Macaroni KID Pittsburgh has your go-to list of Santa's in Pittsburgh. If you know any that we are missing please send us e-mail HERE so we can get them added!
Santa's House
📍Heinz Hall Courtyard
After one-on-one time with Santa, you’ll receive a printed photo of the visit to treasure for a $10 suggested donation to the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. It’s a great way to create memories and help support our neighbors in need this season!
NOVEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 23
Black Friday November 24: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sundays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Mondays & Tuesdays: Closed
Wednesdays - Fridays: 3 – 8 p.m.
FINAL WEEK: open Monday & Tuesday 3 - 8 p.m.
Closed Christmas Eve
*Hours subject to change, weather permitting. We advise checking for updated times on this website before attending.
Visit with either a Black or white Santa!
Once again, families have the wonderful option for their young ones to visit with either a Black or White Santa. Just let Santa’s helpers know which you prefer.
Photos with Santa
📍Heinz History Center
Join the Heinz History Center from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays - November 18th, 25th, December 3rd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd and Friday, November 24th - to take photos with Santa Claus (museum admission ticket required).
Stop by the first-floor Great Hall for a photo with Old Saint Nick sitting in an exact replica of the chair from Kaufmann’s Santaland, then explore artifacts that highlight the region’s holiday traditions.
Santa visits are included with regular museum admission. All kids aged 17 and under receive FREE admission to the Heinz History Center now through Dec. 31, 2023, at the History Center, Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, and Fort Pitt Museum. Free admission for kids is generously supported by community partners UPMC and UPMC Health Plan (November) and Howard Hanna Real Estate Services (December).
Virtual Stories with Santa
📍Online with Phipps Botanical Garden
Children are invited to join us for a special free Phipps Story Time session with Santa this holiday season! Santa will be reading a book to children on select evenings from Nov. 29 – Dec. 22. Join in on a storytime session to enjoy a winter-themed tale from the man in the big red suit as a special holiday treat.
Storytimes will run every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 pm and 7 pm until December 22nd.
There will be a special ASL Interpretation storytime on Thursday, December 15th. Santa will be accompanied by ASL interpreter Jennifer Flaggs for both performances.
Find out more information and register HERE.
Santa Photos at the Waterfront
📍Town Center, next to Carhartt
Meet Santa & Take Home Priceless Memories
- Get photos with Santa at The Waterfront, and take home priceless memories you’ll treasure for years to come!
- A $5 reservation fee is required.
- Proceeds benefit Jeremiah’s Place.
- Need more info or have questions? Download Santa Photo FAQs here>>
- Walk-ins are welcome.
December 2, 9, & 16 - Saturdays, 12-5pm
December 3, 10, & 17 - Sundays, 12-5pm
Sensory Friendly Hour – Sunday, December 10 - 11am – 12pm
December 5, 12, & 19 - Tuesdays, 5-8pm
December 7, 14, & 21 - Thursdays, 5-8pm
Make your reservations at Eventbrite here>>
Santa Fun Kids Cruise
📍The Gateway Clipper Fleet
Bring the whole family down aboard this Pittsburgh holiday tradition for a special meet-and-greet with Santa Claus! Aboard this holiday Pittsburgh riverboat tour, the kids will enjoy a DJ dance party and a special treat from Santa Claus! Kids, get your Christmas list in order and we’ll see you on the riverboat!
Kids-Themed Cruise & Tour Trip Details:
- Meet and greet with your favorite characters and the big man himself!
- A full-service cash bar is available on board- Must be 21+ with valid photo ID to consume alcoholic beverages.
- Our friendly photo team will capture a boarding picture of your group- you can purchase the day of OR pre purchase during check out.
- Snack bar & additional kids activities are available for purchase on board
Saturdays & Sundays in November & December
Buy Your Tickets HERE
Season's Greetings Saturdays
📍The National Aviary
November 25 & December 2, 9, 16, 23 | 11 am – 3 pm | Included with General Admission
Santa and his penguin helper are coming to the Aviary! Visitors will have the opportunity to take photos with
Santa AND a penguin!
Book tickets.
Breakfast or Lunch with Santa
📍Pittsburgh Zoo
Get into the holiday spirit with the return of this festive favorite annual event!
Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch buffet, meet ambassador animals, write a letter to Santa, and deliver it to him right here at the Zoo!
Saturdays and Sunday in Decemeber
Get your tickets HERE
PGH Santa Claus virtual
A live visit with Santa from the comfort and safety of your own home!
Events where you can see Santa in the City of Pittsburgh:
Coming soon...
Alexa Santa engagements:
Call Santa - enable this skill and say “Alexa, call Santa” and Alexa will connect you to Old St. Nick and all his friends at the North Pole.
Santa Claus - enable this skill and say “Alexa, start Santa Claus.” Alexa will ask your kid a series of questions to determine whether they are on the naughty or nice list!
Christmas Countdown - enable this skill and ask “Alexa, how many sleeps until Christmas?” to launch the Christmas Countdown Skill where she will tell you how many sleeps until Christmas and your kids will receive an update from Santa himself!
The Night Before Christmas - enable this skill and say “Alexa, Open The Night Before Christmas” to hear a three-minute version of the poem by Clement Clarke Moore
Get your FREE printable personalized letter from Santa HERE!
