If you are looking for something fun to do with kids in Baldwin, Bethel Park, Brentwood, Bridgeville, Castle Shannon, Dormont, Jefferson Hills, Mt. Lebanon, Mt. Oliver, Mt. Washington, Pleasant Hills, South Park, South Side, Upper St. Clair, West Mifflin and the surrounding areas, MacKID South Hills has you covered by finding five fun things for you to do with your kids in the area or a short drive away over the coming week. Let us help you find your family fun!
Macaroni KID South Hills' top picks of fun things to do with kids in the South Hills of Pittsburgh area from Monday, November 27th through Sunday, December 2nd, 2023. Click on the links for all the details.
1. Jolly Ole Saint Nick
- I get that excited when I know Santa’s coming to town early. Santa is stopping and making a quick appearance at South Hills Village Mall on November 13th from 11 am to 1:15 pm. Get a festive picture with the jolly ole guy and tell him one thing you want this Christmas! Secure your spot today HERE! Enjoy seeing Santa in your PJs on November 14th and on November 16th show him your ugly sweater! Make a reservation HERE for your chance to see Santa in a festive way!
- Season’s Greetings Saturdays are for your children to meet the big man himself, SANTA. Stop by the National Aviary on November 25th from 10 am to 3 pm to take pictures with Santa and a penguin. There are many activities that are available to those who attend. Prices are normal for general admission.
- Come on Down to Santa’s House in Heinz Hall Courtyard with your wish lists and meet Santa in person in his brand new home in Heinz Hall Courtyard.
2. Christmas All Day, Every Day
- Peoples Gas Holiday Market is on November 20th from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Shop from vendors to even just strolling around through the lighted Market Square.
- Candle Tree Farm is having its tree sales on November 22nd from 3 pm to 5 pm, closed on Thanksgiving, and reopened on Black Friday 10 am - 5 pm. There are 6 varieties to choose from and cut from for Candle Tree Farm’s customers. They have the perfect tree for you!
- The holiday season isn't complete without a visit to Phipps Conservatory, Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden on November 17th. With a charming theme of "Season's Greenings," guests are sure to be captivated by the wonderful winter themes and lovely lights throughout. Plus, the beauty isn't just indoors: our celebrated Winter Light Garden fills our Outdoor and Discovery Gardens with spectacular lights in vivid shades that will awe guests of all ages.
- Many consider the Carnegie Trees' annual installation to be the start of the holiday season. See the Hall of Architecture filled with towering Fraser fir trees, each lit to perfection and trimmed with festive baubles, snowflakes, glistening snow, and more! Wintry Days & Frosty Nights are at Carnegie Museum of Art on November 18th starting at 10 am.
- The UPMC rink at PPG Place is having Ice skating from November 20th til February 25th, 2024. This is a fun experience for all ages and prices are for adults (ages 13-49): $11-$12, children (through age 12): $10-$11, seniors (ages 50 and up): $10-$11, the military is (with ID): $10-$11, First Responders are (with ID): $10-$11, and Skate Rental: $5-$6 (Sizes 9 Jr to 15 adults).
- Holiday KidsPlay is November 24th across from Santa’s House on Sixth St. and Liberty Ave in Pittsburgh. Decorate a Mister Rogers sweater ornament, join in on hands-on craft stations, attend Sunday Story Time with Fred Rogers Productions, embark on a Math and Pattern Quest with Peg+Cat, and so much more.
- Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is having a Santa Trolley on November 24th from 9 am to 5 pm. Upon the train meet Santa and all of his friends then stop in the Visitor Center to see the large Lionel toy train layout. Prices for adults are $13, seniors (62+) are $12, children(3-5) are $11, and enjoying little ones under 3 are FREE.
- Aboard the Pittsburgh riverboat tour as the kids enjoy the DJ and a special treat from Santa on the Gateway Clipper on November 24th. Tickets for adults are $32 and children ages 1 -12 are $20.
- Molly’s Trolleys is having a Jolly Trolley Pittsburgh Holiday Sightseeing Tour on November 25th from 10 am to 11 am. The Jolly Trolley is an hour-long holiday sightseeing tour of Pittsburgh that is great for all ages. It begins in North Shore and takes you through the city to discover all of the magic that the holiday brings and the city of Pittsburgh. Prices are adults $30, and children 12 and under in age are $20.
- Heinz Hall Courtyard is having a Holiday Selfie Garden starting at 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm starting on November 25th through December 23rd. Watch the beautiful garden transform into a child’s television dreamland! There will be colorful backdrops and life-sized standees of those popular characters from Fred Roger’s Productions’ beloved children’s airing on PBS KIDS.
- Cannonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration is happening on December 1st from 4 to 8 pm. There will be a Christmas parade, tree lighting, a gift market with over 60 Christmas vendors, a food court, live reindeer, pictures with Santa, live entertainment, a kids' game area, visits with the Grinch, Ms. Clause story time, a jingle Bar, and more!
- David L. Lawrence Convention Center is having a Handmade Arcade Holiday Market. One-of-a-kind handmade products from 275+ talented makers and artists at the largest holiday market in the region. Make-and-take holiday crafts, see how artists work up close, from glassblowing demos to large-scale silk screening to so much more.
3. Smiles and Food with Santa
The Galleria Mall is having photos with Santa from November 17th through December 7th. Times vary by Monday-Saturdays are 11:00 am - 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Sundays are 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Please keep in mind Santa must feed his reindeer each day! Prices start at $39.99. Appointments are recommended, visit vipholidayphotos.com/event/GALLERIAMLC23 to set up your appointment.
Breakfast/Lunches
- Hard Rock Cafe in Pittsburgh is hosting a breakfast/lunch with Santa with the following dates being December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17, and 23rd. Enjoy an amazing meal with Santa and his Elf with festive movies and activities happening all around. Purchase your tickets HERE for the price of $36.90 per person.
- Shady Elms Farm is having a Breakfast with Santa on December 2nd. Make sure to bring the whole family to meet the jolly ole fellow. Purchase your tickets HERE for Children prices are $20, adult prices are $35, a reservation of 8 people for $250, a reservation of 10 people for $325, and a reservation for 14 people for $475.
4. Lights, Lights, Lights
- Downtown Pittsburgh with Walk the Burgh Tours is having its Holiday Lights Tour. Learn about the history of the city and discover beautiful squares and pieces of architecture while getting to see all of the festive holiday lights and decorations for the upcoming season. See the world’s largest pickle ornament, unique gingerbread house display, a replica of the crèche from Vatican City, and so much more. The cost for adults is $28, children are $16 ( ages 6-13).
- Take a festive stroll through two million twinkling lights, and marvel at the tallest Christmas tree in the state at Holiday Lights @ Kennywood on November 24th. Kennywood is also hosting Holiday Lights Fireworks Spectacular on November 24th starting at 8:45 pm. The cost for entrance is $39.99.
5. Live Performances
- August Wilson Cultural Center is hosting the Nutcracker on December 2nd. It is a timeless classic that follows the young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they are swept away on an enchanting adventure, led by the mysterious Drosselmeyer and Lady Silberhaus. During this epic journey, they join forces with soldiers to battle the evil Rat Queen and her entourage of mice and travel to a breathtaking winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes. When they finally enter the magical Land of the Sweets, Clara is introduced to the Land’s many vibrant characters, dazzled by waltzing flowers, and captivated by the beauty of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
- O’Reilly Theater is having a Christmas Story: The Play on November 25th. This is a great family fun activity and is for ages 9 and up. The ticket prices are $35-$88.
