An Enchanted Winter's Eve

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is kicking off the holiday season with An Enchanted Winter's Eve on Thursday, November 19, 2026. It's their big holiday gala, the night they officially usher in the season, and it takes place right inside the gardens. The evening is built around the conservatory's winter displays: glittering gardens, fragrant holiday blooms, light displays, and whimsical topiary animals. Phipps was gifted to the city by Henry Phipps in 1893, so it's been a part of the Pittsburgh landscape for over 130 years.

The music is spread across the night. The Olde Towne Carolers bring the holiday tunes, and the Huldra Quartet provides live orchestral music. For something a bit different, Doug Wonder does interactive magic, and the Three Rivers Ringers close things out with a handbell finale. It's a mix of a garden party and a concert, with the music and magic woven through the evening rather than one single stage show.

There are two ways to do the night. If you arrive at 6:30 PM, you get the VIP reception before the main party starts at 7:30 PM. Tickets for that early arrival are tiered: Honorary Host Committee Champion at $600, Benefactor at $500, Patron at $400, and Advocate at $300. If you're fine arriving at 7:30 PM, the Supporter ticket is $185. The garden party itself runs from 7:30 to 10 PM. Cocktail or business attire is encouraged, and there's complimentary valet parking.