Zach Brandner has only lived 20 years, but he can count at least 14 times he’s attended Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night.

He may no longer be waiting in line for a photo with Santa Claus, but he says he still wouldn’t miss the annual celebration featuring holiday pop-up shops, food trucks and plenty of free entertainment — from live music to live ice-sculpting.

At the 2017 Comcast Light Up Night on Friday, Brandner watched tree lightings, perused ice sculptures and staked out a spot for fireworks shows alongside three college-aged peers from Pittsburgh’s Oakland and South Side neighborhoods.

“I used to always come with family and now I come with friends. I just like being with everybody and everyone’s in a Christmas mood,” Brander said shortly after attending the tree-lighting ceremony at the PPG Place ice-skating rink. “It’s kick-starting the season.”

The Christmas tree in Market Square is lit! #LightUpNight #WPXI pic.twitter.com/pCVVHGgQHM

— Aaron Martin (@WPXIAaronMartin) November 17, 2017

Organizers had expected hundreds of thousands of people— as many as 500,000 over the day-long event, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership spokesperson Leigh White said. Updated attendance estimates were not immediately available Friday night.

Red Santa hats dotted much of the crowd, along with colorful lighted necklaces, glow sticks and black-and-gold sports gear. Among the most popular item up for sale by street vendors: light-up sword sticks resembling Star Wars’ lightsabers selling for $5 to $10 each.

Without a doubt the most popular purchase among families for their kids at #LightUpNight in Downtown #Pittsburgh — at $10 a pop@TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/SkzkIiHYgI

— Natasha Lindstrom (@NewsNatasha) November 17, 2017

#LIGHTUPNIGHT #Pittsburgh

Developing coverage via @TribLIVE: https://t.co/09RalcnwQ0 @nsmallwoodphoto @spinal_tapp @DowntownPitt @PPG pic.twitter.com/pNOoneI2uk

— Natasha Lindstrom (@NewsNatasha) November 17, 2017

Headlining the night was singer-songwriter Andy Grammer, who’s preparing to release his third album and performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade next week.

Just found out @andygrammer is performing at Pittsburgh’s #LightUpNight on 11/17. Even I might brave the crazy crowds for that concert!

— Erin C. Carlin (@ErinCCarlin) November 3, 2017

Thank you @pghsymphony for a special #LIGHTUPNIGHT treat! pic.twitter.com/aZfqLOju8G

— Carrie Moniot (@cmoniot) November 18, 2017

The event featured not one, but three different fireworks displays — the Highmark Unity Tree Lighting on the corner of the Penn Avenue Place Building; the 19th annual NRG Santa Spectacular in Point State Park, which was not officially a part of Light Up Night but happened at the same time; and the BNY Mellon Fireworks Finale.

Glimpse of not one but THREE #fireworks shows scheduled for tonight … because #Pittsburgh loves its fireworks 💥 #LightUpNight pic.twitter.com/y8ZRLDI8zB

— Natasha Lindstrom (@NewsNatasha) November 18, 2017

Matt Davis, who attended the festivities for the third year with his wife and three daughters, ages 2, 4 and 8, said he’s still puzzled by just how much the city of Pittsburgh seems to love its fireworks.

“I grew up in Illinois, so I’m still trying to figure that out a little bit,” David said. “But it’s a fun time.”

Security plans had included uniformed and plainclothes police patrols, officers stationed at high vantage points, officers on horseback, surveillance cameras at key locations and air support from the state police Air Patrol Unit.

No visible signs of any serious safety problems yet .. but law enforcement on horseback ready if needed#LIGHTUPNIGHT @TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/VE3myJfxFj

— Natasha Lindstrom (@NewsNatasha) November 18, 2017

Pittsburgh’s Downtown #skyline looking extra festive tonight …#LightUpNight pic.twitter.com/Bg4fyFesLr

— Natasha Lindstrom (@NewsNatasha) November 18, 2017

Natasha Lindstrom is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 412-380-8514, nlindstrom@tribweb.com or on Twitter @NewsNatasha.

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