Museum of the Bible’s ‘Follow the Star’ Christmas activities to usher spirit of hope into 2020
WASHINGTON — Museum of the Bible has released its schedule of upcoming “Follow the Star” Christmas activities for guests to enjoy from Nov. 15, 2020, to early Jan. 2021.
“This Christmas season looks different than most as a global pandemic forces us to stay apart and forgo many of our beloved traditions,” said Harry Hargrave, CEO of Museum of the Bible. “2020 has brought myriad hardships to many — sickness, loneliness, disappointments, anger or confusion — so perhaps more than ever, the world needs the spirit, story and truth of Christmas. That’s why we want to remind our guests of what Christmas is really about: hope.”
Museum of the Bible Christmas activities include:
Intricate light sculptures, digital displays, music and live performers come together in the museum’s Grand Hall for a one-of-a-kind retelling of the Christmas story beginning Monday, Nov. 16. The Christmas Light Spectacular is crafted by the same New York-based creative team that brings Macy’s department store windows to life each year.
Canadian sculptor Timothy P. Schmalz will return to the museum Friday, Dec. 11, through Sunday, Dec. 13, to complete his new work, “The Nativity.” While sculpting, Schmalz will describe his process and interact with guests. The sculpture will be unveiled on Sunday, Dec. 13, during Family Fun Day, and guests will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with Schmalz and enjoy family crafts and a scavenger hunt.
Christmas in Malta - Nativity Crib Competition:
Constructing handmade Nativity scenes set in elaborate landscapes called “cribs” is a centuries-old tradition that carries strong significance in Maltese culture. This year, in partnership with the museum, the nation of Malta sponsored a crib decorating contest. The top ten entries will be featured in this all-new exhibition, Christmas in Malta. Topping out at over seven feet in diameter, these intricately sculpted works of art will amaze even the youngest museum guest. The exhibit is included with museum admission.
The museum will be open every Saturday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST from Saturday, Nov. 28, through Saturday, Dec. 26, for families to spend time together engaging in fun activities. Guests will be able to enjoy a Christmas light display, live performances of “Follow the Star” — a unique retelling of the Christmas story — live music, the new “Christmas in Malta” exhibition, a Christmas market, ornament and gingerbread decorating and more.
Tickets are $10 for adults and children over 7 (children under 7 are free) and $8 for seniors, military, first responders, students and Museum of the Bible members.
Families are invited to participate in a special Nativity scavenger hunt and fun Christmas craft activities during the museum’s “Family Fun Day,” Sunday, Dec. 13. Also, sculptor Timothy P. Schmalz will unveil his new sculpture, “The Nativity,” that he will have been crafting in the museum since that Friday. Schmalz will be available for a Q&A with families. This event is included with museum admission.
Tickets are available here.