Pittsburgh Selected Official Christmas Tree for 2026
A 38-foot blue spruce from Brighton Heights has been chosen to stand outside the City-County Building this year.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Seasonal Events
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Pittsburgh officials have selected a 38-foot blue spruce as the city's 113th annual official Christmas tree. Donated by a resident of the Brighton Heights neighborhood, the tree will serve as the centerpiece for holiday festivities.
Why it matters
The annual selection and display of the tree maintains a long-standing municipal tradition that helps anchor the city's winter holiday celebrations in Downtown.
The city is celebrating the 113th iteration of its official Christmas tree tradition. The 38-foot blue spruce will feature 90 ornaments representing city neighborhoods.
The players
Forestry Division of the Department of Public Works
This municipal agency is responsible for the maintenance and selection of trees located on public and private property throughout the city.
The details
The Forestry Division of the Department of Public Works identified and selected the spruce from a private property in Brighton Heights. Following the holidays, the tree is scheduled to be processed into mulch for public use.
Timeline
The city's first Christmas tree was displayed at the City-County Building in 1915.
The tree will be transported to Downtown in November 2026.
The official illumination will occur during the Highmark Light Up Night event on November 21, 2026, starting at 5 p.m.
Industry Dynamics
The selection of a tree is an integral component of the Highmark Light Up Night traditions, marking the 65th anniversary of the celebration. This annual ritual anchors the city's seasonal tourism and retail traffic against broader regional holiday attractions.
Residents and visitors can view the tree outside the City-County Building starting in late November. The public is invited to attend the Highmark Light Up Night ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. on November 21, 2026.
The takeaway
Maintaining the holiday tree remains a central part of Pittsburgh's municipal identity and seasonal planning. Residents can look forward to the official lighting ceremony as the primary signal for the start of the downtown holiday season.
Further reading
Learn more about local traditions in our Seasonal Events section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TribLIVE.
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