The holiday calendar is packed at Behringer-Crawford Museum in Devou Park, with family-friendly activities scheduled throughout December and into the new year.
The Holiday Toy Trains exhibit was launched with the Cincinnati Reds’ Mr. Redlegs cutting the ribbon to start the 25th anniversary of the popular display. The vintage Lionel and Plasticville trains, along with Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, will roll through Jan. 15, 2017, traversing miniature cities and forests, with more than 30 moving, visitor-activated displays.
Also on holiday display are “Christmas in Victorian England,” an elaborate, lighted display of Department 56 miniature scenes depicting characters and scenes from Charles Dickens’ books and life, arranged by the Queen City Villagers, and an exhibit of whimsical carved Santas created by Fort Mitchell resident and craftsman Jim Schmidt.
On Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the museum will host readings of the children’s classic book, Polar Express, by local children’s librarians, along with crafts, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. Holiday finery or comfy PJs are encouraged. The readings are included with museum admission, but reservations are required. Register at education@bcmuseum.org or call 859-491-4003.
BCM’s lobby shop, Curator’s Corner, is well-stocked with unique gifts for all ages, many with Northern Kentucky or train themes. Shoppers can choose from infants’ onesies and toddlers’ tee shirts, handcrafted wood tree ornaments, pillows and other home décor, books, toys, educational games and more.
Other BCM holiday happenings include:
Members-Only Holiday Room: Friday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. BCM members can take a break from the Black Friday shopping madness to listen to holiday music, enjoy a snack and create a craft. Future members are invited to join at the door.
NKU Dance Prep, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2 p.m. This young troupe, which includes dancers aged 5-10, will present a holiday-inspired performance. The event is included with admission and audience participation is encouraged.
Edgewood Night at BCM, Friday, Dec. 2, 6-8 p.m. Museum admission is free for residents of Edgewood, who are invited to view the Holiday Toy Trains, explore the museum, learn a craft and enjoy refreshments. The event is sponsored by the city of Edgewood.
Santa’s Workshop, Holiday Crafts, Sat., Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Museum guests are invited to make a Santa ornament for their trees. The activity is included with museum admission plus a $2 per ornament craft fee.
Dramakinetics, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m. This popular local theater company presents a family-friendly performance about the power of unity and collaboration.
Brown Bag Luncheon: Haven Gillespie, Thursday, Dec.15, 11:30 a.m. Dr. James C. Claypool will speak about the Covington- born composer and lyricist who wrote “Santa Claus is Coming To Town,” among other classic musical hits. Attendees are invited to bring their lunches; beverages and dessert will be provided Cost is $3 for BCM members and $10 for future members. Reserve at education@bcmuseum.org or 859-491-4003.
Tot Tuesdays! Holiday Crafts, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Toddlers and parents or caregivers create holiday crafts in a fun workshop designed to foster reading readiness and socialization. The activity is included with museum admission plus $1 per child craft fee.
Old-Fashioned Pioneer Christmas, Thursday, Dec. 22, 1-3 p.m. in NaturePlay@BCM.
Experience the holidays like the early settlers did, with crafts, light refreshments and pioneer activities. Admission for groups of up to 6 is $10 for BCM members and $25 for future members. The charge for additional guests is $3 each for members and $5 for future members.
Special holiday hours, Saturday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Special holiday hours Monday, Dec. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Special holiday hours Saturday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve Party, Saturday, Dec. 31: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Count down to the new year with the whole family and enjoy crafts, games, light lunch and a toast to 2017. Cost is $5 for BCM members and $10 for future members. Children under 3 admitted free.
All events take place at Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road-Devou Park, Covington, KY 41011. Admission is free for BCM members, discounted for Cincinnati Museum Center members and included with museum admission for all others. Regular museum admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors 60+ and $5 for children. Parking is free. Wednesdays are Grandparents’ Days: one grandchild free with a grandparent’s paid admission.
Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Special holiday hours: Mondays, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturdays, Dec. 24 and 31, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Closed other Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
For more information, call (859) 491-4003, email info@bcmuseum.org or visit www.bcmuseum.org.