December is a month full of various celebrations and traditions, and Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville is celebrating all of them! Come to the Museum to learn about all the ways other countries celebrate.

On weekdays, stop by the Town Hall Stage at 11:15 a.m. daily (plus an extra show at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesdays) for story times and hands-on activities that celebrate the special food and décor of the season.

Tuesdays & Thursdays- Oodles of Ornaments: Decorating for the holidays is a tradition worldwide. Come to I CAN Create to participate in creating your own ornament.

Wednesdays & Fridays- Festive Food: What do you like to eat during the holidays? Do you think it’s different from what people in other countries eat? Gather around as we explore our own food traditions and learn about those in other parts of the world.

Plus, mark your calendars to bring the family to enjoy these special programs, which start at the Town Hall Stage with a special story at 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on the day listed, unless otherwise noted.

December 6 – St. Nicholas Day: The Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Russia and many other European countries celebrate St. Nicholas’ Day. Journey to these countries and dive into their traditions.

December 13 – St. Lucia’s Day: St. Lucia’s Day is a festival of light celebrated in Swedish homes and schools on one of the darkest and shortest days of the year-the Winter Solstice. We’re reading Lucia Morning in Sweden by Ewa Rydaker, then heading over to I CAN Create for a festive craft.

December 14 – Gingerbread Workshop: Gingerbread houses originated in Germany during the 16th century. We’ll read The Gingerbread Man by Karen Schmidt then make yummy creations.

December 19 – Bug Ornaments: Do you know who lives in your Christmas tree? Learn about the bugs that live in our trees (eek!), then create some bugs of our own to hang in our house.

December 26 – Kwanzaa: The word Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili language and means “first fruits.” Learn more about the holiday that was established to help African Americans remember and celebrate their heritage. My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz will be our story.

December 31 – New Years at Noon- Three, two, one…Happy New Year! The Museum will open at 9 a.m. to ring in the New Year. Stations will be set up throughout the Museum to create noisemakers and decorations until 11:45 a.m. Then, we’ll all meet at the Town Hall Stage for a Big Fun dance party and countdown to the big balloon drop!

What’s Happening on the Weekends?

As always, be sure to visit us on the weekends for special activities. This month programming aims to give children a peek into the holidays as they are celebrated across the globe. Weekend activities start with a special story at 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on Saturdays and at 1:45 p.m. on Sundays.

December 1 & 2 – Hanukkah: Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights and lasts eight days. The Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication.” We’ll be reading I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel by Caryn Yacowitz at the Town Hall Stage and then we’ll head to I CAN Create to make crafts and play games.

December 8 & 9 – Christmas Down Under: Do you think you would like the holiday season if it was in the summer? Well, in Australia and New Zealand it is! We’ll sing some new carols and try new traditions as we have a very sandy Christmas.

December 15 & 16 – La Befana: Part of an Italian tradition, La Befana is an old woman who fills the socks of good children with treats. Join us as we travel to Italy and explore La Befana and other traditions.

December 22 & 23 – Ligligan Parul: Ligligan Parul translates to “The Giant Lantern Festival.” Celebrated each year in San Fernando, Philippines, hundreds of colorful lanterns are released. Show your artistic side as we create our own lanterns in I CAN Create.

December 29 & 30 – New Year’s Around the World: People all over the world have traditions they celebrate to ring in the New Year. We’ll look at food and decorations and make fun crafts!

There’s More! Special Winter Break Programs

This month we’ll also be bugging out while school’s out with fun bug-themed events as part of our winter break program, Winter Wonder Bugs. Special programming includes:

December 20, 26 and 28 – Bug Bistro: Think you’ve got what it takes to eat a bug? Bring your appetite and learn all about micro-livestock while earning your “I ate a bug” button.

December 21, 27, 31 – Butterfly Masks: Did you know that butterflies often symbolize change or new beginnings? Join us as we create butterfly masks to wear. Don’t forget to write down a secret holiday wish or a New Year’s Resolution on your mask!