If you need some holiday cheer and light to combat the cold December weather, consider taking part in the launch of Beautifully Lit — A Self-Guided Tour that starts at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Aurora installation at Mellon Square, Downtown.
This new tour will spotlight the city’s holiday light installations and the artists behind them amid a backdrop of Downtown Pittsburgh’s history and key locations, according to a Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy news release. The Colbys will perform there, too, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Visitors can pick up a passport at the conservancy’s welcome station at the Aurora installation and explore at their own pace through videos and QR codes accessible via smartphone.
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Tour stops after Aurora, the new light-based artwork installation in Mellon Square created by Joshua Challen Ice, include:
- The Willet Window at First Presbyterian Church.
- Lighting the Way, a new light-based artwork installation on Coffey Way by Rob Long.
- The Puddler, artist unknown.
- 168 Lightbulbs by Jim Campbell.
- Flowat Wood Street Station by Erwin Redl.
- Sister Bridges Lighting Display by Mikael Owunna and Marques Red.
Other musical highlights include a high-energy soul-stirring performance by the Deryck Tynes Gospel Singers at 7 p.m. at Aurora.
Visitors can keep warm with complimentary hot cocoa from the Mellon Square Hot Cocoa, Cart while supplies last, and free rides on the Mellon Square Holly Trolley — it connects Mellon Square, Market Square and the Cultural District — from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Benter Foundation and Eden Hall Foundation support the Aurora installation and ongoing holiday activities, according to the conservancy release.
To learn more about Aurora, visit the conservancy website pittsburghparks.org/msq.
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