Happy December everyone!
It’s beginning to look (and sound!) a lot like Christmas!
In honor of this very special time of year — a favorite for many of our team here at Museum Hack– we’ve rounded up ten awesome museum holiday events and exhibits happening around the world right now!
#1: A Very London Christmas
The Museum of London and The Museum of London Docklands are putting on over 15 awesome holiday exhibits and events this winter.
Journey back in time to Victorian London where Scrooge and the Cratchits and waiting to say ‘Bah Humbug’ and ‘Merry Christmas’.
Discover what life in London was like during The Little Ice Age, a period of really f***ing cold weather in London that lasted 600 years!
Check out the full list of things to do at Museum of London or at Museum of London Docklands.
#2: Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
This year, take some time to learn about different holiday traditions from all around the world!
The Museum of Science and Industry’s holiday exhibition features displays from over fifty different cultures, from Armenia to Wales (and everywhere in between)!
Check out their long list of events and cultural performances.
P.S. it snows (inside) daily!
#3: 10th Annual Celebrate Kwanzaa Event at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is hosting its 10th annual Celebrate Kwanzaa event with over five days of culture and fun.
Join in the festivities, learn all about this special holiday and explore Kwanzaa’s seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, faith, and creativity.
#4: Christmas Through The Ages
Have you ever wanted to spend the night in a museum?
Now is your chance!
This festive sleepover will be packed full of craft workshops, fun activities, and storytelling. Discover how Christmas has been celebrated throughout history – starting from its pagan roots to present day!
#5: Christmas at the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece is hosting many holiday events this year, including children’s workshops and storytelling, gallery talks, and a music concert by the Athens State Orchestra.
Insider tips:
- The museum’s 2nd-floor restaurant will be serving traditional festive meals and sweets!
- Every Friday famous jazz music groups will be playing Christmas tunes.
#6: Christmas At The Charles Dickens Museum
If you are a fan of the classic tale A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens you DEFINITELY need to check out Christmas at the Charles Dickens Museum.
The museum is hosting a series of holiday events throughout December including a very special celebration on December 19th.
December 19, 2018, marks the 175th publication anniversary of Dickens’s iconic “ghost-story of Christmas.” The museum will be hosting an evening of mulled wine, mince pies and tales of Christmases past.
#7: The Ice Rink
If ice skating isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the view cozied up in the Ice Rink Café Bar with a hot cup of mulled wine.
Make sure to check out Acoustic Lates, a series of live and absolutely free acoustic performances held every Thursday evening in the Ice Rink Café Bar.
#8: Amsterdam Light Festival
Every year, the city of Amsterdam organizes the Amsterdam Light Festival, where, basically, the whole city turns into an open-air museum/holiday exhibit as light art installations are placed in and around the famous canals. This year, international and national artists have created 30 spectacular light sculptures.
For those of us who can’t make it to Amsterdam this year (sad face!), we can check out these awesome installations on Instagram by following the hashtag #AMSTERDAMLIGHTFESTIVAL.
#9: ‘Tis the Season for Science: Life on Ice
It’s time for the California Academy of Sciences’ annual holiday exhibit.
This year, it’s all about ice – “Life on Ice” that is.
Come out to discover how Arctic and Antarctic plants and animals not only brave the freezing cold temps but thrive in their snowy ecosystems.
Be sure to check out the live performances, plaza ice rink, and snowman theater while you are there!
#10: Holidays Around The World And Throughout Time
This unique holiday exhibit includes more than fifteen miniatures from the museum’s permanent collection that have been decorated to depict holidays around the world and throughout time.
Below is a sneak peek at one of the decorated miniatures, The Spanish Colonial Tin Lithograph Dollhouse.
Do you plan to visit one of these amazing museum holiday exhibits this year? Let us know!
