Behringer-Crawford Museum’s calendar is packed with holiday activities this December, beginning with the Holiday Toy Trains, which will be rolling now through Sunday, January 14, with 250 feet of track and more than 30 guest-activated displays.
There’s more animated action in store with Wahoo’s Winter Wonderland, a three-room, kid-sized, exhibit based on the children’s book by Kenton Hills author Diana Grady, “The Holiday Adventures of Wiley Wahoo & Me!,” starring two canine friends exploring local landmarks including the Fountain Square Ice Rink, the Suspension Bridge, Behringer-Crawford Museum and more.
Special Sunday story hours will take place at 2 p.m., Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, with local children’s librarians reading Grady’s book along with the holiday classic, Polar Express. The story hours, which include crafts, refreshments and a visit from Santa, are included with museum admission, but space is limited, so reservations are required. Register at education@bcmuseum.org or call 859-491-4003.
Also on display is “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, plus toy exhibits spotlighting favorite childhood playthings from local residents.
Other special December events:
Dec. 8, 5:30-8 p.m.- Choo Choo, Chocolate & Cheer
Sponsored by ALIVE!, BCM’s young professionals group, Choo Choo, Chocolate & Cheer is an opportunity for families to experience the holidays in magical motion at an exclusive, after-hours party. In addition to viewing the Holiday Toy Trains and other Christmas exhibits, they can create holiday decorations, help award-winning artist Cedric Michael Cox paint a mural that will later be exhibited in the museum, then top off the evening at a gourmet hot chocolate bar. The event takes place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday, December 8. Tickets are $9 for adults, $5 for children aged 3-17 and free for age two and under. For reservations, click here.
Dec. 9, 2 p.m. – Christmas Around the World
Learn about the holiday customs and decorations of the various immigrant groups that settled in this area. Craft your own holiday decoration and enjoy a snack. Craft fee: $5 per person.
Dec. 10, 3-4:30 p.m. – Strolling Carolers
Carolers in 1800s garb from Cincinnati’s Old West Festival will fill the halls of BCM with holiday song. Included with museum admission.
Dec. 14, 12-1:30 p.m. – Brown Bag Luncheon: The Life, Times and Impact of Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens was a transformative writer, with some of his storied accomplishments chronicled in the ceramic Dickens Village collectibles on display at BCM during the holidays. Dave Somerwill, a member of Queen City Villagers and collector of the Department 56 series since its introduction in 1985, will discuss how Dickens impacted Victorian England’s society through his many novels such as “A Christmas Story,” “A Tale of Two Cities,” “David Copperfield” and “Oliver Twist” and how those influences affect us today. Bring your own lunch; drinks and desserts will be provided. Cost: $3 for BCM members; $10 for future BCM members. Reservations:859-491-4003.
Dec. 16, 2 p.m. – Frozen Follies Puppet Show
Celebrate the season with the Wump Mucket Puppets as they tell the stories of “The Many Names of Santa Claus” and “The Great Marshmallow Harvest.” The performance is included with museum admission.
Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m. – Tot Tuesdays! Christmas Crafts
Deck the halls and the walls and the tree with keepsake holiday crafts created by you and your toddler. Admission is free for BCM members. For future members, cost is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors 60+ and $5 for children. There is a $1 craft fee per child.
Dec. 27, 2 p.m. – Rails and Rivers Concert with Jake Speed
It’s American folk, bluegrass and ragtime with Jake and his fiddle player, who will perform original Cincinnati songs about trains and riverboats in BCM’s Rivers Gallery. Included with museum admission.
Dec. 31, 2-4 p.m. – Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve Countdown
Ring in the New Year early with the whole family and enjoy crafts, games, snacks and fun! Craft fee: $5 for members; $10 for future members. Reservations required: call 859-491-4003 or email education@bcmuseum.org.
BCM is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, except Christmas Eve when it will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Admission to BCM is free for members, discounted for Cincinnati Museum Center members and included with museum admission for all others. Museum admission for future members is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors 60+ and $5 for children. Wednesdays are Grandparent’s Days: One grandchild admitted free with each paying grandparent. Parking is free.
Behringer-Crawford Museum is located at 1600 Montague Road-Devou Park, Covington, KY 41011. For more information call 859-491-4003 or go to www.bcmuseum.org.
