Traveling into the city of Pittsburgh with kids from the South Hills has become a road trip I never thought would be a road trip. So many years of my twenties were spent living, working, and moving through the city. It was second nature. Now, ‘suburban mom takes the kids into the city’ is an entire vacation. Though, there is something about spending the holidays in the city that is truly magical. The lights, the trees, the tall buildings decorated with wreaths. The kids seem to really love the magic that only the city can offer.
Like clockwork, when December hits, our first stop is to the Hard Rock Café for Breakfast with Santa. This has become a new tradition that we look forward to each year. This year, it was a Christmas miracle for us all that we were able to dress, pack up, and load all four kiddos by 8:30AM sharp to make a 9am breakfast. I was determined to see Santa, maybe for the threat that I so desperately needed for backup in the good behavior front. Is it just me, or do children seem to be a little extra feral during the holiday season? Needless to say, I needed that big guy bribery that only Mr. Claus can bring to a parent.
This writer and her family were graciously hosted by Hard Rock Cafe Pittsburgh, but all opinions are her own.
The kids are giddy with excitement when we go through the ‘Liberty Tubes’ presenting the grand view of the “big city!” with exclamation. We enter the Hard Rock like a circus show and the kindest hostess in the world, seeing the amount of children that I have, escorts the big kids to their seats, takes off their jackets, and seats them as I tend to the twin babies. I’ve never felt so seen as a mother. (We tipped her extra because she made my whole year.)
Santa enters with the famous annual “Santa! Santa!” chant, and mine are the first in line. Only one thing can pull my kids away from French Toast sticks and that thing is Kris Kringle. They’re seen and Buddy the Elf pulls out his list and immediately finds the names Savannah and Luca. The Elf rehearses to them their exact wishes: A Barbie Dreamhouse, A Bluey House, and for our son: a Metal Detector and Egypt and Science Toys. Shocked that Santa really does know, they stare back at me in disbelief.
The moment that comes next is a memory that will be forever engraved into my core memories: the twins’ first time meeting Santa. These are my last babies, so celebrating the ‘last first Christmas’ hits a little differently. Sophia smiled her sweet smile and Lyra thought about taking a punch, but didn’t. I tried to capture that moment with my memory camera as we begin their first Christmas season.
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After our visit, we were stuffed with French Toast sticks, eggs, sausage, bacon, and every breakfast muffin you could imagine. I watched in embarrassment, and also adoration, as my twin babies tried their very hardest to stuff their mouths full of French toast. I cleaned the floor, so no worries there. The older kids enjoyed their crafts and gift bags from Santa while I bribed my 4-year-old to please eat 3 bites. The hostess came by and personally gave the kids their Christmas tattoos, which was, again, so sweet!
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As we conclude our breakfast, we love to take a step outside in Station Square and see the ‘big tree’ outside of The Grand Concourse, and we’re off on our next city holiday adventure.
A new holiday tradition in our family has been to make a trip to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History to see the “Carnegie Trees.” This has been a city tradition since 1961 that perhaps goes a little unnoticed. In the Hall of Architecture, several Pittsburgh-themed, perfectly decorated trees are displayed.
This year’s featured trees are:
- Pittsburgh Artists Featured at Carnegie Museum of Art
- Black & Gold Champions
- Flavors of Pittsburgh
- Greetings from Andy Warhol
- Living Waters: The Rachel Carson Tree
As many of our followers know, we are already museum-buffs and particularly our 4-year-old son is an avid historian. Museum trips are a part of our bi-monthly routine at the least. It was only last year that we began to incorporate the Carnegie Trees into our must-see holiday attractions.
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I would highly recommend creating Buddy-the-Elf-style Christmas in the City Date Day for your family. Hit up the Hard Rock Cafe for Breakfast with Santa, head to the museum to see the Carnegie Trees, then conclude your day in the city at Market Square to see the ice skaters skate around the big tree and browse the holiday market.
Our final Christmas in the City tradition is the holiday show at Phipps. I always say that the best time to experience Phipps is early spring, and during the holidays. We never miss a year at Phipps. The lights and display is simply mesmerizing.
From my family’s traditions to yours, Happy Holidays!
