Where to See Santa in Pittsburgh & the Suburbs
PPG Place & The Peoples Gas Holiday Market – Downtown Pittsburgh
A Pittsburgh classic! The European-style holiday market is already a must-do, but Santa’s House takes it to the next level.
Photos with Santa in Market Square
Holiday shopping + festive food
Lights, music, and the Downtown holiday energy your kids will love
Best for: Families who want the quintessential Pittsburgh Christmas experience.
Santa at the National Aviary – North Side
Add some feathered friends to your holiday fun.
Photos with Santa
Holiday crafts
Animal encounters
Best for: Younger kids who thrive with interactive, sensory-friendly environments.
Kennywood’s Holiday Lights – West Mifflin
Kennywood transforms into a winter wonderland your kids will talk about until spring.
Santa in the Park
Over a million lights
Festive treats + classic rides
Best for: Families with mixed-age kids looking for a magical night out.
North Hills
Santa at Ross Park Mall – Ross Township
One of the most popular Santa photo spots in Pittsburgh.
Traditional Santa photos
Sensitive Santa sessions
Pet photos
Best for: Anyone wanting a polished, professional holiday photo.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland – Butler County
Not technically Santa photos, but Santa’s presence + the drive-through lights make it worth the trip.
Huge synchronized light show
Christmas Village with Santa
Best for: Families looking to stay warm in the car with hot cocoa in hand.
South Hills
The Galleria’s Santa Experience – Mt. Lebanon
A quieter alternative to busy malls.
Cozy atmosphere
Free parking
Shorter lines
Best for: Toddlers or sensory-sensitive children.
Trax Farms Santa & Winter Wonderland – Finleyville
A South Hills holiday tradition for generations.
Breakfast with Santa
Photos
Holiday train display
Best for: Families who love classic, homey Christmas traditions.
East Suburbs
Monroeville Mall Santa – Monroeville
A longtime favorite for families east of the city.
Professional photos
Special event days
Great for grabbing gifts afterward
Best for: Families who like tradition and convenience.
Pittsburgh Zoo Holiday Photos with Santa – Highland Park
Even though it’s city-based, it’s an East End go-to.
Santa photos
Animal exhibits + winter zoo vibes
Best for: Families who want more to do than just the photo.
West Suburbs
Settlers Ridge Santa – Robinson Township
A convenient, less crowded outdoor-shopping-center Santa.
Easy parking
Nearby dinner options
Fast lines
Best for: Busy families trying to squeeze holiday magic in between errands.
Neville Island’s Winterfest & Santa Visit – Neville Township
A charming local celebration.
Community festival
Santa visits
Crafts
Best for: Families wanting a neighborhood-style holiday event.
Sensory Friendly Santa Sessions
Offered at:
Ross Park Mall
The Mall at Robinson
The Galleria
These sessions are specifically designed to be quiet, calm, and stress-free.
Tips for a Smooth Santa Visit (From One Pittsburgh Mom to Another)
Go early in the season (before December 10th = shorter lines everywhere).
Pack snacks—the kids will be happier, and you’ll avoid the meltdown-to-memory ratio.
Bring a backup outfit because… toddlers.
Book early for breakfast/brunch events—they sell out quickly across Pittsburgh.
Look for weekday times if possible. Weekends get crowded fast.