TAFT MUSEUM’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY TRADITION, ANTIQUE CHRISTMAS, DECKS THE HALLS

Fairytale, Disney, and exciting new tree displays adorn the historic house including family-friendly holiday events through the New Year

An annual tradition returns with the Taft Museum of Art’s exhibition, Antique Christmas (November 8, 2019−January 5, 2020). Thanks to generous collectors from Cincinnati and beyond, visitors will find new and exciting displays, imaginative feather trees with vintage Disney and German fairytale ornaments, and the ever-delightful jolly old elf − Santa Claus.

Other highlights throughout the nearly 200-year-old historic house include a whimsical display of brightly colored trees watched over by Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden, a forest of small trees decorated with pre-WWII German, Polish, and Japanese miniature glass ornaments, and a vibrant collection of Art Deco gift boxes. The Dining Room will be set for the holidays with sparkling china, crystal, and silver. The splendor will flow to the exterior of the house with sweeping garlands and evergreen wreaths provided by

Frontgate.

"Antique Christmas is a holiday tradition for many families," says Deborah Emont Scott, Louise Taft Semple President and CEO, Taft Museum of Art. "We are honored to offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience and appreciate the artistry of craftsmen and women from earlier generations in our beautiful and storied historic house."

In addition to the exhibition, Taft visitors of all ages can create more merry memories by writing letters to Santa, shopping for unique gifts, and enjoying special programming and events:

Antique Christmas Tours

Friday, November 29 at 1pm

Thursday, December 12 at 1pm

A guided look at Antique Christmas with Kathy and Stewart "Greg" Gregory, display contributors to this year’s exhibition. FREE for Taft Members; regular admission pricing for non-members.

Holiday Season Kickoff

Sunday, December 1 from 11am - 4pm

A festive and family-friendly start to the holiday season including ornament and card-making activities, pictures with Santa, storytelling in the Music Room, and a chance to meet a Newport Aquarium penguin. FREE event.

Afternoon Tea

Select Fridays & Saturdays in December

A chance to savor a delicious assortment of light bites, handcrafted sweets, and Churchill’s Fine Teas while enjoying a live harpist’s performance. Pricing includes admission, tax, and gratuity; Taft Members: $20/child, $45/adult. Non-members: $25/child, $55/adult.

Holiday Concert

Sunday, December 8 from 2:30 – 3:30pm

A winter concert featuring the sounds of the season with the Northern Kentucky Brotherhood Singers. FREE event, registration is recommended.

Gourmet Hot Chocolate

December 1 – January 5, weekdays from 2–4 pm and weekends from 3–5 pm Complimentary gourmet hot chocolate with any snack purchased in the award-winning Lindner

Family Café. This is a Members-Only event.

To learn more about the upcoming exhibition, Antique Christmas, as well as special holiday events, visit taftmuseum.org.

The Taft Museum of Art is one of the finest small art museums in America. A National Historic Landmark built in 1820, the historic house was the home of some iconic Cincinnatians, including: Martin Baum, Nicholas Longworth, David Sinton, Anna Sinton Taft and Charles P. Taft. Opening in 1932, the Taft Museum is home to an extensive art collection that includes European and American master paintings, Chinese porcelains, and European decorative arts. See major works by Rembrandt, Hals, Goya, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Turner, Ingres, Whistler, and Sargent, as well as one of the greatest Gothic ivory sculptures in America. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum features two special exhibition galleries, an outdoor garden, free on-site parking, a museum shop and café.

To learn more, visit taftmuseum.org.