Families can explore the National Aviary’s seasonal exhibits, gift shop
Shake off those winter blues at the National Aviary, where you’ll be transported to a warm and lush tropical paradise. Located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhood, the National Aviary has decked its halls for some very special holiday events, with enhanced safety protocols in place.
Journey through expansive tropical habitats, where beautiful birds fly freely through tall trees and lush greenery. Trek through the Tropical Rainforest to spot a sloth high up in the canopy and colorful macaws perched in front of a cascading waterfall, and warm up in the Wetlands, home to a flock of vibrant flamingos.
Enjoy a festive winter wonderland with events in The Garden Room, the National Aviary’s new spacious event venue overlooking Lake Elizabeth in Allegheny Commons Park. Kids can experience special winter bird meet-and-greets, send a letter to Santa, create festive crafts and listen to fun bird-themed carols at Season’s Greetings Saturdays. Adults can kick back in front of two grand fireplaces while enjoying the enchanting ambiance of the National Aviary after hours during Holidays in the Garden. Everyone can shop for beautiful one-of-a-kind gifts at the National Aviary Gift Shop, stocked with sustainably made goods from around the world, cute plush toys and nature-inspired games, and more. All this, plus enhanced safety protocols, makes for a wonderful winter experience at the National Aviary.
The health and safety of visitors, staff and volunteers is always the National Aviary’s top priority, and they follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Allegheny County Health Department. Enhanced safety protocols include a timed ticketing system to keep capacity low and to allow ample space for guests to spread their wings, face mask requirements, hand sanitizing stations throughout the building and frequent disinfection of surfaces.
For folks looking for virtual holiday happenings, sign up for the Brushes and Birds painting class and paint a festive penguin portrait from the comfort of your own home! Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas will walk participants step-by-step through painting an African penguin.
Spread holiday cheer and visit the National Aviary for these fun events:
Saturdays, December 5, 12 and 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Included with General Admission
Good tidings and festive fun await at the National Aviary during family-friendly Season’s Greetings Saturdays in December, with enhanced safety protocols. Meet a beautiful bird and hear bird-themed carols during a Holiday Bird Meet and Greet at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Drop a letter to Santa in the National Aviary’s North Pole-approved mailbox and make a cute paper ornament from a pre-packaged holiday craft kit at physically distanced tables. Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended.
Holidays in the Garden, presented by Hefren-Tillotson, Inc.
December 26-30, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Included with General Admission
Celebrate the season at the National Aviary during Holidays in the Garden, presented by Hefren-Tillotson, Inc. The National Aviary comes alive in a whole new way after the sun sets, and you won’t want to miss the action, set against a backdrop of glowing holiday lights. Guests can explore immersive, expansive habitats and meet beautiful birds, with enhanced safety protocols in place. Visit the National Aviary’s grand, yet cozy, new venue, The Garden Room for festive décor and cheerful holiday music in a spacious room with sweeping views of the surrounding park and decorated rose garden. Relax by beautiful natural stone fireplaces and get creative with pre-packaged craft kits. Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended.
Virtual Brushes & Birds with Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas, MariasIdeas.com
Saturday, December 19, 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Register at aviary.org
For those looking for a virtual holiday experience, pick up a paintbrush and create a penguin masterpiece from the comfort of home with Brushes and Birds, a virtual Zoom painting class led by Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas. Maria will walk participants through step-by-step instructions as they paint an African Penguin. Participants will also get a behind-the-scenes look at penguins at the National Aviary. No prior painting experience is required. Material kits are available for purchase.
Open daily except for Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission is not required to shop
Fly through your holiday shopping list at the National Aviary’s Gift Shop. Enjoy an easy shopping experience and find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list with a wide selection of sustainably made housewares, engaging nature-inspired games and books and cute plush toys. National Aviary members enjoy discounts on gift shop purchases. Admission is not required to shop, and enhanced safety protocols are in place. Recipients can use their gift cards for membership, general admission, Animal Encounters or virtual offerings. All proceeds from the gift shop help support the National Aviary’s mission to inspire respect for nature through the appreciation of birds.
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