December’s Theme: Holidays Around The World

Learn how children around the world celebrate December holidays. Participate in activities that celebrate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Christmas.     

Special Programs (Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.) 

Join us for fun themed activities all month long. Special activities, times and locations are subject to change. 

December 1–9: Hanukkah: Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights and lasts eight days. The Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication.” Guests will learn about the eight days of light by listening to the book Hanukkah Hop by Erica Silverman and discussing facts about Hanukkah. Then learn how to play dreidel with their caregivers. 

December 10–15: Kwanzaa: The word Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili language and means “first fruits.”  Stop by the Blue Room as we learn more about the holiday that was established to help African Americans remember and celebrate their heritage. After hearing our story about Kwanzaa, you will create your own kinara and learn about the principles it represents.   

December 15–23: Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree! Join us at the Sandhills Stage to learn about the origin of the Christmas Tree. Afterwards, participate in a STEM activity as we create an unusual Christmas Tree together.    

December 26–Jan 1: The Mitten: Join us on the Sandhills Stage for an interactive reading of The Mitten by Jan Brett.    

Special Events  

December 14: Winter Workshop: During the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., guests are invited to join Discovery Place Kids – Rockingham as we turn the Museum into a Winter Wonderland Workshop. Tickets are required for all guests to enter, and include full day admission to the Museum, workshop activities including an ornament making station, cookie decorating, letters to Santa and a photo opportunity with Santa and our favorite ice princesses – Elsa and Anna! 

December 31: New Year at Noon:  Three, two, one…Happy New Year!  The Museum will open at 10:00 a.m. today to prepare for the big event. Stations will be set up throughout the Museum to create noise makers and decorations until 11:45 a.m. Then, we’ll all meet at the Sandhills Stage for the Big Fun Dance party and countdown to the Big Balloon Drop!  

Daily Shows 

Daily shows are subject to change at any time. 

Puppet Show (1:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays)  

Sammy the Squirrel: Sammy the squirrel and his woodland friends get together to celebrate the holiday season! 

Science Show (10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.)    

Science shows this month will revolve around the season and the cold winter weather. Let’s make ice crystals, freeze a flask, make a cold pack and more! 

Story Time (1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Sundays)  

• The Hanukkah Hop by Erica Silverman
• My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz
• The Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
• Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
• Olive, the Other Reindeer by J.Otto Seibold & Vivan Walsh
• A World of Cookies for Santa by M.E. Furman

Big Fun (11:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.)   

Warm up on the dance floor while singing and dancing to some of our favorite tunes!