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Please Note: The National Aviary will be CLOSED Thurs., April 23 and Fri., April 24 so people may enjoy football festivities. We will reopen at 10 am on Sat., April 25! Plan Your Next Visit

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Have your photo taken with Santa and a penguin at the National Aviary

Holiday Happenings National Aviary 2023
Holiday Happenings at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh for 2023 include Saturday photo opportunities with Santa and a penguin, seasonal crafts, special meals, music, entertainment and learning to paint a cardinal with professional artist Maria DeSimone Prascak. The holiday offerings start on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Photo provided by the National Aviary)The National Aviary
 

The Holiday Happenings seasonal event at the National Aviary includes an opportunity you are not likely to get anywhere else.

During Season’s Greetings Saturday, you can get your photo taken with Santa Claus and – an African penguin.

The opportunity is included in aviary admission and is available 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23.

“Guests can take a picture with Santa plus an African penguin, then sing along to some very bird-y holiday carols in the theater. After that, enjoy a fun story time featuring a special feathered friend, write a letter to Santa to place in the National Aviary’s North Pole-approved mailbox, and create a festive craft to take home!”

  • Holiday Late Nights – 5-8 p.m. Dec. 26-29, included with admission. Features live entertainment, decorating a gingerbread house, seasonal trivia with Arnel Balcita, The Shining Stars dance group and the opportunity to paint a portrait of a cardinal with professional artist, Maria DeSimone Prascak. Hot chocolate, hot apple cider and holiday menu items prepared by Atria’s Specialty Catering will be available for purchase in addition to seasonal cocktails.
  • Holiday Brunch – 11 a.m. Dec. 10 and 17 in The Garden Room with Atria Specialty Catering. Tickets are $55 for adults and $35 for children under 12 years old, also includes admission to the aviary. Brunch selections will include fruit, pastries, hot coffee or tea and gourmet dishes such as whole wheat cinnamon French toast with whipped cream and syrup and barbecue ham.
The National Aviary at 700 Arch St. in Pittsburgh will be closed most Tuesdays through Dec. 19 except for the week of Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas and New Year’s. The aviary will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will close at 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

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