It’s a Hoot: Holiday Happenings
A little birdie told us you should add these festivities to your seasonal bucket list! Haul out the holiday cheer and celebrate with your favorite feathered, furry, and scaly friends during the National Aviary’s Holiday Happenings Presented by Penn Brewery. More details below.
Friendsgiving Brunch
Sun., November 15 | 11 am | $55 per person; Children 12 and under: $35 | National Aviary General Admission Included
Make Reservations
Friends are just better together! Sip on an add-on seasonal boozy beverage while savoring the flavors of a fall-inspired menu from our friends at Atria’s Specialty Catering. After dining, check out our flock friends on a scavenger hunt through the Aviary’s immersive habitats, while taking in fall festival-inspired decorations. Vegan and vegetarian options available; view the menu here!
Season’s Greetings Saturdays
Sat., November 28 and December 5, 12*, and 19 | 10 am – 2 pm | Included with General Admission
General Admission TicketsWho-ville it be?! Meet the miserly Grinch himself, alongside his stink, stank, skunk friend OR the original WHO-OO-OO…and owl buddy! The Grinch will head back up to Mount Crumpit for a day, and Santa will make the trip ‘dahn to the National Aviary.
Whether it’s the Grinch or Santa, you can snap photos and enjoy festive activities designed to put the whole family in a holly jolly mood!
*On Sat., December 12, the Grinch will stay home. Santa will make a quick trip down from the North Pole for pictures with you and our Member Morning photo op!
Jingle Bell Flock
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Beginning Fri., November 27 | Daily, except Tuesdays | 11 am and 2 pm | Members: $4 per person; Non-Members: $5
A National Aviary Holiday Special: Duck the halls with our holiday-inspired, immersive bird show: Jingle Bell Flock, presented by AAA Travel. This festive take features holiday-themed songs like The Blackbird Song (a play on The Christmas Song), You’re a Cool One, Blue-tongued Skink, and more, each featuring visits from the species that inspired the ho-ho-holly jolly lyrics! Performances begin Fri., November 27 and run through Mon., January 4.
*Must purchase General Admission tickets and add-on tickets for Jingle Bell Flock! Tickets are available for purchase online, at our Guest Services Desk, or at the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater entrance 10 minutes before showtime.
Thank You to Jingle Bell Flock Sponsor:
NEW! Breakfast with Santa & Friend
Sun., November 29 | 9 am | Children 0-2: $8; Guests 3 and up: $40 per person | Includes National Aviary General Admission
Make ReservationsBring the whole flock for a magical morning filled with holiday cheer, a scrumptious breakfast crafted by Atria’s Specialty Catering, and a very special visit from the big man himself: Santa Claus! Kiddos can write (and hand-deliver) a letter to Old Saint Nick, partake in a special Santa storytime, AND take a photo with Santa and a fan-favorite Animal Ambassador (perfect for that annual holiday card). The fun doesn’t stop there…after the most important meal of the day, weave in and out of the Aviary’s immersive habitats on a Find Santa’s Friends Scavenger Hunt (great for kids of all ages!). View the menu here!
Holiday Brunches
Sun., December 6 and 13 | $55 per person; Children 12 and under: $35 | National Aviary General Admission Included
Make Reservations
Nothing says “cheers” quite like the sound of clinking glasses! Gather your friends, family, and fellow foodies for a fabulous spread of seasonal-inspired dishes carefully crafted by Atria’s Specialty Catering. Toast to joy with an add-on cocktail, beer, or wine! After your meal, you and your closest loved ones can explore our enchanting seasonal holiday décor and immersive habitats using a brunch-exclusive scavenger hunt. Vegan and vegetarian options available; view the menu here!
Winter Camps
9 am – 3 pm | Members: $59 per camper; Non-Members: $69 per camper
- Mon., December 28 | Ages 6 – 8 | Register
- Tues., December 29 | Ages 6 – 8 | Register
- Wed., Decemeber 30 | Ages 9 – 12 | Register
Beat holiday break boredom with a one-day Winter Camp session at the National Aviary! This “greatest hits” of our Summer Camp experience lets campers learn how birds survive the winter and discover what makes birds so extraordinary through guided learning sessions, interactive science activities, and up-close Animal Encounters, including the chance to meet an African Penguin!
Crowd Pleasing Gifts
No need to wing holiday shopping this year! Browse the National Aviary Gift Shop for a spectacular selection of unique items that will have your loved ones chirping with joy! General Admission is not required to shop onsite.
Official 2026 Holiday Gift Guide coming soon.
Thank You to Holiday Happenings Sponsor:
