Anyone looking for an escape from cold weather and the holiday bustle will find a warm winter wonderland waiting for them at National Aviary.

The nation’s only independent nonprofit zoo dedicated exclusively to birds is preparing for Holiday Happenings, a series of events designed to entertain, educate and feed the body as well as the mind.

“We’re really excited for the experience visitors are going to get to have by watching this new, live, musical holiday show,” says Rebecca Hansborough-Stoudt, communications manager for the Aviary

Nov. 28, the Friday after Thanksgiving, kicks off the brand-new Jingle Bell Flock, presented by AAA Travel.

During the Aviary’s holiday special, available as an add-on to general admission, visitors will enjoy a festive free-flight, immersive bird show.

Local artists perform pre-recorded, playful sing-a-longs with feathered or scaly twists to holiday classics.

Emma Saunders for the National Aviary The blue-tongued skink can be seen at the National Aviary.  

Examples include “Silver Gulls,” a take on “Silver Bells,” and “You’re a Cool One, Mr. Skink” with a special visit from a Blue-tongued Skink, along with other seasonal charms and special guests.

“It’s like a really interactive experience of you being able to sing funny takes on these holiday songs that we love with animals, and also meet the animals that are really the stars of these songs,” Hansborough-Stoudt says.

Shows are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day except Tuesdays through Jan. 5. Tickets go on sale starting Nov. 19 at aviary.org.

Season’s Greetings Saturdays return with a brand-new mischievous green guest.

Enjoy meet-and-greet moments from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 29, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 will feature a visit from the Grinch and either his owl or stink, stank, SKUNK pals. The Grinch will stay home on Dec. 6, when Santa is set to stop by with an African Penguin friend.

Britta Moletz for the National Aviary The African penguins Oswald and Nora will be out and about at the National Aviary during Holiday Happenings.  

Hansborough-Stoudt says the program has been a popular time for seasonal family photos. This is the first year the Aviary was able to accommodate the Grinch’s busy schedule.

Season’s Greetings is included with general admission.

Exploring the Aviary’s warm tropical habitats can work up an appetite. A special Holiday Brunch in The Garden Room is set for 11 a.m. on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14; tickets sell out in advance.

Food will be provided by Atria’s Specialty Catering. The Aviary’s official catering partner, Atria’s also operates a cafe at the facility.

“We admire their creativity. They do some really cool items for brunches,” Hansborough-Stoudt says. “And they really help to make our great events, the proceeds of which go toward our conservation work, extra special with fun foods and festive drinks.”

The December brunch menu includes holiday frittatas with roasted red peppers, spinach, caramelized onions and mozzarella; rosemary buttermilk waffles with cranberry glaze and brown butter chicken; rosemary roasted red-skinned potatoes; and gingerbread French toast with an eggnog cream sauce. The dishes are prepared by executive chef Nathan Collins. Beverages include a cranberry Old Fashioned, Santa Sangria and a “Naughty Hot Chocolate” (made with Tito’s vodka, Bailey’s, hot chocolate, whipped cream and chocolate shavings). Wine, beer and nonalcoholic drinks will also be available.

Tickets for the brunch are $55 for adults and $35 for children ages 12 and younger. Tickets include food and general admission to the Aviary.

Youths hoping to learn a thing or two while on holiday break can find educational fun at the Aviary’s one-day Winter Camp, set for Dec. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Campers will learn how birds survive the winter and discover what makes these avian wonders so extraordinary through guided learning lessons, interactive activities and up-close animal encounters. Registration is available through the Aviary’s website.

“It’s a good opportunity to allow your kid to interact with what we do here at the National Aviary while also giving yourself a much-needed post-holiday break,” Hansborough-Stoudt says.

Holiday Happenings is presented by Baird Private Wealth Management Fleming Rodgers Group. The financial firm has sponsored multiple activities at the Aviary over the years.

“We really want to reach kids and families of all ages. Baird’s support allows us to do that,” Hansborough-Stoudt says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to put on these holiday programs for families and Aviary friends alike.”

National Aviary: 700 Arch St., North Side, 412-323-7235, aviary.org. The Aviary is open every day except Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $20.95, $17.95 for ages 2-12, free for under 2. Seniors (60+) are $18.95.

Mike Faix for the National Aviary Freya, an American crow, can be seen at the National Aviary.  

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