Celebrate the holidays at Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Special December programming packed with festive activities

ATLANTA (November 10, 2017)Deck the halls with holly jolly programs! Families are invited to join Children’s Museum of Atlanta for holiday-themed events throughout December. Little ones can revel in the magic of the holidays through Celebrations in Light to learn all about Hanukah, Christmas, Las Posadas and Kwanzaa through a variety of events, including special story times, art projects and more. Children’s Museum of Atlanta has countless activities to help little ones explore STEM-themed programs this holiday season. 

Sid the Science Kid: The Super-Duper Exhibit-themed daily programming will continue in conjunction with Celebrations in Light. All programs are included with admission unless otherwise noted.

Sid the Science Kid Appearance
Every Monday at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Kids are invited to meet and take photos with Sid the Science Kid on the Children’s Museum of Atlanta stage!

Celebrations in Light: Readers’ Theatre
Special Winter Holiday Story Time with Music and Movement
Saturdays: 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.mm, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Sundays: 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.; Weekdays: 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The Imaginators lead an exploration of the tales and traditions of Las Posados, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanza. Through interactive performances, Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s stage comes to life as special book readings, festive dances and holiday songs are shared.

Skating at Sockefeller Plaza
Kids are invited to escape the cold and visit Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s Sock-Skating Rink in Sockefeller Plaza! No skates necessary: little ones will use their imaginations as they slip and slide around with friends on an ice-like surface throughout the holidays.  

Super Spectacular Science Show…On Ice!
Weekdays at 1 p.m. and weekends at 4 p.m.
Future gold medalists can learn all about the forces, angles and science behind ice skating with Professor Labcoat at Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s ice skating rink. Children are encouraged to stick around for plenty of dazzling winter science surprises after the show!

Eat A Georgia Rainbow
Sunday at 3 p.m.
Kids can embark on a scavenger hunt and cold cooking activity with the Imaginators to learn more about fruits and veggies harvested in Georgia throughout the year.

Art Studio Projects
Weekdays 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Weekends 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Young artists are invited to bring the holidays to life with crafts tailored around various holiday celebrations. Little ones may choose a craft that coincides with special holidays or decorate wrapping paper to package a gift for a special friend or family member!

Build It Lab
Weekdays, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Weekends 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Children can explore what it means to give this season as the Build It Lab is transformed into a holiday toy workshop to allow little ones to design a special toy for a friend or loved one! Under supervision, children can create a toy helicopter, car or ball catcher with access to real tools and materials designed to spark creativity, nurture curiosity and ignite the next wave of innovators.

Science Bar
Weekdays 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Weekends 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Questions become answers at the Science Bar! Throughout December, Professor Labcoat will be exploring the winter wonderland of the scientific world.  Little ones can learn about weather instruments to predict if Atlanta will have a white Christmas, explore energy needed to power a circuits and holiday lights and discover how the body’s olfactory system reacts to holiday scents!

Sewing Thursdays
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Children, along with parents and guardians, have the opportunity to work together to hand sew holiday themed creations! Little ones can drop in the open studio at any time. Fabric, thread and sewing machines will be provided along with professional instruction.

Building Blocks Programs
Recommended for children 1-5 years old

Tiny Club Monday
10:30 a.m.
Designed for little minds, Tiny Club Monday offers FOODiE Club, SCiENCE Club, ARTiST Club and BUiLDER Club for children ages 2-5 and caregivers to enjoy together. The 30 minute classes offer hands on activities, professional instruction and the chance to create and learn something new!

Messy Thursdays
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Little visitors and guardians are invited to get messy! Messy Thursdays offer slime, finger painting and more! Let the Children’s Museum of Atlanta clean up the mess while the little ones have a blast. New, messy activities await every week to try, offering endless opportunities.

Toddler Jam Fridays
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Kids are invited to rock and roll into the weekend with this high energy, music-filled class guaranteed to shake out the wiggles and foster a love of music. Each week little ones can enjoy new songs, instrument play, circle time activities and, of course, dance breaks.

December Special Programming

Celebrations in Light: Los Posadas
Saturday, December 16
Las Posadas is a nine-day religious celebration observed primarily in Mexico and by Mexican-Americans. Celebrated in the evenings, families participate in nightly Christmas processions that recreate the Holy Pilgrimage of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus on their way to Bethlehem.

