Drop jaw gorgeous! Philadelphia Museum of Art

And did I mention FUN?

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a wonderful place to bring family and friends throughout the holiday season. Enjoy an array of festive programs while experiencing the beauty of art. There is something for everyone: caroling through the galleries, a holiday card-making station, and Art After 5 musical performances, including a Nutcracker-inspired winter program. 

Nutcracker Holiday Party

Friday, December 5, 2014
5:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Free after admission

Journey through Toyland in our Nutcracker-themed winter program, featuring classical holiday compositions, chamber music, and beloved old carols performed by The Divine Hand, led by renowned concert thereminist Mano Divina.

Friday Night Dinner Series

Reservations required
Pricing will vary, call 215-684-7990 for specific details
Visit Open Table to make your reservations today.

Join Stephen STARR Events in Granite Hill a designated Friday evening each month for specialty themed dinners celebrating the season or paying tribute to featured artists and exhibitions on view in the Museum. Every month presents a new and interesting reason to visit the Museum and indulge in a culinary adventure at Granite Hill.

• Feast of the Fishes
  • Friday, December 5, 2014, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
    Celebrate the holiday season with a twist on the traditional feast of the fishes .
    $39 per person
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Members Tour - Walking Through a Winter Wonderland

Tours meet in Lenfest Hall (West Entrance)

Membership Required
Reservations required
Free members event.

See how the Museum’s collection captures the beauty and excitement of winter; including the landscapes, the holiday season and festive entertaining.

• Saturday, December 6, 2014, Starts at 10:15 a.m.
• Friday, December 12, 2014, Starts at 10:15 a.m.
• Sunday, December 21, 2014, Starts at 2:15 p.m.
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Gallery Tour: Christmas Story in Art

Location: Meets in Lenfest Hall

Free after admission

Take a guided tour and look at works of art that tell the story of Christmas.

• Saturday, December 6, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 7, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 14, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 20, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 21, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 26, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 27, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 28, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 29, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 30, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 31, 2014, Starts at 12:00 p.m.
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Caroling through the Galleries

Location: Meet in the Great Stair Hall; various Museum galleries

Free after admission

Experience some holiday cheer as the Pennsylvania Girlchoir (led by Music Director Vincent Metallo) sings European and American carols through the Museum’s galleries of medieval and Renaissance art. Each performance is approximately thirty minutes. Join us for a few songs or stay for the entire journey.

• Saturday, December 6, 2014, Starts at 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
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All That Sparkles

Sunday, December 7, 2014
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Balcony Studio
11:00 a.m., 12:00, 1:00, and 2:00 p.m. Pop-Up Mini Tours
11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Bandana Splits

Free after admission

It may be dark outside, but the Museum will be all a-glow this holiday season. Discover bright lights and shining stars throughout the collection, and create your own twinkly artwork in the Balcony Studio. Pop into the galleries with a Museum Educator and take a quick, fun peek at art as a family during one of our Pop-Up Mini Tours. Kick off the holiday season with a performance by the Bandana Splits that is sure to sparkle.

Members Tour - A Christmas Story in Art

Tours meet in Lenfest Hall (West Entrance)

Membership Required
Reservations required
Free members event.

Join us, as we celebrate the story of Christmas as told through art.

• Tuesday, December 9, 2014, Starts at 2:15 p.m.
• Thursday, December 11, 2014, Starts at 10:15 a.m.
• Tuesday, December 16, 2014, Starts at 2:15 p.m.
• Thursday, December 18, 2014, Starts at 2:15 p.m.
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Make Stuff - Holiday Card Making

Free after admission

Create your own masterful holiday card for a loved one this season. Art making supplies will be provided.

• Wednesday, December 10, 2014, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 17, 2014, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
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A Festive Tradition

Paid tickets required
$38 ($30 members)

Enjoy the tradition of touring through the Fairmount Park historic houses at holiday time, when each takes a unique approach to yuletide adornments.

• Friday, December 12, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
• Sunday, December 14, 2014, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (SOLD OUT)
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A New Exciting Experience! A Fairmount Christmas Carol

Friday, December 12, 2014
Starts every 30 minutes beginning at 4:00 p.m.; last tour begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2014
Starts every 30 minutes beginning at 10:30 a.m.; last tour begins at 2:00 p.m.

