage built like a living room with lamps and couches. It’s at the UPMC Events Center in Moon at 7 p.m. Resale tickets only at ticketmaster.com.

‘Glowland’ (Through Saturday)

Just a few days left to experience this winter festival in Schenley Plaza, Oakland, featuring art installations, live music events and illuminations throughout Oakland. Visitors can discover the playable and interactive art installation, Impulse, and then head into the business district for music, entertainment, vendors, games and more. Info at oaklandpittsburgh.com/pages/glowland.

‘The Sounds of Christmas’ (Sunday)

The 22-piece Latshaw Pops Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Bruce Lauffer, is joined by singers and dancers for this 90-minute musical celebration. The special guest is Victory Brinker, a 10-year-old internationally renowned classical crossover singer and actress who is known as a Golden Buzzer winner and finalist on “America’s Got Talent.” It’s at the Palace Theatre, Greensburg, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $35; thepalacetheatre.org.

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox (Sunday)

The New York City pianist leads this ensemble, formed in 2011, in “A Very Postmodern Christmas,” a trip through pop music history with vintage to contemporary music. The group calls it “one part celebration of vintage music and culture, one part ‘’Saturday Night Live’ for singers.” It’s at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall at 8 p.m. $45-$85; eventbrite.com.

Made & Found Holiday Market (Sunday)

Spirit in Lawrenceville is the site of this holiday marketplace with 30 vendors offering vintage and homemade items, from leather goods to ceramics to denim to holistic products. It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free; spiritpgh.com.

Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Sunday)

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist, best known for his work with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, stops at Jergels, Marshall, on a solo tour supporting his first-ever solo album, “Speed of Heat,” released earlier this year. No surprise, there’s not shortage of sizzling guitar work, on a mix of originals and covers of “My Old School,” “Do It Again” and The Shadows’ “Apache.” “You go into making a record with so many expectations, but I can honestly say that the finished album met and exceeded all of them,” he said in a statement. He’ll be joined by his co-producer/co-writer/keyboardist CJ Vanston, drummer Mark Damian and bassist and vocalist Hank Horton. It begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25; $30 day of show; jergels.com.

First Published: December 13, 2022, 11:00 a.m.