  • Special Performance: Alma Mexicana Danza Folklorica
    11 a.m. and noon
    Kids are invited to learn about Los Posadas through traditional Mexican dances performed by Alma Mexicana!
  • Celebrations in Light: Readers’ Theatre
    Special Winter Holiday Story Time with Music and Movement
    1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
    Little ones can join the Imaginators to discover the traditions and tales of Los Posadas through a special reading of “The Night of Las Posadas” by Tommie DePaola as well as festive songs and dances that are celebrated throughout the holiday.
  • Sid the Science Kid Appearance
    1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
    Kids are invited to meet and take photos with Sid the Science Kid on the Children’s Museum of Atlanta stage!

Celebrations in Light: Hanukkah  
Sunday, December 17
Known as the “Festival of Lights,” this eight-day Jewish holiday celebrates the fundamental rights of religious freedom. Hanukkah lasts for eight days in December, when the days are shortest and nights are darkest, and is observed by lighting one candle of the nine-branched Menorah each night.

  • Special Performance: Rabbi Brian Glusman, Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta
    11 a.m. and noon
    Families can join Rabbi Glusman from the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta to celebrate Hanukkah through dancing to classic Hanukkah songs. Children can gather around to listen to the tales of Maccabees’ bravery and discover the miracle of the Hanukkah lights. As a tasty bonus, kids can learn about the tradition of eating chocolate coins and latkes during the holiday!
  • Celebrations in Light: Readers’ Theatre
    Special Winter Holiday Story Time with Music and Movement
    1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
    Little ones can meet with the Imaginators to discover the traditions and tales of Hanukkah through an interactive readers’ theatre performance. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s stage will come to life with a special reading of “Hanukkah Lights” by David Martin and the opportunity to dance and sing to Hanukkah songs and relish in the holiday traditions.

Celebrations in Light: Christmas
Saturday, December 23
Christmas is the annual Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated on December 25 each year by billions of people across the world. Celebratory customs include completing an Advent calendar or wreath; gift giving; Christmas trees and wreaths; and the story of Santa Claus.

  • Special Performance: Mary Flannery’s Ghost
    Kids are invited to move and groove into the holiday spirit with classic Christmas tunes curated by Atlanta musical trio, Mary Flannery’s Ghost! Mary Flannery’s Ghost is sure to provide a spectacular holiday musical adventure for all growing minds.
  • Celebrations in Light: Readers’ Theatre
    Special Winter Holiday Story Time with Music and Movement
    11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
    Little ones can join the Imaginators and discover the traditions and tales of Christmas through interactive Readers’ Theatre performance. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s stage will come to life with a special reading of “Silver Packages” by Cynthia Rylan and a festive chance to dance and sing to Christmas songs and relish in the holiday activities.
  • Sid the Science Kid Appearance
    1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
    Sid the Science Kid is live at Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s stage! Photo opportunities will be available for little enthusiasts.

Christmas Eve Special Schedule
Sunday, December 24 (Museum will close at 1 p.m.)

  • Celebrations in Light: Readers’ Theatre
    Special Winter Holiday Story Time with Music and Movement
    11 a.m. and noon
    Little ones can join the Imaginators and discover the traditions and tales of Las Posadas, Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanza through an interactive Readers’ Theatre performance. Young ones can gather around the stage and listen to special book readings featuring The Night of Las Posadas by Tommie DePaola, Hanukkah Lights by David Martin, Silver Packages by Cynthia Rylan, and My First Kwanzaa Book by Deborah M. Newton.
  • Science Bar
    11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Questions become answers at the Science Bar! Throughout December, Professor Labcoat will be exploring the winter wonderland of the scientific world.  Little ones can learn about weather instruments to predict if Atlanta will have a white Christmas, explore energy needed to power circuits and holiday lights and discover how the body’s olfactory system reacts to holiday scents!
  • Art Studio
    11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Young artists can bring Christmas to life with crafts tailored to various cultures. Little ones can explore different holiday celebrations or decorate wrapping paper to package last minute gifts for a special friend or family member!
  • Build It Lab
    11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Children can explore what it means to give this season with the holiday toy workshop at Build It Lab. Little ones can design a special toy for a friend or loved one! Under supervision, children can create a toy helicopter, car or ball catcher with access to real tools and materials designed to spark creativity, nurture curiosity and ignite the next wave of innovators.

