Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

8 Places in Pittsburgh to Meet Santa Claus

When the holiday season comes around, there’s nothing better than seeing your child’s face light up at the sight of Santa. Sure, a picture from your visit with a mall Santa keeps the memories fresh, but chances are you’ll wait in line for a loooong time before your big moment arrives. Make your visit with Santa special this year with a meet-and-greet experience that’ll have your little one believing in the spirit of Christmas. 

Places in Pittsburgh to Meet Santa Claus

Santa’s House

- Advertisement -

Heinz Hall Courtyard, November 29-December 23

Visit with either a white or black Santa this season for some one-on-one time with the big man. Enter Santa’s brightly colored house to tell him what you want this Christmas and get a printed photo for a donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Several clever selfie stations are on offer, too, so you and the kids can have fun beyond you big Santa moment.

Santa Fun Cruise

- Advertisement -

The Gateway Clipper Fleet, December 7-22

Book a special cruise along the Three Rivers that includes a meet and greet with Santa. After the kids have met Santa and received a treat from him, they can pass the afternoon with a holiday DJ dance party. 

Saturdays with Santa

- Advertisement -

Heinz History Center, Saturdays in December

Through December 31, kids 17 and under can get into the museum and meet Santa for free without the long lines at the mall. Check out special holiday displays in the A Very Merry Pittsburgh exhibition featuring old toy favorites and holiday decor.

Season’s Greetings Saturdays

National Aviary, Saturdays in December

Impress your friends and family with this year’s holiday card thanks to a photo with Santa and a penguin. Besides the special meeting, the children can take part in various holiday crafts, write letters to Santa, and hear live bird calls. 

AWCommunity Day Holiday Edition

August Wilson African American Cultural Center, December 14

Learn about the traditions of Kwanzaa with hands-on activities and live entertainment from various theater, drum, and dance groups. Parents can browse the artisan market while the kids get to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. 

Santa Photos

The Waterfront, December 3-22

Rather than wait in a long line that never seems to end, make a reservation to get photos with Santa at The Waterfront. Walk-ins are still welcomed and after your photo is taken, you can take in the shops around the circle for any last-minute gifting. 

Breakfast or Lunch with Santa

Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, Select Dates

For a few select dates in December, your little ones have the chance to have breakfast or lunch with the big man himself. Besides meeting Santa, you’ll also meet animal ambassadors and write a letter to Santa to deliver yourself right inside the zoo.

PGH Virtual Santa

Online

In case you don’t want to wait in the lines this year or pay the prices for a quick photo, treat your child to a special virtual call with PGH Santa. This also guarantees your child to 10 uninterrupted minutes with Santa Claus. Plus, it all takes place in the safety of your home as long as you have a device available to video call in.

Story by Kylie Thomas / Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

Subscribe to TABLE's email newsletter

We respect your privacy.

spot_img

Related Articles

Easter Egg Hunts in Pittsburgh 2025

Take your kids for a chance to win candy, prizes, and more.

What to Do in Pittsburgh: Your April 2025 BINGO Card

We have your April all planned out in an interactive way!

Spring into Spring Classes and Workshops in Pittsburgh

Get outside in the warmer weather.