Steelers-Patriots Tops 5 Weekend Things To Do Around Dormont

DORMONT, PA - Everything else is secondary this weekend - holiday shopping, decorating the Christmas tree, taking the kids to see Santa. None of those trivial things can compare to titanic showdown taking place at Heinz Field on Sunday.

The Steelers play the New England Patriots Sunday in a matchup football fans across America have eagerly anticipated since the season’s schedule was announced. Both teams sport 11-2 records and are trying to clinch home field advantage throughout the NFL playoffs.

Will the Patriots be able to hold the potent Steelers offense in check? Will the Steelers be able to keep Tom Brady from picking apart what has been a porous defense over the past few weeks?

The answers come Sunday at 4:25 p.m. at Heinz Field.

If you want to see the game in person, Steelers- Patriots tickets naturally are going to set you back a bit. The cheapest we could find was selling for (gulp) $212.

Other weekend highlights:

• Casting Crowns, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., PPG Paints Arena.

The Grammy Award-winning contemporary Christian rock band, which released the EP “It’s Finally Christmas” in October, brings its “A Glorious Christmas Tour” to town so expect to hear holiday offerings. The band’s last full-length work, “The Very Next Thing,” was released in 2016.
Casting Crown tickets are $28.

• “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 15, 7 p.m., Dec. 16, 2 and 7 p.m., Dec. 17, noon and 4:30 p.m., Benedum Center, Center, Downtown.

Complete with flurrying snow, a colossal Christmas tree and magic tricks galore, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater's production of "The Nutcracker" features over 100 dancers, 200 costumes and Tchaikovsky's exultant score. One of the annual highlights of the holiday season around town continues its run at the Benedum
”The Nutcracker” tickets start at $28.

• Holiday Lights, Dec. 15-17, 5-9 p.m., Kennywood.

The annual holiday lights display continues at the West Mifflin amusement park, which has been adorned with nearly two million dazzling lights. While you’re there you can enjoy holiday songs performed by local choirs, see a light show on the lagoon choreographed to favorite holiday melodies, visit Santa and ride the Gingerbread Express
Holiday Lights tickets start at $15.99.

• Holiday Magic Laser Show, Dec. 14, 1 p.m.; Dec. 15, 1 and 5 p.m.; Dec.16, 2 and 5 p.m., Carnegie Science Center, North Shore.

This holiday laser show is perfect for the whole family. Featuring traditional holiday tunes from across generations to contemporary artists performing their personal favorites, this matinee laser show is guaranteed to be a hit with all ages. Songs include Andy Williams' "Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "The March," from "The Nutcracker and Bing Crosby's "White Christmas."

Holiday Magic Laser Show admission is $7.