Christmas 2017: Cool Pittsburgh Places To See Santa

PITTSBURGH, PA - Santa Claus has a well-earned reputation for hanging out a lot in malls this time of year, but that’s hardly the only place you can have a sit-down with St. Nick.

If you’re looking for less conventional locales for your kid to tell Santa what he wants under the tree, you have plenty of options. Among them:

• Gateway Clipper Fleet Holiday Kid-Themed Cruises.

Celebrate the holiday season with Santa Claus and all his holiday and famous friends on this two-hour cruise sailing the three rivers. Kids get to meet Santa Claus and receive a special treat St. Nick. The cruise includes a DJ dance party featuring a mix of today’s hits and classic holiday kids songs, and face painting, souvenirs and balloons will be for sale.
November cruise dates
Nov. 24, board 1 p.m., sail 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 25, board 10 a.m., sail 11 a.m.; board noon, sail 1 p.m.; board 1:15, sail 1:30.
December cruise dates
Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, board 1, sail 1:30.
Price: Adults $21; children 1-12 $10; infants 11 months and under $5.

• Schenley Park Skating Rink Skate With Santa

Enjoy a special opportunity to take to the ice with Santa Claus just days before Christmas. Bring along the kids and the camera to capture the holiday memories. This event includes great music, refreshments and the chance to skate outdoors in scenic Schenley Park.
Date: Dec 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Prices: Adults $5, youth 17 and under $3, senior citizens $4. Skate rentals are $3 and skate sharpening is $5.

• Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium Breakfast and Lunch With Santa

Get in the holiday spirit at breakfast or lunch with Santa. Enjoy great food, make a holiday craft, decorate a sugar cookie, and meet zoo animals.
Dates: Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17
Tickets: Members $25 per person, non-members $30 per person; children under 24 months, $7 per person.

• Hard Rock Cafe Breakfast With Santa

What better childhood memory is there than sitting on Santa's lap and asking for that special gift (red rider BB gun anyone?) The event includes a breakfast buffet, special gift for the kids, free parking courtesy of Station Square and a free incline ride for the kids.
Dates: Dec 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 and 23, 8:30 a.m.
Cost: $17.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids 10 and under and kids under 2 are free.

• Phipps Conservatory Photos With Santa

Join the conservatory for a festive photo-op with the man in the big red suit. Photos are free with a Phipps admission; Santa will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 24-27, Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-23.

• National Aviary Brunch With Santa

Because who wouldn’t want to break bread with jolly old St. Nick? Reservations include general admission to all National Aviary exhibits, a special bird appearance, a children's craft kit, and photos with Santa and a penguin.
Date: Dec. 10 Two seatings, at 9 and 11 a.m.
Cost: Adults, $37; children ages 4-10 ,$19.50; children 3 and under are free. Members $32 and member children are $17. Price includes admission to the aviary. For reservations call 412-258-9445.

• Trax Farm Breakfast Or Lunch With Santa

Visit with Santa, bring your wish list, make a Christmas craft, and enjoy a nutritious breakfast or lunch along with a special Christmas treat. Additional food items for older kids are always available for purchase so no one has to go home hungry.
Dates: Nov. 25-26; Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17. Breakfast is at 9:30, lunch is at 12:30.
Cost: $9. For reservations call 412-835-3246.

• Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Santa Trolley

Ride with Santa and his singing elves on a vintage trolley and take a picture of your child with Santa (bring your own camera). Also see the Lionel Train and Lego layouts and stop in the craft room and have some refreshments.
Dates: Nov. 24-26, Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17
Tickets: Adults $12; children 15 and under and senior, $10.

Photo: Getty Images.