Aurora in Mellon Square: A Holiday Light Display to Spark Downtown Pittsburgh’s Winter Magic

Written by Allison Frazer

This holiday season, Mellon Square in Downtown Pittsburgh will come alive with a new vibrant, interactive light display titled, “Aurora: Illuminating the Holiday Magic of Mellon Square.” Designed by artist Joshua Challen Ice, this enchanting installation seeks to draw more visitors to the historic park, which typically closes during winter. By bringing space to life with captivating elements, this display aims to enhance the festive atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Set to launch on November 23, Downtown’s Light Up Night, the display will offer not only captivating lights, but holiday entertainment, including performances, carolers and more! This initiative, developed by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, aims to boost the holiday experience and encourage visitors to explore other nearby attractions at the Market Square, such as the People Gas Holiday Market and The Rink at PPG Place.

The installation has received significant funding, including a $175,000 grant from the Eden Hall Foundation, a private foundation that seeks to improve life in Pittsburgh, as a part of a larger $10 million commitment to revitalizing Downtown post-pandemic. 

Challen Ice’s design features a series of diamond-shaped panels that reflect the terrazzo’s patterns of the park’s newly restored flooring, creating a unique, immersive experience. The structure, reminiscent of bridge arches, will be approximately 30 feet high, allowing for an engaging light display that changes colors with movement and wind.

With hopes that this will become an annual event, the Conservancy encourages people to visit and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere this holiday season!