Light and Joy in the Holiday Season
Exhibit at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation®
- November 23, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Time: Various Times
- Location: Museum Plaza
Free for members or with museum admission.
For many, December provides a time of reflection, gathering and hope for the future. In this small, limited-time exhibit, discover how Las Posadas, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's are celebrated through traditions of food and light.
Featured Programs and Guests
All programs begin in the museum plaza. Please note, performance times vary. Join in on some holiday cheer with activities, crafts and more available noon-2 p.m. December 7, 14, 21, 22, and 27. Activities on December 31 take place from 10 a.m.-noon.
| Saturday, December 7, Performances at 12:15 and 1 p.m. | In celebration of Christmas, performers from Dance Theatre Studio of Ann Arbor will perform a short and "suite" take on the classic Christmastime tale The Nutcracker in the styles of tap, ballet and hip-hop. Plus, Santa will be in town! Click here for more information. |
| Saturday, December 14, Performance at 1 p.m. | In celebration of Las Posadas, we are offering a new program this year to learn about this special Latin American holiday. Enjoy a performance by the Center of Music & Performing Arts Southwest's (COMPÁS) student musicians highlighting holiday music from Latin America. |
| Saturday, December 21 | Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a variety of activities, including a Spiral of Lights with Detroit Waldorf School. Spiral walks will be led every 30 minutes. Please meet in the museum plaza to be led to Anderson Theatre for this special experience. Space is limited. |
| Sunday, December 22 | Celebrate the Festival of Lights with the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan as they share about the history and traditions of Hanukkah, like what makes the Hanukkah menorah special and how the game of dreidel was used to teach important lessons. Plus, join us at 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. for traditional Israeli dance lessons with Gail Posner, accompanied by music from members of Klezundheit, a Jewish American klezmer ensemble from Detroit. |
| Friday, December 27 | Join Mama Jahra for her teaching of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Using entertaining tales and music, she will delight guests in this interactive celebration of African culture and community. |
| Tuesday, December 31, 10 a.m.-Noon | Can't stay up until midnight? Join us for our Noon Year's Eve party! Celebrate the end of the year with family-friendly crafts, activities, story time and a bubble wrap stomp to welcome in the new year. |
Become a Member
As a member, you can enjoy these holiday museum programs for free. Members also enjoy free general admission to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, free parking, discounts on shopping and dining, and more.
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
December 5-8, 11-15, 18-23, 26-28 | 6:30 -10:00 p.m. Member-exclusive preshow entry at 6:00 p.m.
Step into the holiday spirit as Greenfield Village bustles with yuletide cheer. Sleigh bells, fresh greens, handcrafted goods, food and warm beverages enchant you at one of the nation’s most beloved annual traditions.
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
December 5-8, 11-15, 18-23, 26-28 | 6:30 -10:00 p.m. Member-exclusive preshow entry at 6:00 p.m.
Holiday Greens & Tree Lot
November 29-Until Supplies Sell Out | 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Take home a seasonal tradition, just as a century of American merrymakers have done. Our fresh balsam firs and greens bring the rustic character of the 19th century to today’s yuletide celebrations.
Holiday Greens & Tree Lot
November 29-Until Supplies Sell Out | 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
