In-person and online programs & activities include World Nativities exhibition, Christmas in the Castle guided tour, Christmas-themed workshop, Homeschool Days, and more

Glencairn Museum will once again glow with color and light during the Christmas season, offering visitors an array of in-person and online ways to celebrate this holy time of the year.

Beginning November 26, visitors of all ages are invited to explore this year’s annual World Nativities exhibition and Christmas art on the guided Christmas in the Castle tour (both running through January 30), craft their own shadowboxes, and enjoy an online advent calendar.

Homeschool families are also invited to a special holiday open house. Every year there is something new to see and learn in these annual programs.

A complete list of this season’s holiday events and activities follows. Please note that the Museum will be closed on December 13, 14, 24, 25, and Mondays beginning January 10.

World Nativities Exhibition

The exhibition runs Friday, November 26 through Sunday, January 30.

Self-guided tour.

Daily 12:00-4:30 pm (closed 12/13-14, 24-25, and Mondays beginning January 10)

Ticketed timeslots are available at: 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm. Walk-ins accommodated as space permits.

No charge; suggested donation: $5; included in the Christmas in the Castle guided tour. 

Now in its thirteenth year, Glencairn Museum’s World Nativities exhibition showcases dozens of three-dimensional Nativity scenes from around the world.

“One of my favorites this year is a Nativity known as a szopka, made in Poland by artist Zbigniew Gillert,” shares Ed Gyllenhaal, Glencairn’s curator. “It won first prize in the medium-sized category in 2013 in the national szopka competition in Krakow. This competition has taken place almost every year since 1937. The folk tradition of the szopka began in the late 18th century with the portable theaters made for Nativity puppet plays. We’re lucky to have this beautiful, award-winning example on loan this year from the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven, Connecticut.”

Christmas in the Castle Guided Tour

Friday, November 26 – Sunday, January 9

Reservations are strongly recommended! To reserve a spot visit here or call 267.502.2600.

M-F 1:30 & 2:30 and Sat-Sun 1:00, 1:30 & 2:30pm.

Additional tour times are offered Sunday, December 26 through Friday, December 31 at 10:30, 11:30 am, and 12:30 pm. Available on weekends and by appointment January 10 through 30.

Not available December 13-14 & 24-25, or Mondays beginning January 10.

$15, $12 Seniors/Students, Free for Museum Members/children 4 and under

“This year the Christmas in the Castle tour will include many pieces of memorabilia related to the Pitcairn’s celebration of Christmas,” says Leah Smith, Visitor Experience and Rental Event Manager at Glencairn Museum. “Visitors will see works of art from the Middle Ages that illustrate the Christmas story.

There will be special emphasis on the craftsmen who built Glencairn. The guided tour will include the Medieval Gallery, which used to be the Pitcairn children’s basement playroom. This gallery features two stunning Medieval windows depicting The Annunciation and the Visitation.”

To reserve a spot visit GlencairnMuseum.org or call 267.502.2600.

Follow the Star: A 2021 Advent Calendar

Available on the Glencairn Museum website and social media beginning December through December 25.