Lumaze Pittsburgh Tips to Know Before You Visit

Lumaze Pittsburgh is an indoor holiday light show and interactive space that just arrived this weekend. But, with it being so new, what do you need to know before you go? From parking to admission to the best time to go, here are Lumaze Pittsburgh tips to know before you visit. 

 

 

Disclosure: I’m an official Lumaze Ambassador for the 2019 season, so I was given complimentary admission on opening night. But, no worries, all opinions and tips are my own. 

Holiday light displays are always on my short list when it comes to holiday must-dos. And, when I learned about Lumaze coming to Pittsburgh this year, I had to take my family on opening night to check it out. And when it’s an indoor holiday light show? Even better. So, on opening weekend we hit The Strip District and got ready to see one million lights. Honestly, I wouldn’t have been the one to count them, but I’m happy someone cam up with the number. Here’s the scoop on the fun and must-know tips. 

Before you begin, there’s plenty more to do in and around Pittsburgh! Here’s my Pittsburgh Holiday Guide.

Lumaze Pittsburgh Dates

Lumaze will be in Pittsburgh this holiday season from November 23, 2019 – January 4, 2020 on select nights. The Lumaze calendar will give you dates and times, but you can expect it to be open Thursdays-Mondays and the entire week of Christmas and New Year’s. 

Admission Prices

Personally, I found the cost of Lumaze tickets to be affordable. It’s easier if I break it down, but first keep this in mind: these are the online ticket prices listed. If you want to walk up to the ticket booth on the day of, it’s $2 more per ticket. Also, there are applicable service fees not added into the prices. 

Adults Lumaze Ticket Prices:

Families with up to 2 adults and 2 children:

Military and First Responders:

Lumaze Season Passes

Right now, season passes are 20% off the regular pricing. Of course, there are blackout dates and additional information to go along with the pass, so here’s the official Lumaze season pass link. 

At the time this post was written, here are the Season Pass prices:

• Adult $39.99 (reg: $49.99)
• Children 4-12 and Seniors $29.99 (reg: $38.99)
• Children 3 and under are free.

Once you have your season pass, you’ll need to head to the official website to book your tickets. You’ll be able to book two dates at a time, too. 

Lumaze Pittsburgh: Where to Park

First, let’s talk about where Lumaze Pittsburgh is located. It’s in the 31st Street Studios at 77 31st Street. Having written that, that address took us to the opposites side of its official parking lot. When we went on opening night, there really wasn’t any signage to point us to the parking lot, but we drove around the building and ended up finding parking attendants. 

Okay, so let’s talk parking. It was really busy (hello, opening night!) and the lot was packed from the get go. Also, it’s a $20 parking charge per vehicle in addition to admission ticket prices. 

There are parking lots around 31st Street Studios that are less expensive, but you will have to walk a ways to get to the entrance. Additionally, there’s some on-street parking if you get lucky enough to find an open space. 

Lumaze Pittsburgh Pet Policy

Service animals are definitely welcome, happily. But, if you were thinking of bringing your non-service animal, it’s a no-go.

Free in Pittsburgh during the holidays? You betcha! Here are the best free things to do in Pittsburgh during the holidays. 

Lumaze Dress Code

There isn’t one, but I’m suggesting to dress with several layers. When we first entered, and at the ticketing counter, it was pretty chilly. As the night went on, it definitely got warmer compliments of body heat. Think of the Mall of America. Did you know it doesn’t use a dedicated heat source? Lumaze Pittsburgh is heated, though, so no worries. 

 

Kid-Friendly Areas

Lumaze definitely kept families in mind with its creation. There’s an actual, dedicated play area with slides and climbing opportunities. Surrounding it is a lily pad interactive footpath, too. Santa is available for chatting and the hot spot is the train ride. The train is for families with children 12 and under. If you really want to hop on the train without much wait, arrive at opening and make a beeline for it. 

Another interactive activity is to find six giant presents for a special prize (aka, a candy cane). You’ll need to grab a present guide when you walk into the main area and have stamps put onto your card. Once completed, turn it in for your prize.

Lumaze Pittsburgh Tips: We found the prize area at the Market Entrance. 

 

As for how much time to tour Lumaze, I’d err on the side of caution and say at least two hours, especially if you want to meet Santa and take a train ride. 

Food and Drink

Once you get inside, there are several spots for food including pop-up stands. Throughout Lumaze you’ll find three bars with both kid-friendly and alcoholic drinks. Please keep in mind, there’s a super cool light-up drinking vessel that everyone loves, so the line to order gets pretty long, especially during high crowds. 

Lumaze Pittsburgh tips: My advice is to hit the bar areas when it first opens so you won’t have to wait in line at length. 

Looking for good Sunday drive spots? Here are fun winter day trips from Pittsburgh ideas. 

Photo Opportunities

There are tons! My favorites are the hanging picture frames, but there’s a giant carriage, a heart-shaped tunnel (perfect for couples), and light-up swings. 

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