The Holiday Toy Trains are leaving their stations on a magical journey through snow-covered fields, carnival rides and holiday LEGO lands at Behringer-Crawford Museum.
Celebrating 30 years of making memories in NKY, Holiday Traditions@BCM, sponsored by Central Bank, commences this Saturday, Nov. 13 with the opening of the Holiday Toy Trains and many new, elaborate LEGO displays on exhibit from the OKILUG (Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana LEGO User’s Group.)
BCM’s Holiday Toy Trains have been a Northern Kentucky tradition for 30 years. (Photo from BCM)
Eight O-gauge Lionel model trains will circle 250 feet of track, chug chugging beside thirty moving accessories. At the push of a button, guests suddenly become part of the animated display and can call a firefighter into action as they slide down a pole, bring miniature animals to life and even activate a cow-abducting UFO.
The holiday exhibits also feature LEGO creations of all sizes, including a giant Baby Yoda, a Christmas tree and an aquatic wonderland, along with miniature recreations of scenes from classic stories such as Wizard of Oz, Marvel and Harry Potter. The imaginative designs are created by members of OKILUG, a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting and constructing sculptures, buildings, creatures and other imaginative items with tiny, multicolored plastic bricks.
The wonder and joy continue as children are invited to put their creative minds to work in BCM’s “LEGO Maker’s Space,” where guests can assemble their own LEGO masterpieces.
Holiday Traditions@BCM runs from November 13 to January 9. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. The museum will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. It will be open for special holiday hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays December 20 and 27. Admission is free for BCM members and children under age 3; $9 adults; $8 seniors 60+; $5 children ages 3-17. Wednesdays are Grandparents Days: one grandchild is admitted free with each paying grandparent.
The holiday spirit continues throughout Behringer-Crawford Museum with more seasonal exhibits and special events, including:
Tuesday, November 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Tot Tuesdays! Thanksgiving
Preschoolers and their parents get an early start on Turkey Day with stories, craft and treats. Offered live at BCM and virtually on Zoom. Free for BCM members. For non-members, the live session is included with admission or $5 per household for Zoom. $1 craft fee per child. Register at least seven days in advance at 859-491-4003.
Thursday, November 18: Chippie’s Sensational Science Labs: Let’s “Tech” Turkey
Chippie, BCM’s chipmunk mascot, introduces Thanksgiving-themed science to children ages 3-5 in this fun and educational monthly series, which incorporates S.T.E.A.M. elements and age-appropriate experiments. Offered live at BCM and virtually on Zoom. Free for BCM members. For non-members, the live session is included with admission or $5 per household for Zoom. $3 lab fee per child. Register at least seven days in advance at 859-491-4003.
Saturday, November 27, 2 p.m.: Concert – Hills of Kentucky Dulcimers
The popular group will perform seasonal music on the Appalachian, or mountain, dulcimer (Kentucky’s state instrument since 2001) and other traditional mountain instruments. Included with museum admission.
Sunday, December 5, 2 p.m.: Sing-and-Dance-Along at BCM
Dancers from the NKU School of the Arts Dance Prep Group will present a holiday-inspired performance. Enjoy interactive sing-and-dance-along plus photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Free for BCM members; included with museum admission for non-members.
Thursday, December 16: Chippie’s Sensational Science Labs: Catching the Gingerbread Man
“Run! Run! As fast as you can! But you can’t catch me. I’m the Gingerbread Man!” Chippie, BCM’s chipmunk mascot, gives chase to the tasty treat as he introduces holiday-themed science to children ages 3-5. Offered live at BCM and virtually on Zoom. Free for BCM members. For non-members, the live session is included with admission or $5 per household for Zoom. $3 lab fee per child. Register at least seven days in advance at 859-491-4003.
Tuesday, December 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Tot Tuesdays! – Bah Humbug!
A humorous Christmas celebration for toddlers, with crafts, songs and snacks. Offered live at BCM and virtually on Zoom. Free for BCM members. For non-members, the live session is included with admission or $5 per household for Zoom. $1 craft fee per child.
Reserve a spot for your tot and yourself at least seven days in advance at 859-491-4003.
Additional events are in the works. Check the website at www.bcmuseum.org for information about crafting workshops and other activities.
Behringer-Crawford Museum
