Glencairn’s Christmas tree in the Upper Hall. Beneath it is *The Grand Cartapesta Presepe*, on loan from the collection of A.J. DiAntonio of Navidad Nativities, Inc.

Christmas at Glencairn 2024

Christmas has been celebrated at Glencairn since Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn moved into their new home in 1939. Today Glencairn Museum continues this tradition with our annual World Nativities exhibition (since 2009), a Christmas in the Castle tour, a Christmas concert, and other seasonal activities. The Glencairn Museum collection features outstanding examples of Nativity art, including paintings, illuminated manuscripts, sculptures, and stained-glass windows, many dating to the medieval period.

Enjoy Christmas at Glencairn through a variety of events and programs, running from Friday, November 29, 2024, through Sunday, January 26, 2025 (closed December 9–10, 24–25, and January 1). Visit Glencairn Museum for the following events and programs.

This Nativity pyramid was hand crafted by the Christian Ulbricht company in the German town of Seiffen.

World Nativities Exhibition
Friday, November 29, 2024–Sunday, January 26, 2025
Glencairn Museum’s annual World Nativities exhibition presents dozens of three-dimensional Nativity scenes collected from around the world. For many Christians, the Nativity scene is a meaningful expression of religious faith, providing a compelling visual focus during the Christmas season. World Nativities shows how artists adapt the Nativity scene to represent their own spiritual, intellectual, cultural, and regional environments. Settings for many of the Nativities have been created by Bryn Athyn artist Kathleen Glenn Pitcairn. Explore highlights of World Nativities exhibitions from previous years in past issues of Glencairn Museum News.

Christmas in the Castle Tour
Friday, November 29, 2024–Sunday, January 5, 2025
For forty years (1940s to 1970s), the Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn family celebrated Christmas at Glencairn with a concert, a large three-part Nativity scene, a decorated tree that reached beyond the second-floor balcony, and a Christmas Day meal. This guided holiday tour visits different floors throughout the building, including the tower and main bedroom suite. Your guide will take you on a journey back through time to explore how the Pitcairn family celebrated Christmas in their 20th-century castle. At the conclusion of the tour, visitors can enjoy self-guided access to the World Nativities exhibition.

Member Exhibition Opening
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Join us at Glencairn Museum as we launch the holiday season with the opening of the World Nativities exhibition. This exclusive event for Museum members provides a first look at the exhibition, showcasing dozens of intricately crafted, three-dimensional Nativity scenes from around the globe, all set against the stunning backdrop of Glencairn Museum’s beautifully decorated first floor.

The figures and structures in this *Presepio* (Nativity scene) were collected over more than three decades by the late Elizabeth Anne Evans of Bucks County during her annual trips to Italy.

Online Advent Calendar
Friday, December 1, 2024
Every day, from December 1 through December 25, a new Nativity artwork will appear on the home page of our online Advent calendar.

Family Felting Workshop
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Join us for a delightful family-friendly felting workshop where creativity meets Christmas cheer! Under the guidance of skilled felting instructor, Eva Mergen, participants will create beautiful Nativity-themed felted art pieces. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Perfect for all ages, this workshop is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit!

Glencairn Christmas Sing Concert
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
For more than eight decades, the Glencairn Christmas Sing Concert has been a cherished holiday tradition, bringing together families and friends to celebrate the season with music and joy. Whether you’re a long-time attendee or joining us for the first time, this year’s concert promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with festive spirit.

Visitors to the *Christmas Homeschool Day* enjoy the Nativity seek and find activity in the Great Hall.

Christmas Homeschool Day
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Join us for our annual Christmas Homeschool Day at Glencairn Museum! Enjoy short, guided tours that bring holiday traditions to life, explore the World Nativities exhibition on the first floor of the Museum with an exciting seek and find activity, and get creative with fun arts and craft projects. This event is perfect for all ages and offers a wonderful way to celebrate the season together. Come and make lasting memories with your family in the castle!

Click here for a short video of Christmas at Glencairn.