Paid tickets required
$42 public; $34 members; Free Sponsor members and above ($750+)

Board the bus from the Museum with saucy characters from Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol as your guide and experience a playful version of Christmas Past, Present, and Future at three of the historic houses in Fairmount Park.

Philadelphia Holiday Groove

Friday, December 12, 2014
5:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Free after admission

Can you dig it? Art After 5 takes audiences back to the golden age of disco, soul, and Motown with a special holiday program featuring The Elements, from Élan Artists.

Music in the Galleries with The Curtis Institute of Music

Free after admission

Join us for these informal concerts in the galleries by the gifted young musicians of the Curtis Institute of Music. Prior to each concert, we look at a work of art and interpret it within the context of the performance. For all ages – music and art lovers alike!
Music in the Galleries is generously supported by Cooke & Bieler, LP.

• Winter Winds
  • Saturday, December 13, 2014, Starts at 1:30 p.m., and 2:15 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Knight Foundation Gallery 204
    Curtis Institute of Music musicians return to the museum's medieval cloister gallery in this seasonally inspired program for wind quintet.
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Stephen Starr Events Interactive Chef Demonstration Series

Location: The Cafeteria

Paid tickets required
$45 ($40 for Members) includes General Admission

The intimate, 90-minute classes will offer participants first-hand tutorials on global cuisine. Executive Chef Gerald Drummond, accompanied by guest chefs from the Stephen Starr restaurant group, will lead the demonstrations for each class and assistant chefs will be on hand to offer extra attention and to help with techniques. Each participant will sample the food created during the class and will received recipes for all dishes, as well as a special parting gift.

• Holiday Sweets
  • Wednesday, December 17, 2014, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    Nothing says the Holidays like the perfect sweet treat. Learn how to bake with Chef Gerald Drummond.
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Festival of Lights

Friday, December 19, 2014
5:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Free after admission

Get your festive groove on with DeLeon, a New York-based band that transforms Sephardic folk music into a sound that is both brand new and centuries old.
Co-presented in partnership with Temple University’s Feinstein Center for American Jewish History and the “Sounds Jewish” series. Promotional support provided by Tribe 12.

Winter Family Studio (all ages)

Free after admission

Shake off the cabin fever and bring the family to the Museum during winter break. Create art together in the Winter Family Studio.

• Friday, December 26, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 27, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 28, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 29, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 30, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Holiday Family Gallery Tour (all ages)

Tour Meets at Winter Family Studio on the Second Floor Balcony.

Free after admission

Shake off the cabin fever and bring the family to the Museum during winter break. Explore the collection on a Holiday Family Gallery Tour.

• Friday, December 26, 2014, Starts at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 27, 2014, Starts at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 28, 2014, Starts at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 29, 2014, Starts at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 30, 2014, Starts at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 31, 2014, Starts at 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.

A Long Weekend of Holiday Concerts

Location: Great Stair Hall

Free after admission

Enjoy holiday-inspired performances by local choirs and music groups.

• Nashirah: The Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia
  • Friday, December 26, 2014, Starts at 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
• Keystone State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir
  • Saturday, December 27, 2014, Starts at 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
• Singing City
  • Sunday, December 28, 2014, Starts at 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
• Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus
  • Monday, December 29, 2014, Starts at 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Barbara Montgomery Holiday Jazz

Friday, December 26, 2014
5:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Free after admission

Barbara Montgomery sings a program of holiday songs, many that she recorded with master jazz pianist Tom Lawton, with a reflection on giving, sharing, and for being there when our loved ones need us. Her soulful interpretations will leave you with humble tidings that enhance the holiday spirit.

Just Breathe: Yoga White Party

Wednesday, December 31, 2014
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Free after admission

Get centered before midnight at the museum. Learn about the time-honored practice of yoga through meditative exercises, yoga postures, and breathing techniques among the beauty of the Museum’s collection. After a peaceful stretch, participate in a hands-on art making activity to set an intention for the new year. Henna tattoos, themed tours, and specialty healthy menu items will be available throughout the night. Don’t forget to bring your yoga mat and wear white.

New Years Day Brunch

Thursday, January 1, 2015
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Location: Granite Hill

Reservations required
$45 per person, plus tax & gratuity. Members receive a 10% discount.

Toast 2015 at Granite Hill’s New Year’s Day Brunch on Thursday, January 1st. Indulge in classic omelet, waffle and carving stations while celebrating the year ahead.
To make reservations, please call (215) 684-7990 or visit Open Table.