Toy trains will click-clack down the tracks, snow dogs will spin on the ice rink and Behringer-Crawford Museum will be aglow with lights, music and the holiday spirit when the 2019 Holiday Traditions@BCM opens on Saturday, November 16.
This is the 28th year for BCM’s Holiday Toy Trains display with its 250 feet of track and more than 30 guest-activated displays. Guests can also enjoy Wahoo’s Winter Wonderland, a kid-size, animated exhibit based on the children’s book by Kenton Hills author Diana Grady, “The Holiday Adventures of Wiley Wahoo & Me,” plus special Polar Express and Wahoo readings, Santa visits, Charles Dickens Victorian Village display, holiday concerts and more.
On Sunday afternoons between Thanksgiving and Christmas, local children’s librarians will read aloud from Grady’s book and the Christmas classic, “Polar Express.” The readings will take place at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22. Holiday finery or comfy PJs are encouraged for the story hours, which include crafts, refreshments and a visit from Santa. Activities are included with museum admission, but space is limited, so reservations are required by the preceding Friday. Register at education@bcmuseum.org or call (859) 491-4003.
Several local communities are sponsoring special hours for their residents to visit Holiday Traditions@BCM for free. Guests must show proof of residency. Special hours are:
* Park Hills Day, Sunday, December 1, 1-5 p.m.
* Edgewood Night, Friday, December 6, 6-8 p.m.
* Ludlow Day, Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
* Fort Mitchell/Lakeside Day, Sunday, December 15, 1- 5 p.m.
Holiday Traditions@BCM, which is sponsored by Central Bank, will be on display until Sunday, January 5, 2020. Behringer-Crawford Museum is located at 1600 Montague Road-Devou Park, Covington, KY 41011. The exhibits are free for museum members. For non-members, they are included with paid admission: $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. For more information, call 859-491-4003 or go to www.bcmuseum.org.
Other holiday activities at BCM include:
Friday, November 29, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Members-Only Holiday Room
BCM members can take a relaxing break from Black Friday shopping and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and make a holiday craft. Free for BCM members. Not a member? Join at the door!
Thursday, December 5, 1-2 p.m.: Chippie’s Sensational Science Labs: Santa’s Science
Chippie, BCM’s chipmunk mascot, introduces Christmas-themed science to children aged 3 to 5 in this fun and educational monthly series, which incorporates S.T.E.A.M. elements and age-appropriate experiments. Museum admission plus $3 lab fee per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration required: call (859) 491-4003.
Saturday, December 7: Ornament-Making Workshops@BCM
Homemade ornaments can become part of your own family’s traditions. Learn how at these special workshops for adults and children.
⦁ Adults: 10:30-noon. Craft a cozy, no-sew quilted ornament for your tree. Museum admission plus a $10 craft fee.
⦁ Kids: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Make an old-fashioned, punched-tin ornament like the pioneers did. For children age 7 and older. Museum admission plus a $5 craft fee.
Reservations required: call 859-491-4003.
Sunday, December 8, 2 p.m.: Concert – Hills of Kentucky Dulcimers
The popular group, consisting of more than 150 musicians ranging in age from the mid-20s to mid-80s, will perform seasonal music on the Appalachian, or mountain, dulcimer (Kentucky’s state instrument since 2002) and other traditional mountain instruments. Included with museum admission.
Sunday, December 15, 2 p.m.: Concert – St. Agnes Children’s Choir
The St. Agnes Parish Children’s Choir of Fort Wright will perform Christmas songs and other favorites. Included with museum admission.
Tuesday, December 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Tot Tuesdays! – Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen
Wonderful seasonal aromas waft from Mrs. Claus’ kitchen as she bakes her holiday goodies! Parents and their toddlers can hear a story about Christmas and decorate their own cookies. Included with museum admission plus a $1 craft fee per child. Reserve spots for you and your child at (859) 491-4003.
Thursday, December 19, Noon-1:30 p.m.: Brown Bag Luncheon – Be Your Beautiful Best for the Holidays
Jessica Hansen of Southern Style Soap of Erlanger will explain the causes of common skin problems and how to treat them, plus share secrets for some great at-home beauty treatments. Bring your own brown bag lunch – we provide the drinks, dessert and discourse. Cost: $3 for BCM members; $10 for future BCM members. Reservations recommended: (859) 491-4003.
Friday, December 27, 11 a.m.-noon and 1-2 p.m.: Concert – Jake Speed Sings Train Songs
A live, kid-friendly folk music show featuring songs about trains, railroad legends, and locomotive lore performed by Jake Speed, a five-time winner of Cincinnati’s Best Folk/Americana Musician Award, who plays guitar, harmonica, washboard, and kazoo all while tap-dancing along to classic tunes like “Freight Train,” “Waiting for a Train” and “Railroad Bill.” Each child will receive a free harmonica and a lesson on how to make it chug like a train. Included with museum admission.
Behringer-Crawford Museum is supported in part by our members; the City of Covington, Kenton County Fiscal Court, ArtsWave, Kentucky Arts Council, Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame and The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. US Bank Foundation.
Behringer-Crawford Museum
