Seasonal Events at the National Aviary

Holiday Happenings at the National Aviary

Presented by Baird Private Wealth Management Fleming Rodgers Group

Sat., November 30 and December 7, 14, and 21 | 10 am – 2 pm | Included with General Admission
Reserve General Admission Tickets

Make your spirits bright: Bring the whole family to see Santa…AND his penguin helper!

A mom, dad, and two small children sitting next to Santa and his African Penguin friend!

Meet Saint Nick and enjoy a fun day full of festive, kid-friendly activities. Learn about African Penguins from an Aviary expert, plus discover how you can help this Critically Endangered species in the wild. Bring your wish list and your camera to snap photos!

  • Sun., December 8 | 11 am | National Aviary Admission Included | Make Reservations
  • Sun., December 15 | 11 am and 12:45 pm | National Aviary Admission Included | Make Reservations 

It’s the holiday season! Treat your taste buds to a symphony of flavors while soaking up breathtaking views at the National Aviary!

Dine amidst stunning scenery and holiday decorations while indulging in a holiday-inspired spread and sipping delicious add-on cocktails. Snap a few photos with your friends by the large bird-friendly glass windows and explore the Aviary’s immersive tropical habitats after your meal! Full menu coming soon.

  • Fri., December 27 | 9 am – 3 pm | Ages 6 – 8 | Members: $59 per Camper; Non-Members: $69 | SOLD OUT!!!
  • Sat., December 28 | 9 am – 3 pm | Ages 6 – 8 | Members: $59 per Camper; Non-Members: $69 | Register Here
  • Mon., December 30 | 9 am – 3 pm | Ages 9 – 12 | Members: $59 per Camper; Non-Members: $69 | Register Here

Your little learner can hang out at the National Aviary while on their winter break (giving parents and caregivers a break too)!

Our experts will spend the day teaching your kiddos how birds use their amazing adaptations to endure the chilliest months, during a one-day Winter Camp! Campers will enjoy one-of-a-kind, up-close experiences with Animal Ambassadors, guided learning sessions through warm, immersive habitats, and take part in fun interactive activities!

Seasonal Hours: Open Daily, except Tuesdays | 10 am – 5 pm
Reserve General Admission Tickets

Escape the cold weather this winter at the National Aviary! Step into a warm, enchanting world where towering trees rise against a picturesque backdrop. View birds from around the world, including magnificent Andean Condors, a resilient species that thrives in the chilly Andes Mountains.

Two female Andean Condor juveniles snuggling next to each other while enjoy a recent snowfall.

These majestic creatures live gracefully among the rugged peaks, expertly navigating the icy temperature as they search for food. Their impressive wingspans and adaptability showcase the beauty of life in even the harshest climates.

Plan your visit around our Daily Activities, all included with General Admission. Forests Presented by Peoples runs now through November; only at the National Aviary.

Closeout 2024 or ring in 2025 by hosting the perfect corporate gathering in The Garden Room at the National Aviary!

Connect with nature in this spacious, sustainable venue complete with two cozy fireplaces accented with holiday décor and lights. Our experienced, friendly event staff will help customize a stress-free day in our LEED Gold Certified space, highlighted by floor-to-ceiling bird-safe windows and views of the historic Rose Garden and Lake Elizabeth. Learn more and book your event!

Click here for the official 2024 Holiday Gift Guide!

A selection of Stocking Stuffer gifts from the National Aviary's Gift Shop

Check off all those wish lists at the National Aviary’s Gift Shop! Whether you’re shopping for kids or birds, we’ve got you covered with cool and unique items, all while supporting the Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their habitats.

Thank you to our Holiday Happenings Sponsor: 

Baird Private Wealth Management Fleming Rodgers Group Logo

In The News

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Meet Wanda, a critically endangered Vietnam pheasant hatched at the National Aviary | CBS News

The National Aviary is introducing visitors to Wanda, a critically endangered Vietnam pheasant chick that hatched this spring.

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Guam kingfishers hatched at National Aviary among first released into wild in nearly 40 years | CBS News

Three Guam kingfishers that hatched at the National Aviary have been released on an island in the Pacific, marking the first time their species has been in the wild in nearly 40 years.

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Guam Sihek Released to the Wild | National Aviary

Nine Guam Kingfishers have been released to the wild on Palmyra Atoll, making them the first of their kind to reside in the wild since the 1980s.  

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Take an Enchanting Journey through Forests this fall at the National Aviary! | National Aviary

Explore the Aviary’s new fall seasonal theme, Forests Presented by Peoples; learn more about the creatures who inhabit these woodland areas during TWO new daily activities, and say “hello again!” to the adorable Eurasian Eagle-Owl making her Animal Ambassador debut!

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  Extinct in the Wild birds head to new home ahead of first wild release | National Aviary

Precious Guam Kingfishers arrived on the Pacific Island as part of a project to re-establish a wild population 

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