Celebrations in Light: Kwanzaa
Wednesday, December 27 (The Museum will be open Wednesday, December 27 during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day)
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States and others nations of Western African descent honoring African heritage. With seven core principles, each featured during one night of the seven-day celebration, Kwanzaa culminates with a feast and gift-giving.

  • Special Performance: Mama Koku
    Noon and 1 p.m.
    Kids are invited to learn about Kwanzaa with famed master storyteller, Mama Koku through captivating stories and songs. Mama Koku is a member of the Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia, The National Association of Black Storytellers, the Southern Order of Storytellers and more!
  • Super Spectacular Science Show…On Ice!
    2 p.m.
    Future gold-medalists can learn all about forces, angles and the science behind ice-skating with Professor Labcoat at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s ice skating rink! Make sure to stick around for plenty of dazzling winter science surprises!

December Ticketed Events

New Year’s Bubble Bash
Sunday, December 31 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2-4:30 p.m.
Special Pricing: $8 for Members; $18 for Non-Members (prices increase on December 25)

Families are invited to ring in the New Year with special activities including a family-friendly DJ, dancing, party favors, confetti and of course, bubbles! Each session will feature a countdown to 2018, perfect for little ones who won’t stay up until midnight. With two opportunities to celebrate 2018, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets to one of the time slots ahead of time by visiting childrensmuseumatlanta.org or calling 404.659.KIDS [5437]. Tickets will not be sold at the door and the Museum will be closed for general admission on December 31.           

Ongoing Monthly Programs

Target Free Second Tuesday
Tuesday, December 12 from 1-6 p.m.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta invites local families to visit the Museum free of charge on the second Tuesday of each month. Registration for Target Free Second Tuesdays will be available exclusively online through the Museum’s website (childrensmuseumatlanta.org) the day prior to each event to create a seamless process for guests. Guests who do not register in advance will be admitted on a first come, first serve basis pending availability.

 Patrons will be able to choose from two sessions:

Session 1: 1 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

  • Celebrations in Light: Readers’ Theatre
    Special Winter Holiday Story Time with Music and Movement
    1:30 and 2:15 p.m.
  • Science Bar
    1 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
  • Art Studio
    1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
  • Build It Lab
    1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.

Session 2: 3:45 p.m. – 6 p.m.

  • Celebrations in Light: Readers’ Theatre
    Special Winter Holiday Story Time with Music and Movement
    4:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
  • Science Bar
    3:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m.
  • Art Studio
    4:15 p.m.-5:45 p.m.
  • Build It Lab
    4:15 p.m.-5:45 p.m.                          

For more information on the December program offerings or to support Children's Museum of Atlanta, visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org or call 404.659.KIDS [5437].

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Becca Meyer

BRAVE Public Relations

Jennifer Walker

BRAVE Public Relations

About Children's Museum of Atlanta

About Children’s Museum of Atlanta:

Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the only educational venue of its kind in Atlanta, presenting educational programs and exhibits designed for young children ages 0-8. The mission of Children's Museum of Atlanta is to change the world by sparking every child's imagination, sense of discovery and learning through the power of play. With learning zones consisting of bright, creative and hands-on exhibits, the Museum supports inventive play-based exploration and experiential learning focused on the whole child. Core competencies for literacy, math and science are promoted throughout all exhibits and programming in alignment with the state and national Core Performance Standards. Funding has been provided by Georgia Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. For more information, please visit www.GeorgiaHumanities.org. Major support is provided by the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs and major funding is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. Children’s Museum of Atlanta also offers memberships. For more information or to support Children's Museum of Atlanta, visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org or call 404.659.KIDS [5437].

Museum Admission: Online ticketing only is available at this time. Phone booking is available with ample notice and will be booked via online reservation. Members must pre-book and will be able to redeem their $5 voucher online. Babies 11 months and younger and members are admitted for free and must reserve their free ticket online prior to arriving at the Museum. All daily programs are included in price of admission. For more information regarding ticket and membership options, visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Museum Hours: The Museum will operate in 2 three-hour sessions with one-hour cleaning between sessions. The hours are 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Please check the Museum website to confirm hours of operation. 

Contact

275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW Atlanta, GA 30313

childrensmuseumatlanta.org