Description:

The National Christmas Center is an enchanted place, where you’re transported back in time to see Christmas traditions through the ages.  It’s a unique museum where it’s Christmas every day… what’s not to like about THAT?!

The center is open year-round for groups of 12 or more (with reservations).  For everyone else it’s closed in January & February, open weekends only during March & April (10 am – 6 pm).  From May – January 5th they’re open 7 days a week, from 10 am – 6 pm, with extended hours (open til 8pm) on weekends during the holidays.  (Note:  They’re closed on Thanksgiving day and Christmas day and have reduced hours on the eve of each holiday – 10 am – 3 pm).

This museum was created by a man who LOVES Christmas and takes his calling very seriously.  The collections and exhibits have been acquired over many years, from near and far.  You’ll be both entertained and educated as you stroll through the 15 galleries and additional rotating exhibits.  I think my favorite of them all is the 1950’s Woolworth store which is just amazing in its attention to detail and sheer volume of items displayed from the 1930s to 1950s.  There are also exhibits that show a “Pennsylvania Christmas” and “Christmas Around the World”.  And no museum of Christmas would be complete without, of COURSE, a display of the nativity scene for the “first Christmas”!  The model train display is pretty cool too!

In addition to the displays and exhibits there is a small gift shop.

Maybe the best thing of all about this museum is the “walk down memory lane”.  Seeing all those toys, ornaments, nativity scenes, etc. that you used to enjoy as a child, gives you an opportunity to relive those wonderful emotions & memories!