Yes, Virginia, There is a
Santa
Life-sized vignette portrays Christmas 100 years ago and tells the true story of a little girl whose belief in Santa Claus was restored by the response of a newspaper editor to her innocent question “Is there a Santa Claus?”
Christmas 1944 – The War Years
A sailor returns home on leave, in time to celebrate Christmas with his family see how the living room would have been decorated, hear music of the time, learn how Americans on the home front adapted to and triumphed over the constrictions of war.
Images of Santa
Over 500 2-D and 3-D images portray the evolution how Santa has been depicted through the years, from the legends of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, Turkey in 300 AD, to the jolly man in red we know and love today.
Christmas around the World
See how Christmas is being celebrated in different countries around the world!
1950's Woolworth's 5 & 10
This re-creation of a 1940’s – 1950’s-era five and dime showcases vintage Christmas toys and merchandise displayed in a realistic store setting. The shelves are stocked floor to ceiling with such treasures as the Red Ryder BB gun, Yakity Yak chattering wind-up teeth, tin soldiers on horseback, and 5 cent phonograph records.
Antiques Emporium
See how hand-blown glass ornaments are made, countless Christmas antiques and unusual items such as old Santa masks used in church and school pageants.
Santa's North Pole Workshop and Reindeer Barn
The elves are busy in this toy-making wonderland! Animated reindeer nod from their stalls as bears and elves craft toys, wrap packages and sew dolly dresses. Santa presides over all the activity in this life-sized exhibit.
TudorTowne Animated Storybook
Village
Travel the cobblestone streets of this animated story book village and read an original Christmas fairy tale. A multitude of whimsical animals, dressed in Old World costuming, enact the tale.
A Pennsylvania Christmas
Many Christmas customs and traditions had their roots in Pennsylvania; See the life-sized scenes, including a representation of a simple Amish celebration.
Toyland Train Mountain
Electric trains traverse a mountain 30 feet in diameter and three tiers high. Fantasy villages and landscaping evoke the holiday spirit. Then, look up! You’ll find yourself under the decorated branches of a giant Christmas tree!
Street of Memories
Storefronts decorated for the holidays line this street straight out of the 1950’s.
1950's Night before Christmas
Peek into the living room and see two children discovering Santa at the fireplace in this life-sized recreation of a vintage Coca Cola advertisement.
The Art of the Nativity
See hundreds of Nativities from around the globe.
O Holy Night
This exhibit showcases a ¾ life-sized hand-carved wooden Nativity, nearly 100 years old. Twenty two figures include the Holy Family and 3 camels which stand nearly 6 feet tall.
The First Christmas
Realistic scenery and lifelike, life-sized characters take you on a journey from "Nazareth" to "Bethlehem". Hear Latin and Aramaic being spoken and music from that time period. Walk among palm trees and through a valley in this total environmental experience. At the end, step into the stone grotto and behold the Birth of Christ.
Virtual Tour
Interactive panoramic views of selected exhibits.