Glencairn Museum hosts popular holiday events Nov. 23-Jan. 6

For an experience of the beauty, magic and pageantry of Christmas that lifts the spirit and celebrates the story behind the holiday for all ages, Glencairn Museum presents its annual World Nativities exhibition, guided tour, themed workshops and Christmas Sing Concert.

This year’s Christmas at Glencairn events and activities kick off the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 23, and run daily through Sunday, January 6; the Museum is closed December 10 & 11 for the Christmas Sing Concert and December 24 & 25.

World Nativities exhibition
Dozens of three-dimensional Nativity scenes from around the world reveal how artists interpret and adapt the Christmas story to represent their own unique personal and cultural perspectives. As the Museum celebrates the tenth year of this annual exhibition, a special Meet the Artists section offers visitors opportunities to learn more about the creative experience behind the work of Nativity artists and view demonstrations of their techniques. Learn more about this amazing exhibition here. For selected days and times: 267.502.2990, info@GlencairnMuseum.org or GlencairnMuseum.org.
Self-guided tour, handicapped accessible
Daily 12-4:30pm
Suggested donation: $5

‘Christmas in the Castle’ guided tour
For 40 years, from the 1940s to 1970s, Glencairn was home to the Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn family and their lively Christmas festivities. The 45-minute tour gives visitors an intimate look into how Christmas was celebrated in this 20th-century castle using some of the family’s decorations, historic photographs, and family members’ recollections. The tour also features significant examples of Nativity art in the Museum’s collections, with stops on five different floors. At the close of the tour, visitors can explore the first floor and the World Nativities exhibition on their own. To reserve a spot: 267.502.2990 or tours@GlencairnMuseum.org. Reservations strongly recommended!
M-F 1:30 & 2:30, Sat-Sun 1:00, 1:30 & 2:30pm
$12, $10 65+/students, Basic Members half price
FREE for Gold & Patron Members, children 3 & under

Holiday workshops
Glencairn is offering two workshops that provide visitors with a chance to create their own unique Christmas art. No artistic experience is necessary.

For “Dream of the Magi,” Susan Kelly VonMedicus guides participants as they create a small book using the traditional arts of calligraphy and gold leaf application. The 12-hour workshop meets three times. Ages 18 and up. Contact the instructor to register, eikon68@aol.com.
Registration required by November 25.
Sundays, December 2, 9 and 16
12:30-4:30pm
$190 includes all materials

In “The Art of Making Nativities,” artists Karen Loccisano and R. Michael Palan share how they make their detailed and delightful Nativity scenes. The couple will also guide participants as they make their own miniature Nativity to take home. Ages 18 and up. To register: 267.502.2990 or info@GlencairnMuseum.org.
Registration required by December 1.
Saturday, December 8
1-3:00pm
$35 includes all materials

Annual Christmas Sing Concert
This year’s Christmas Sing Concert continues the Pitcairns’ tradition, begun in 1937, of a Christmas concert each year in the castle’s Great Hall. Set to entertain and engage the audience are the “Glencairn Horns” featuring current and former members of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Les Canards Chantants, Glencairn’s Ensemble in Residence. The evening includes soloists, audience caroling and readings from the Christmas story. General admission; reserved seating for Gold and Patron members only. Tickets and reserved seats: 267.502.2990 or info@GlencairnMuseum.org by 12:00noon December 10.
Sells out early!
Tuesday, December 11
8:00pm (doors open at 7:15)
$15, FREE for Members