Where can you find holiday cheer, family-friendly festivities and free-flying birds not seen anywhere else in America? The National Aviary, located on Pittsburgh’s North Side, has a packed schedule of holiday fun for all ages.

Holiday Happenings at the Aviary gives families the chance to create memories all season long. They include Season’s Greetings Saturdays, Holiday Brunch in the Garden, and Holiday Lights and Late Nights sponsored by Baird.

“Holiday Happenings at the National Aviary are a great way to create a new family tradition. There are plenty of different options, like visiting on a Saturday when you will have the chance to meet Santa, or stopping by for an evening visit during Holiday Lights and Late Nights,” says National Aviary spokeswoman Molly Toth.

Season’s Greetings Saturdays begin the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Children of all ages will have the chance to meet Santa. Throughout the season, they can send him a letter through the North Pole-approved mailbox.

Kids can sing along to very bird-y holiday carols, snuggle up for story time with a surprise visit from a feathery friend and create a festive craft to take home for the holiday season. Season’s Greetings Saturdays, held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will run until the last Saturday before Christmas. They are included with Aviary admission.

The two Sunday Holiday Brunches feature gourmet food prepared by Chef Josef Karst of Atria’s Specialty Catering, along with coffee and tea, fresh fruit and pastries. Held on Dec. 11 and 18, they begin at 11 a.m. After dining, relax and experience the warm, tropical habitats at the Aviary. Tickets are $55 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, and include Aviary admission.

“While you are at the Aviary for Season’s Greetings Saturdays or following a delicious brunch, you can explore our habitats, including the newly renovated Wetlands,” Toth says. “This immersive habitat has a sunny, coastal feel that will make you feel like you are on vacation without ever leaving Pittsburgh.”

As the holiday season winds down, the Aviary will continue to brighten up with Holiday Lights and Late Nights sponsored by Baird. Live entertainment, holiday scenery and sounds, and seasonal treats and cocktails along with much more for all family members to enjoy will be available from 5 to 8 p.m., Dec. 26-30.

Enjoy delicacies and drinks crafted by Atria’s Specialty Catering while participating in trivia contests or taking in live dance performances as well as the holiday décor and music while warming up by the fireplace in The Garden Room.

“You can experience the Aviary in a new way and explore our beautiful habitats at night, and enjoy great food from Atria’s. If you still have shopping to do, you can also browse our Gift Shop to find one-of-a-kind gifts for anyone on your list, or give a gift of an experience like a Penguin Encounter or a Sloth Encounter,” says Toth.

These special nights offer a chance to observe the birds against the night sky and in their breathtaking habitats.

Everyone in attendance will be able to craft a personal and memorable holiday decoration. National Aviary Animal Ambassadors will be conducting meet-and-greets every night. The event is included with the price of admission.

For more details about Holiday Happenings, and more information about the National Aviary, visit aviary.org.

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