Even though the autumn season is still in full swing, we’re already starting to witness the early signs of the upcoming holiday season. One unmistakable symbol of this festive time has recently made its appearance in Pittsburgh: a massive Christmas tree, complete with decorations but not yet illuminated, has taken its place at PPG Place.

With a little over a month to go, the tree will be officially lit during the annual American Cancer Society Pittsburgh Tribute of Light Ceremony.

Around the same time, another cherished winter tradition comes to life. The area surrounding the tree undergoes a magical transformation into an open-air ice-skating rink. Pre-sale tickets for skating at the UPMC Rink at PPG Place are now available.

News of the Christmas Tree was mentioned on Reddit where one user quipped: “Maybe a week earlier than usual, but Mid-October was when they started putting the tree/rink together for November for years now. It’s going to look beautiful though when they light up all those lantern fly carcasses that are going to be trapped in there. That section of 3rd directly next to PPG is the worst I have seen it in the city. You can’t even see the street for all the dead/live LF’s.”

The rink will be welcoming visitors with extended holiday hours from November 17 to January 7, and subsequently, it will continue to operate with winter hours from January 8 to February 25.