Brighten your December with a Raleigh tradition, the Capitol Tree Lighting, and then walk to the N.C. Museum of History for hands-on fun. Also in December, take in a musical performance by the Happy Valley Pals, who will present the special holiday tradition “Breaking Up Christmas.” Children will delight in the month’s programs created just for them.
Be sure to visit the Museum Shop to stock up on holiday gifts. The shop features an impressive selection of handmade ornaments, pottery, jewelry and more.
All programs are free unless otherwise noted. Parking is free on weekends.
Time for Tots: La Posada
Tuesday, Dec. 4 or Dec. 11, 10-10:45 a.m.
Ages 3-5 with adult
$1 per person
Find out about the Mexican Christmas tradition of La Posada and make a simple craft. La Posada, a religious celebration, centers on Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn in Bethlehem. To register, call (919) 807-7992.
History Corner: State Symbols
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 10-11 a.m.
Ages 6-9 with adult
$1 per person
You may know the state bird, but what about the state beverage, boat or berry? Learn aboutNorth Carolina’s state symbols, listen to a short story, and make a craft. The program is presented with Cameron Village Regional Library. To register, call (919) 807-7992.
History Hunters: The Carolina Moravians
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 10-11 a.m.
Ages 10-13
$1 per person
What’s a Moravian? How did Moravians affect life on theNorth Carolinafrontier? Find out this and more, then learn how to fold a Moravian star. To register, call (919) 807-7992.
Capitol Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 6, 5-7:30 p.m. (museum open), 6:30 p.m. (tree-lighting ceremony on the Capitol grounds)
Bring the family to see the annual lighting of the Capitol tree. Listen to seasonal music and come to the museum for hands-on fun! The Museum Shop open until 7:30 for holiday shopping.
Make It, Take It: Ornamental Holidays
Saturday, Dec. 8, 1-3 p.m. (drop-in program)
See how to make a traditional North Carolina ornament. Use it to decorate your home this holiday season!
Music of the Carolinas: The Happy Valley Pals
Sunday, Dec. 9, 3-4 p.m.
Gail Gillespie, Dwight Rogers, and Wayne and Margaret Martin present the special holiday tradition “Breaking Up Christmas.” The performance is presented with PineCone, with support from the N.C. Museum of History Associates, Williams Mullen, and WLHC-FM/WLQC-FM.
History à la Carte: A Home on the Field
Wednesday, Dec. 12, 12:10-1 p.m.
Bring your lunch; beverages provided.
Discover how a championship soccer team and their “accidental coach” helped improve race relations and increase opportunities for young Latinos in one rural North Carolina town with Paul Cuadros from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at UNC-Chapel Hill. A book signing will follow.
*First Night Raleigh 2013
Monday, Dec. 31, 3-6 p.m. (children’s celebration), 7-11 p.m. (nighttime events)
The Museum of History will be at the heart of the children’s celebration at this New Year’s Eve festival of the arts. Join the procession departing the State Capitol grounds at 6 p.m. for an early countdown on City Plaza. Enjoy live performances throughout downtown Raleigh. For more information, call Artsplosure at (919) 832-8699 or check out the First Night Raleigh website. A First Night button will be required for entry.
For more information about the N.C. Museum of History, call (919) 807-7900, access the museum’s website or connect with the museum on Facebook and Twitter. The N.C. Museum of History is a unit of N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. For more information on North Carolina arts, history and culture, visit Cultural Resources online.