PITTSBURGH –

In a rare occurrence, Christmas Day and the first night of Hanukkah coincided this year, an event that only occurs about five times a century.

Pittsburghers embraced the spirit of both holidays by celebrating joy and light throughout the city.

“It’s really nice to be able to say Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah at the same time so we can celebrate together as a larger community,” Karen Galor said.

Galor and her family gathered to light the first of eight candles on their menorahs. They celebrated with traditional activities such as spinning dreidels for chocolate coins, eating potato latkes and singing songs.

For Galor’s family, Hanukkah has special meaning because her father’s Hebrew birthday falls on the first night.

Meanwhile, Pittsburghers celebrating Christmas shared similar feelings about family and togetherness.

“I really enjoy my family and my cousins, especially because they are the closest people to me. That’s the best feeling for me. Even more than friends. Everything else is better than anything else, being close to family,” said Akhmadjon Akhmedov.

In the evenings he went ice skating with his cousins ​​at PPG Place.

Whether it’s the lights on a menorah or a Christmas tree, Pittsburgh residents take the opportunity to celebrate their diverse traditions together.

As the city enjoys this unique holiday overlap, it looks forward to the next event in 2035.