Holiday cheer abounds at the National Aviary. Experience festive décor and twinkling lights with enhanced safety protocols in The Garden Room, the National Aviary’s new 9,000 square-foot event space located at the rear of the National Aviary and offering stunning views of Lake Elizabeth. Explore expansive tropical habitats, unwind during late nights in The Garden Room in front of two grand fireplaces, and enjoy fun, physically-distanced crafts for kids during Holidays in the Garden. Write a letter to Santa, meet beautiful birds in spacious tropical habitats, and enjoy bird-themed carols at Season’s Greetings Saturdays. You can even find beautiful gifts for everyone on your list in the National Aviary’s Gift Shop.
Enhanced Safety Protocols
The health and safety of visitors, staff, and volunteers is always the National Aviary's top priority. The National Aviary follows guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Allegheny County Health Department. The National Aviary’s enhanced safety protocols include a timed ticketing system to keep capacity low and allow ample space for physical distancing, a face mask requirement, hand sanitization stations throughout the building, and frequent disinfection of surfaces throughout the day.
Season’s Greetings Saturdays
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. Get the opportunity to 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! Season’s Greetings Saturdays activities are included with General Admission. Purchasing timed entry tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Holidays in the Gardens, 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., when the National Aviary will be open late for guests to explore immersive, expansive habitats and meet beautiful birds at night, 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. Purchasing timed entry tickets in advance is highly recommended. 
The National Aviary Gift Shop
Open daily except for Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission is not required to shop
The National Aviary’s gift shop makes holiday shopping a breeze. 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.
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
Paint a penguin portrait from the comfort of home with Brushes and Birds, a virtual painting class led by Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas, MariasIdeas.com. Maria will guide participants through step-by-step instructions as they paint an African Penguin. Painters will also get a behind-the-scenes look at penguins at the National Aviary! No prior painting experience is required. Material kits available for purchase.
