Light and Joy in the Holiday Season
Exhibit at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation®
- Dates: Varied
- Time: Varied
- Location: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
For many, December provides a time of reflection, gathering and hope for the future. Through a featured artifact display and a series of programs and performances led by local community organizations, discover how Las Posadas, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's are celebrated through traditions of food and light.
Featured Artifact Spotlight
On display November 21-January 4.
Located adjacent to the Plum Market Kitchen and Mathematica entrances.
Featured Programs and Performances
All programs listed below are hosted in the museum plaza. Please notethat performance times vary.
Plus, join in on some holiday cheer with family-friendly activities, crafts and more available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on each program date below.*
| Saturday, December 13: Christmas | Ring in the holiday season with a Christmas celebration. Practice your cookie decorating skills with our homemade gingerbread play dough and listen to sounds of the season with performances by the Handbell Ensemble of Royal Oak at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. |
| Sunday, December 14: Hanukkah | 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 11 a.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. |
| Saturday, December 20: Las Posadas | Join us for a celebration of Las Posadas, including performances by Ballet Folklorico de Detroit, a talented group showcasing historically accurate Mexican folkloric dance at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Continue the celebration with crafts and activities, including making tamales with play dough. |
| Sunday, December 21: Winter Solstice | It's the shortest day of the year! Celebrate the return of longer days with hands-on activities and join in on a Spiral of Lights with Detroit Waldorf School — a tradition that honors the changing of the season and reminds us that we can find light even in the darkest of times. Spiral walks will be led at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Please meet in the museum plaza to be led to Anderson Theater for this special experience. Space is limited. |
| Saturday, December 27: Kwanzaa | 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. Then explore the holiday more with hands-on activities, including candle making and light table play. |
| Wednesday, December 31: Family-Friendly Noon Year's Eve Party | 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 and activities, music by Spin Inc., and a bubble wrap stomp at 12 p.m. to welcome in the new year. |
*Programming on December 31 will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. only.
Become a Member and Save
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 4-7, 12-14, 16-23 & 26-28 | 6:30-10:00 p.m. Member-exclusive early 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 4-7, 12-14, 16-23 & 26-28 | 6:30-10:00 p.m. Member-exclusive early entry at 6:00 p.m.
Holiday Nights Supper with Santa Package
December 4-7, 12-14, 16-23 & 26-28 | 5:00-6:00 p.m. (Horse-drawn carriage rides begin at 4:15 p.m.)
Experience holiday magic during Supper with Santa at A Taste of History® Restaurant for a Greenfield Village festive dinner that’s perfect for families with young children.
Holiday Nights Supper with Santa Package
December 4-7, 12-14, 16-23 & 26-28 | 5:00-6:00 p.m. (Horse-drawn carriage rides begin at 4:15 p.m.)
Holiday Greens & Tree Lot
November 28-While supplies last | 9:30 a.m.-5 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 28-While supplies last | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
