Amazing Grace Techno - Computer Controlled Christmas Lights from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.

New Exhibit Under Construction

Well, we said there would be no new exhibits this year, but we just couldn't help ourselves!

Construction has begun on "O Holy Night". It will showcase a near-life-size, hand-carved wooden Nativity. There are a total of 20 pieces: the Holy Family, kings, shepherds and sheep of course, but also huge camels (three!), an Italian bag piper, oxen and some incredible angels.

They are majestic, finely carved, and richly colored in jewel-tone paint and will make a magnificent display. It will immediately follow The Art of the Nativity, and will precede The First Christmas - the perfect setting for this tribute to the real meaning of Christmas.

We were blessed to get these pieces as a donation to National Christmas Center. They were originally displayed in Marshall Fields' flagship store.

We will post some photos as the exhibit progresses...

Top Story - KidReporters Visit NCC!

Some junior members of the press recently paid a visit to National Christmas Center.

Joshua and Kiernan, rising fifth graders, came to review our museum for the web site KidFriendlyOnline.net. This web site, geared towards families and young children, rates top "kid friendly" attractions around the country. Several Lancaster County properties will be featured in their online critiques and the top reviews, chosen by KidFriendly staff, will be published in a hardcover book.

Joshua liked checking out the old-fashioned brass cash register and all the old toys in our 1950's Woolworth's 5 & 10 Cent Store.

TudorTowne's animated storybook village caught everyone's attention.

The reporters took lots of notes and photographs so they could accurately describe their experiences.

Joshua's family

Kiernan's family

Thanks to KidFriendlyOnline's KidReporters! We hope you enjoyed your visit, and we look forward to reading your reviews of National Christmas Center - a one-of-a-kind kid-friendly museum and family attraction!

Red Hot Christmas in July

It was a Red Hot Christmas in July when we celebrated a special day for Ladies of the Red and Purple Society!
The Jersey Tomatoes (above) were just one of the numerous chapters who visited with us.

The Ladies loved shopping at Paradise Christmas gift shop!

Lucky was all decked out for the event...

The Red H@t flag flew outside our doors as we welcomed each chapter.

Next Red and Purple Event is Red Hot Christmas Magic and Memories in November! See our web site for details!

New additions to Art of the Nativity

A selection of more than 150 contemporary Nativities from around the world has been donated to our collection, The Art of the Nativity. This addition has generated quite a bit of interest from visitors, as the different styles, materials and techniques tell the stories of the cultures of their origin. Soon to come... an exquisite, near-life-size Nativity, complete with a menagerie of animals. Check back with us for updates.

MORE Virtual Tours now online!

Click on the link on the left hand side of your screen to see our entire list of panoramic virtual tours! The following exhibits are showcased:

The building exterior - during a "snowfall"

Christmas 1944, Turn of the Century Santa and antique Nativity in the NCC lobby panorama

Christmas around the World - showing life-sized gift-givers from different countries

F. W. Woolworth's 5 & 10 Cent Store (recreation)

several "chapters" of TudorTowne animated story book village

the life-sized Nativity scene in our First Christmas exhibit

Take a peek at just a bit of the Christmas magic you'll find at National Christmas Center.

Santas Descend on National Christmas Center for Pre-holiday Celebration!

A wonderful group of real-bearded Santas decided to visit and had a blast! The group was amazed by the exhibits and had a great time. We enjoyed ho-ho-hosting the group!

The TRAVEL CHANNEL returns to film again

NCC will be featured again on the TRAVEL CHANNEL this holiday season (2008). Filming took place in February. We will update you when we know when the segment will air. Look for us in Victoria Magazine, too!

Open again to the public!

We're back! National Christmas Center is open to the public for its 2008 season, weekends in March and April, then daily May 1, 2008 through January 3, 2009. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Admission is $11 for adults and seniors, $5 for children ages 3-12. Season passes are available, and special rates apply for groups of 20 or more who schedule in advance.

Street of Memories is open, and 1950's Coca Cola Christmas is now complete. Stop by, check us out - relive your childhood Christmas memories!