Carols, Crafts, and Cocoa returns for 2026

By Emily King

As the holiday season approaches, Northern Connection magazine is proud to once again sponsor Pittsburgh Youth Chorus’ beloved annual event, Carols, Crafts, and Cocoa! Join us on Sunday, November 15 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Pine Community Center for an afternoon of community, holiday cheer, and the joy of music.

This family-friendly event features festive activities and entertainment for all ages. Kids can enjoy holiday crafts, face painting, and visits and photos with Santa. 

Adults can check a few gifts off their holiday shopping list as they browse offerings from local artisan and craft vendors. This year, kids can also get into the spirit of giving at the Kids Holiday Shop, supported by Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, where they can purchase affordable gifts for friends and family. 

And don’t miss the Giant Cookie Walk, where visitors can purchase a box and fill it with their favorites from a selection of 200 dozen home-baked cookies! The cookie walk is sponsored by Realty ONE Group Gold Standard. 

Make sure you stay until the end of the event and join in on the carols, as Pittsburgh Youth Chorus choristers sing alongside students from Pine-Richland School District’s Hance Elementary. Other sponsors for the event include Key Bank, Valley Kitchen, TRYP Hotel, and Collective Brand Catering. 

Pittsburgh Youth Chorus is a nonprofit organization that provides music education and opportunities for community engagement for children ages 6 to 18. From exciting performances to meaningful community partnerships, 2026 has been a memorable year for PYC. We caught up with Program Manager Nicol Wilzer to hear about some of the year’s highlights. 

In February, PYC performed a pops concert at Impact Church in Moon Township. The chorus was joined by Joe Serafini, who rose to fame for his portrayal of Seb Matthew-Smith in High School Musical on Disney+. Serafini is a Pittsburgh native and graduated from Bethel Park High School. His infectious enthusiasm inspired the young singers and helped make the performance especially memorable.

“It was amazing—I watched the videos over and over,” says Wilzer. 

“I feel like this was one of the greatest performances our kids did.”

In June, PYC took the stage for a cabaret fundraiser alongside local musical talents including Scott Blasey from The Clarks, Liz Berlin of Rusted Root, and up-and-coming singer and CMU graduate Isabel Valasek. They were also joined by Pirates player Steven Brault. The event was a magical night in the community and helped support PYC’s programming. 

In August, a group of PYC singers was invited to perform alongside the 1^st Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps Fife and Drum Corps, a nonprofit reenactment organization that brings historic military music and traditions to life. The event took place at the historic Soldier and Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum building in Oakland. 

The fife and drum corps performed for the young singers, who then honored their guests with a performance of their own. Wilzer describes the performances as both deeply moving and a valuable learning opportunity for the young singers. As PYC performed, a member of the regiment stood on the balcony and solemnly saluted the children for their entire medley. 

Beyond music education and performing, PYC emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community through community service. This year, PYC focused its support on the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, a pediatric nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through specialized pediatric healthcare and supportive services. 

PYC members visited the Children’s Home, helping with cleaning and beautification projects performing for children and staff. Their efforts continue in November at the Carols, Crafts, and Cocoa event, where the spirit of giving will take center stage. Northern Connection will be on hand to help visitors make and decorate cards for the medical staff at the Children’s Home. PYC members will return in December to deliver the cards. 

For more information about Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, please visit pittsburghyouthchorus.org.

We hope to see you at Carols, Craft, and Cocoa on November 15^th at Pine Community Center!