The Grinch, The Geckos & The Last Expo Before Christmas!

Amanda

Welcome back to the Pittsburgh Reptile Show & Sale podcast. Today’s episode is jam-packed because, honestly, the December expo is always a wild ride—and this year, I mean that literally. Because we’ve got… the Grinch. Yes, the real, green, slightly grumpy Grinch wandering the halls of the Pittsburgh Mills Mall, stealing Christmas cheer—or, more likely, posing for photos and charming the socks off everyone, even the folks with bearded dragons on their shoulders.

Rick

I'm not gonna lie, I saw the Grinch last year and—okay, I shouldn’t be surprised, but some of those reptiles look way too comfortable with him. Someone had their leopard gecko perched right on the Grinch’s arm, just chillin’, like, “Yeah, I’m with this guy from Whoville now.” I thought the Grinch only stole Christmas, but apparently, he’s after people’s pets too—no, kidding, but the photo ops are one-of-a-kind. So if you're bringing your scaly buddies, snap a picture. Trust me, you won’t get that at the mall Santa.

Amanda

Absolutely! And if you're new to bringing pets for photos, quick tips: make sure your reptiles are comfortable in crowds—some handle it better than others—and bring a secure enclosure or pouch for transport. Try a little warm-up session at home if your pet gets shy. Oh, and give them some hand sanitizer after meeting the Grinch—he's festive, but who knows what’s in that fur coat.

Rick

Yeah, and speaking of unpredictable—okay, Amanda, you’ve gotta tell this one. Remember last year, your bearded dragon with the, uh, strong opinions about Christmas hats?

Amanda

Ha! I swear, every holiday expo, something wild happens. Last time, I brought one of my calmer beardies, thinking he’d make a great ambassador… well, turns out the Grinch’s hat is apparently irresistible to reptiles. My guy made a beeline—err, well, a lizard-line—straight up the Grinch’s jacket and tried to climb his hat. I thought the Grinch was going to go a bit green in the face, but he played along, posed for a photo, and now it’s honestly one of my favorite holiday memories. So, new rule: beware of climbers during photo ops!

Rick

We should make that a sign: 'Grinch Climbing Not Recommended.' Maybe that’s what makes our show so much fun—you never know if your Grinch photo will be picture-perfect or a total comedy. Either way, that's the holiday magic here.

Amanda

That’s true—and speaking of magic, the shopping at the December show is always next level. People walk in for feeder mice and leave with dart frog earrings, a bag of substrate, and, like, three kinds of gecko merch they didn’t know existed. I mean, it’s the final show before Christmas, so if you’re still hunting for unique gifts or stocking stuffers, you’ll find something here—whether it's a gecko, a ball python, or custom bioactive backgrounds from local artists. There’s always something you literally can’t get anywhere else.

Rick

I totally relate. Remember when we talked about vendor deals back in Episode 5? Well, December's got those, plus all the holiday energy. This is when breeders and artists really bring out the special stuff. Like, you meet the person who grew your terrarium plants or hand-makes those little "reptile parent" mugs. While you’re trying not to impulse-buy another snake, you could stumble on something one-of-a-kind for someone on your list. Or, well, for yourself. No one says you can’t gift yourself a new friend before New Year’s.

Amanda

No shame in that! Also, if you’re after supplies or decor—people always forget we’ve got everything from heat lamps to live moss to the cutest little frog-shaped holiday ornaments, you name it. Oh! And if you get overwhelmed, talk to the vendors. Many are breeders and herpers themselves, so they have excellent advice about pairing pets and products for all skill levels, not just the deep-in crowd.

Rick

And, uh, word to the wise—don’t do what I did my first holiday show, which was... buy feeders before gifts, and then forget to actually buy gifts. I got home with a trunk full of dubia roaches, superworms, and one very unimpressed spouse. So… gifts first, feeders second. Trust me, it’s an easy mistake if you get excited seeing everything in one place.

Amanda

Best kind of shopping spree—unless you double up and leave with a rare gecko and a bag of Christmas cookies from one of our local bakers. Every year, I see families finding surprises together—like, a kid picking out their first snake, or someone scoring a signed copy of a care guide from a breeder. It’s a special kind of holiday energy—and it’s never just about the reptiles. Half the fun is meeting people, trading advice, and discovering something new to love.

Rick

You nailed it, Amanda, and honestly, that’s the best part of this last show of the year—the sense of community. We get families who’ve been coming for years, new faces who just got their first corn snake, and veteran herpers all mingling together. It’s like a big, unofficial reunion—plus reptiles. The energy is contagious, whether you’re shopping, learning, or just people-watching.

Amanda

And if this is your first time, don’t stress—everyone’s welcome, and honestly, it’s one of the friendliest crowds you’ll find. But, quick tip: plan ahead. The holiday show gets busy, especially with that festive buzz in the air. Arrive early if you can, say hi to the vendors (they might give you hints about rare animals or deals), and don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if it feels small. It's like we talked about in Episode 6—a little curiosity goes a long way and can totally change your expo experience.

Rick

And as this is the last show of 2025, take a minute to appreciate it—it’s a wrap on another year for the Pittsburgh reptile community, but also a hint of what’s to come. Without giving too much away, Amanda, we’ve got some things brewing for 2026. New workshops, expanded vendor rosters, and—if all goes as planned—some guest experts you definitely don’t wanna miss. Can’t say more yet, but keep your eyes on the website and the socials for announcements.

Amanda

Yeah, 2026 is shaping up to be a big one, but I have to say… nothing beats the atmosphere at our December show. There’s something about winter, reptiles, and the holidays colliding that just brings folks together in the best way. So mark those calendars—December 7th, Pittsburgh Mills Mall, from 9 to 3. Bring yourself, your pets, your family, or just a sense of adventure. I can’t wait to see everybody one more time before we ring in the New Year.

Rick

Alright, that’s it for this episode. Whether you’re a longtime listener or you just found us today, thanks for spending a little holiday time with us. Hope to see everyone at the expo, and if not, we’ll catch you right here on the next episode with more stories, more advice, and maybe a few more surprises.