The South Carolina State Museum is beginning a new holiday tradition. Winter Fest, a two-week long celebration of the winter season, kicks off Saturday, Dec. 15, with the Jack Frost Jubilee from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Guests will enjoy musical performances from area schools, carriage rides with Santa, seasonal crafts, holiday gift-wrapping services, stories told by a local weather personality, and a multicultural celebration of the winter holidays.
Back by popular demand and just in time for holiday gift giving, guests who enjoy the Museum’s new exhibit The Purse and the Person will have the chance to make a beautiful handcrafted purse for that special someone on their list. No sewing is involved and all instruction and supplies are provided. For further information and to pre-register for this special workshop, call 898-4999.
Local television legend Joe Pinner will read the beautiful traditional holiday stories “Twas the Night Before Christmas, or A Visit from St. Nicholas” and “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” at 2 p.m. The “right jolly old elf” himself will be on hand for carriage rides around the museum building from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
In addition, “we are very excited about our multicultural celebration of the winter holidays,” said Director of Education and Programs Meika Samuel. “Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the various holidays and some customs that may not be familiar.” Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali (the Hindu festival of lights), Chinese New Year, St. Nicholas Day and the Native American winter festival will be represented.
Also, students from R. Earle Davis Elementary, Logan Elementary, Hopkins Elementary and Leaphart Elementary schools, plus members of the White Knoll High School orchestra and chorus, will entertain with seasonal music throughout the day beginning at 11 a.m.
Other highlights of Winter Fest include Winter Day Camps for kids Monday through Friday mornings, Dec. 17 – 21. Children ages 5 – 10 can participate in educational programs and special crafts as part of the camp. Costs are $15 per day for the general public and $10 per day for Friends of the State Museum. Guests not participating in the day camp can still come in for children’s holiday crafts from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. weekdays, Dec. 17 – 21 and from 1 – 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16.
On Thursday evening, Dec. 20, children and their parents can celebrate the beginning of the winter school break with “A Night to Believe,” a special dinner and a movie night. “Families can join us in their favorite p.j.’s for a light, kid-friendly supper and a magical holiday movie,” said Samuel, “topped off by cookies and hot chocolate with a very special visitor.”
Winter Fest continues through Sunday, Dec. 30. For more information and a full schedule of events, call (803) 898-4952 or visit www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org.
A variety of elementary school choruses, storytelling, programs on winter holiday customs, Santa Claus and more will be featured during two weeks of events at the South Carolina State Museum’s new Winter Fest, Dec. 15-30.
Photo courtesy S.C. State Museum.
Children’s craft activities will join storytellers, school choruses, carriage rides with Santa and more during the South Carolina State Museum’s new Winter Fest, Dec. 15-30.
Photo courtesy S.C. State Museum.