Market Square

Some good restaurants around as well as a nice place to sit and relax.

They have a lot of special events n'at going on at various times.

This review is for Pittsburgh Holiday Market:

This was on my list to check out, this past Friday, for my birthday on December 1st...glad too have checked it out. Felt like you walked back into fun simplier times; European huts, selling various themed items, live Christmas music, beverages and other delicious treats.

A short walking distance, you will find the Highmark icerink, and in the center a sparking, festive 3D Christmas tree. Great event for locals, and if your in from out of town visiting.

Market Square is a public space and marketplace in downtown Pittsburgh. It was originally built in the late 1700s and was most recently remodeled into a European-style plaza in the early 2000s. The area is pedestrian-friendly and contains restaurants, stores, and cultural events that are easy to walk to.

Market Square has more than a dozen restaurants (e.g., Original Oyster House, Prantl's Bakery, and Il Pizzaialo). Throughout the year, the Market Square Merchants Association organizes events such as live concerts, farmers markets, a Holiday Market, and Light Up Night.

For over a decade, I have visited Market Square off and on. I have enjoyed a few of its restaurants and events. Most recently, I came here for the People's Holiday Market. From mid-November to Christmas Eve, a few dozen vendors are set up in wooden chalets and are selling their crafts and foods to the public. I saw goods such as ornaments, t-shirts, plates, bowls, mugs, scarves, greeting cards, candles, books, figurines, nesting dolls, prints, etcetera. I also saw foods and beverages such as strudels, pretzels, roasted nuts, cider, wines, hot chocolate, etcetera. I bought a couple of items, and the prices were reasonable.

This place is great as long as you are in the
"market" for food. With everything from Dunkin to an oyster house, the plaza is able to satisfy all 3 meals. The big draw for me is the open space with seating and minimal cars that give people a place to meet up, enjoy some food, and enjoy some of the architecture of the city.

The holiday market sponsored by People's Gas was absolutely beautiful and magical. We were there early enough in the season that there were not large crowds gathered yet. Highly recommend the strudel, spinach pie, and bratwurst at Helmut's Strudel chalet and the gluhwein at the wine chalet. I found it to be pretty pricey compared to other Christmas markets in the US and in Europe and the collectable mug did not specify that it was from Pittsburgh, but other than that it was a nice winter warmer. The accordion player was a great addition, and we sipped our hot mulled wine and listened to him play for a little while. We bought a couple hand- painted ornaments and enjoyed the gorgeous mid-November afternoon. Great afternoon in Market Square.

I love coming here and especially at night.

So much life and so many people enjoying themselves.

From the fountains, to the bars, to the architecture to the restaurants, this area has everything you want and aldidn't know you need to fill your belly and heart with happiness.

I 100% recommend coming here to enjoy all it has to offer and especially at night or during the St Paddy's day parade and festivities.

It can get very busy depending on the day and time you are here so be prepared for that especially if you are wanting to go to Primanti Bro's as it is always busy due to the amazing sandwiches and people enjoying IC on tap while watching the Pens, Steelers or Pirates.

Do yinzselves a favor and check this place out :D

So much history here, dating to 1764, but now a showcase for restaurants. The historic Diamond Market was demolished in 1961, but that led the way to the current European style open square. A renovation in 2011 enhanced the open air features and enhanced features for pedestrian access.

Home to political speeches, seasonal concerts and art installations, the Square is a vibrant part of life in Pittsburgh. The German style Christmas market each winter is fun to attend.

There's a lot of Abolitionist history in the Square, and a barely noticeable commemorative installation entitled The North Star is worth seeking out.

Market Square is an open public space surrounded by restaurants and shops, located at the intersection of Forbes Avenue and Market Street. The area has long been a meeting spot for Pittsburgh residents and it's where the city's first courthouse and first jail were built.

these days- its pedestrian-only square is the grounds for many community-building events and festivals

of course, summertime is fun here. Typical summer events like any downtown include farmer's markets, fashion truck pop-ups, and outdoor yoga classes, so yeah if you are downtown, go through this.

Square is even not as big as you see in major downtowns, but yeah its good to have one rather than none.
We had a few bites here, jerk chicken. it was so-so, like 5/10. There are limited on-street parking options near Market Square, but there are plenty of garages in the area.

It's a short walk from the Wood Street, Gateway, and Steel Plaza metro stations and many buses stop nearby as well. It's free to stroll around the area, and many public events held in the square are free to enjoy, too.

Decorated for the holidays Market Square has been transformed into an European village. Outdoor buildings have been brought in to be small craft shops that sell nice holiday wares of all kinds--clothing, hats, scarves, ornaments, leather goods, nuts, fudge,etc. Look for Santa in his house! Surrounding this Holiday Village are shops and restaurants are all price ranges. The ice skating rink is wonderful with a lighted tree that has LED lights going around it in holiday patterns. Skaters of all ages and abilities were having fun. Skate rental is available. This night there was a free concert near the river. The holiday event begins the weekend before Thanksgiving and goes until December 24th. This gem is neat and fun. Come, young and old, to downtown Pittsburgh. Find parking and stop here.

Cool place!
We were there for the Christmas market on a busy Steeler Sunday about 4 hours prior to game time, the market was packed with customers and vendors.

They offer many unique items and are open daily until just before Christmas.

It reminded me of the straw market on grand Bahama island (except the sales people weren't pushy)

Who couldn't like Market Square? Great vendors and place to be around Christmas or St Patrick's day. So very Pittsburgh perfect. It's just a beautiful part of downtown and a great place to gather.