HOLIDAYS AT THE MUSEUM 2023
It's that wonderful time of year when so many of us look forward to getting into the spirit of the holiday season. The Eastman Museum brings you many opportunities to celebrate the holidays. While our annual displays will fill the museum with familiar cheer, we are excited to grow the diversity of our offering.
- Ticketing
- Nonmembers are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance. All holiday displays are included with museum admission.
- Members and others receiving free admission (active-duty military, SNAP/EBT cardholders) do not need to reserve tickets. Just show your member card, military ID, or EBT/SNAP card at the Lipson Welcome Center when you arrive at the museum.
- Hours
- Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Holiday Displays and Auctions
Sweet Creations Gingerbread Displays, Saturday, November 11–Sunday, December 31, 2023
This beloved Sweet Creations holiday tradition provides a visual and aromatic treat for visitors of all ages.
Wreath Display, Saturday, November 11–Sunday, December 3, 2023
See dozens of uniquely decorated wreaths on view in the Potter Peristyle.
Tabletop Tree Display, Saturday, November 11–Thursday, December 14, 2023
Trees decorated by local businesses are on display throughout the historic mansion.
Online Auctions
See the gingerbreads, wreaths, and trees in person and place your bids online starting Nov. 11! Use your own device at the museum or log on after your visit. Instructions and information on bidding can be found on our Holiday Silent Auction site. Click the corresponding photos above to also learn more information about wreaths, trees, or gingerbread displays.
Film Screenings
Gremlins, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 7:30 p.m. Dryden Theatre
Christmas would never be the same after Joe Dante’s horror comedy about a batch of pesky creatures spawned from a seemingly innocent gift. Dante’s anarchic direction fits the film perfectly as he details the many ways the creatures can get in trouble.
White Christmas. Saturday, Nov. 25 & Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023 7:30 p.m. Dryden Theatre
This color VistaVision stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as World War II veterans who find a career in show business. The four characters hatch a scheme to save an inn from closing by moving the holiday show to Vermont, and treating us all to Irving Berlin classics including “Snow,” “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” and the title song.
Other Holiday Films at the Dryden Theatre
The holidays come but once a year and, as always, the Dryden Theatre is here to help fulfill your cinematic needs. There’s no shortage of holiday cheer at the Dryden, so grab your elves, hop in your sleigh, and warm yourself at the glow of the silver screen. Consider a Take-10 pass as a holiday gift! More information in the link above.
Family Friendly Holiday Fun at Home
Visit the museum's annual Sweet Creations display to get inspired, then check out our fun-filled activities at home! Such activities include making your own gingerbread houses using paper bags and craft materials, baking your own gingerbread houses using our recipes, and learning the science behind snowflakes with our friends at the Rochester Museum & Science Center!
PDF: Paper Bag Gingerbread Houses
PDF: Gingerbread Recipe
Video: Snowflake Fun
Explore snowflake photographs in our collection
Want more gingerbread inspiration? Visit our Discovery Room! Check out these books featuring a range of folktales from around the world, featuring variations on the story of the gingerbread man.
PDF: Book Recommendations: Gingerbread Folktales from Around the World
View the historic mansion decorated for the season—online with our holiday virtual tour.
Where Everyone Eats: Open Face
Complete your museum visit with a tasting at Open Face for hand-crafted soups, sandwiches, and salads. During Sweet Creations, satisfy your sweet tooth with gingerbread cookies from our friends at The Bakery Barr, our hand-blended hot cocoa, and the decadent flavors of Jeni’s ice cream.
The Gift of GEM is a True Gem!
Share the great benefits of being a GEM member—including a full year of free museum admission, guest passes to share with family and friends, discounts in the Museum Shop, and more—with your family, friends, or colleagues.
Check off your holiday gift list at our Museum Shop. Find unique items, including recordings of George Eastman’s favorite holiday tunes, books, ornaments, and more!
Related
Live Music, Special Events, Holidays | A Holiday Musical Cocktail Party
Live Music, Special Events, Member Events, Family Events | Holiday Homecoming 2023
Join us for an evening event for the whole family and experience the museum in all of its holiday glory.