An update of goings-on that reflect the continuing verve and vitality of the Strip District and Lawrenceville
Pittsburgh natives Keli Szalinski and Hailey Kennedy, the duo behind Palm Beauty Lounge, have transformed a longtime barber shop on Penn Avenue into one of the city’s most modern and inviting salons. Born and raised right here in the ’Burgh they’re proud to elevate a familiar neighborhood spot—keeping its charm while giving it a fresh, modern twist. Since starting their careers in 2017, Keli and Hailey have become known for their expertise in hair color and extensions, creating effortless, customized looks that make every client feel their best. Their attention to detail and passion for what they do shine through in every service, from lived-in blondes to rich, dimensional tones and seamless length transformations. Palm Beauty Lounge perfectly captures their vibe—stylish, relaxed, and filled with good energy. For Keli and Hailey, opening their dream salon on Penn Avenue is a full-circle moment and a way to share what they love most with their hometown. Together, they’ve created more than just a salon—it’s a space where creativity flows, friendships grow, and everyone leaves feeling confident and inspired.
Palm Beauty Lounge
2503 Penn Ave. / 412-320-1837
vagaro.com/palmbeautylounge
December is a month of gorgeous seasonal music by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall, starting with Handel’s Messiah on Tuesday, December 9, at 7:30 p.m. There are several opportunities to enjoy a program of “Highmark Holiday Pops”: December 12 and 19 (Fridays at 7:30 p.m.); December 13 and 20 (Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.); and Sundays (December 14 at 2:30 p.m. and December 21 at 1:30 p.m.).
Two other offerings add to the series: The “Holiday Brass Spectacular” on Tuesday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m.; and a “Sensory Friendly Holiday Pops” on Sunday, December 21, at 6:00 p.m.
And if you can wait until January 10, 2026 (Saturday at 7:00 p.m.), the PSO will present the exciting program of “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince in Concert.”
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Heinz Hall
600 Penn Ave. / 412-392-4900
pittsburghsymphony.org
Mid-December is once again the time for the annual Lawrenceville Cookie Tour. For 2025, the tour takes place on December 13 and 14.
The Cookie Tour celebrates local businesses and the community spirit. In 2025, the tour marks its 28th year, inviting visitors to explore the charming Pittsburgh neighborhood of Lawrenceville, while indulging in a variety of delicious cookies from local bakeries and home bakers.
The event showcases an exciting array of cookies, offering everything from classic chocolate chip to unique artisanal creations. The tour aims to engage the local community with activities such as costumed characters, bake sales, and cookie decorating workshops.
Attendees can enjoy free gift-wrapping stations for items purchased during the event. Free shuttle service is available along the route, along with designated parking options for visitors coming from outside the neighborhood.
Digital and printed maps are provided to help visitors navigate the participating stops and events throughout the neighborhood.
The Lawrenceville Cookie Tour 2025 promises to be a delightful experience filled with holiday cheer, delicious treats, and community spirit, making it a must-visit event for cookie lovers and holiday shoppers alike!
2025 Lawrenceville Cookie Tour
Lawrenceville Corporation
Ice House Studios
100 43rd St., Ste. 208 / 412-621-1616
lawrencevillecorp.com
The Strip District’s Pittsburgh Opera is starting off 2026 with a masterful, though all-too-infrequently-heard, opera by the great 20th-century British composer Benjamin Britten (Billy Budd, Peter Grimes, Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra). Curlew River will be staged on January 24, 27, and 30, 2026 (at 7:00 p.m.) and February 1 (at 4:00 p.m.). Note that the location is Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside (in keeping with the opera’s themes and history).
The story: A woman driven mad by the mystery of her lost son learns of her boy’s unfortunate fate from a chance encounter with a Ferryman while crossing a river.
Based on the Japanese Noh play Sumidigawa River, Britten’s opera retells this story as a Christian parable. Written in the style of monastic plain song and laden with musical symbolism, this piece artfully melds theatrical simplicity with ecumenical grandeur.
Pittsburgh Opera
2425 Liberty Ave. / 412-281-0912
pittsburghopera.org
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is once again presenting its dazzling holiday-season fantasy, now through January 4. “Phipps Holiday Magic” unveils colorful blooming plants and flowers amidst glowing and festive scenes, topiary wildlife, and a Winter Light Garden. Tickets for the special display range from $13.95 to $27.95, depending on day/time and visitor’s age. Valet services are available during peak attendance hours of each day of Phipps Holiday Magic; when available, valet service is $10.00 for members and $15.00 for nonmembers.
In 2025-26, Pittsburgh’s family holiday tradition is bigger, brighter, and more breathtaking than ever!
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1 Schenley Dr. / 412-622-6914
phipps.conservatory.org
Pittsburgh Opera
425 Liberty Ave. / 412-281-0912
pittsburghopera.org
In 1997, the Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize was established to recognize excellence in contemporary craft, with a focus on the theme of transformation. Named for Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael (1920-1998), the founder of Contemporary Craft, this triennial juried exhibition has built a significant international legacy.
Now through January 17, 2026, “Transformation 12: Contemporary Works in Wood,” features the work of 19 finalists, each exploring the expressive and technical possibilities of wood. Through techniques such as intarsia, marquetry, woodturning, carving, and sculptural construction, these artists transform raw material into compelling work. Together, these diverse approaches highlight the versatility of contemporary woodwork, showcasing artists at all stages of their careers whose creative vision and technical excellence redefine the field, offering a dialogue between material, technique, and artist innovation.
Contemporary Craft
5645 Butler St. / 412-261-700
contemporarycraft.org