Holiday magic sparkles in Devou Park as the Behringer-Crawford Museum (BCM) kicks off its annual Holly Jolly Days on November 16. Visitors can look forward to new attractions, including 13 animated exhibits in the Holiday Toy Trains exhibit, a nostalgic “A Window Through Time.” » with a vintage Christmas decoration and a LEGO Makerspace for creative play.

Since 1992, BCM’s holiday toy trains have been delighting families with Lionel O gauge trains running on 250 feet of track. This year, the addition of animated models, such as a miniature roller coaster and a festive cake factory, makes the exhibit even more enchanting. Long-time volunteer Richard Carr said: “It’s wonderful to see generations enjoying the magic together. »

Discover the charm of Christmases past in A Window Through Time, with vintage feather Christmas trees decorated with delicate German ornaments and antique decor from the 19th and early 20th centuries. This nostalgic exhibit, courtesy of Mary and Pat Ashcraft, brings the magic of yesteryear’s holidays to life. To top it off, BCM will preview the White Christmas exhibition, which is scheduled to return for the 2025/2026 season. Kids can also have fun right in the LEGO Makerspace, created in partnership with the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana LEGO User Group (OKILUG).

Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The museum will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Day and Eve. It will be open during special holiday hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, December 23 and 30.

Entrance is free for BCM members and children under 3 years old; $9 adults; $8 for people aged 60 and over; $5 for children 3 to 17 years old. Wednesdays are Grandparents Day: one grandchild admitted free with each paying grandparent.

Holly Jolly Days is sponsored in part by the Team Kentucky Department of Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, Devou Good Foundation, Milburn Family and Pine Meer Foundation.

The holiday spirit continues throughout the Behringer-Crawford Museum with more seasonal exhibits and
special events, including:

Friday, November 15: Chippie’s Sensational Kids Club

• 11 a.m.-12 p.m.: American Recycling Day
To celebrate America’s Recycle Day, preschoolers are invited to discover how their actions can protect the environment and conserve resources through clever art projects and fun stories. Material fee of $3/child plus museum admission. Register at least five days in advance at 859-491-4003.

Saturday November 16: Opening of Holly Jolly Days

• 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.: fun family activities
Fun family vacation activities at the Education Center. Included with museum entry.

Sunday November 17

• 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.: S’mores and more
Join us to make s’mores and other family activities at NaturePlay@BCM, located outdoors. Free.

Thursday November 21

• 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.: S’mores and more
Join us to make s’mores and other family activities at NaturePlay@BCM, located outdoors. Free.

Sunday November 24

• 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.: fun family activities
Fun family vacation activities at the Education Center. Included with museum entry.

Tuesday, November 26: NKY History Hour (virtual)

• 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.: BB Riverboats with Captain Alan Bernstein
Register and participate in the free online virtual presentation

Saturday, November 30: Girl Scout Day: A free Girl Scout for each paying adult entry.

• 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.: fun family activities
Fun family vacation activities at the Education Center. Included with museum entry.

Saturday December 7

• 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: fun family activities
Fun family vacation activities at the Education Center. Included with museum entry.

Sunday December 8

• 2:00 p.m.: Polar Express reading and crafts
Enjoy a reading of the holiday classic, Polar Express and make a holiday craft to take home. Included with museum entry.

Thursday December 12

• 11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Chippie’s Sensational Kids Club: National Gingerbread House Day
To celebrate National Gingerbread House Day, preschoolers are invited to explore the Brothers Grimm fairy tale with holiday art projects and fun stories. Material fee of $3/child plus museum admission. Register at least five days in advance at 859-491-4003.

• 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.: S’mores and more
Join us to make s’mores and other family activities at NaturePlay@BCM, located outdoors. Free.

Saturday December 14

• 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Story time and holiday crafts

• 2 p.m.-4 p.m.: A country Christmas with Jessie Lyn
Jessie Lyn and her friends from her band TNT Express will give a little country Christmas concert. Included with museum entry.

Sunday December 15

• 2:00 p.m.: Polar Express reading and crafts
Enjoy a reading of the holiday classic, Polar Express and make a holiday craft to take home. Included with museum entry.

Wednesday December 18

• 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Polar Express reading and crafts
Enjoy a reading of the holiday classic, Polar Express and make a holiday craft to take home. Included with museum entry.

Friday December 20

• 2:00 p.m.: Polar Express reading and crafts
Enjoy a reading of the holiday classic, Polar Express and make a holiday craft to take home. Included with museum entry.

Saturday December 21

• 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Polar Express reading and crafts
Enjoy a reading of the holiday classic, Polar Express and make a holiday craft to take home. Included with museum entry.

• 2:00 p.m.: performance of the Kentucky Hills Dulcimers
The popular group will perform seasonal music on the Appalachian, or mountain, dulcimer (Kentucky’s state instrument since 2002) and other traditional mountain instruments. Included with museum entry.

Sunday December 22

• 2:00 p.m.: Polar Express reading and crafts
Enjoy a reading of the holiday classic, Polar Express and make a holiday craft to take home. Included with museum entry.

Monday December 23

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Holly Jolly Days open special holiday hours

• 2 p.m.: Gingerbread Jamboree puppet show
Ralphie the elf has a dangerous job; he must feed the gingerbread beast! Join Puppeteer Dylan
Shelton of River City Puppets for a holiday puppet show the whole family will enjoy. Included with
entrance to the museum.

Friday December 27

• 11 a.m.-12 p.m.: New Year’s Eve party at Chippie’s
Celebrate the new year with arts, crafts, and more in this educational program for preschoolers and their caregivers. Material fee of $3/child plus museum admission. Register at least five days in advance at 859-491-4003.

Monday December 30

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Holly Jolly Days open special holiday hours.

• 2:00 p.m.: Upside Down Fairy Town puppet show
Fairy tales mix in Fairy Town. Help puppeteer Dylan Shelton of River City Puppets unravel the tales in time to celebrate Fairytale Day. Included with museum entry.

Behringer-Crawford Museum