December’s Theme: Holidays Around The World
Explore exciting community helper roles through hands-on activities! Kids will imagine their future selves while learning about essential careers.
Learn how people around the world celebrate different holidays in the month of December — or how they might celebrate the same holiday in unique ways! Explore traditions from countries like Germany and Sweden. Celebrate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Christmas with us by making reindeer food and a DPKH ornament. There is a lot to celebrate!
Activities
*All activities are free with Museum Admission*
Join us every day for fun themed activities all month long. Stop by the Town Hall Main Stage at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to check out all the fun!
December 1–7: 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 going on a scavenger hunt to find the eight oil lamps and then learn how to play dreidel with their caregivers.
December 8–14: Kwanzaa: The word Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili language and means “first fruits.” Stop by the Town Hall Main Stage as we learn more about the holiday that was established to help African Americans remember and celebrate their heritage. After hearing our story about celebrating Kwanzaa, head over to Create to make a kinara of your own and learn about the principles it represents.
December 15–21: Saint Lucia Day: Saint Lucia Day is a festival of light celebrated in Swedish homes and schools on one of the darkest and shortest days of the year–the Winter Solstice. After learning about Saint Lucia Day, head over to Create to try your hand (or head!) at balancing the Saint Lucia Day candle wreath in our obstacle course. Once finished, you can make a paper version to wear home and then enjoy hot chocolate with your family.
December 22–28: Christmas: In Germany, people hide pickles on their Christmas Trees. Guests will search for the Christmas pickles all around the Museum and make reindeer food to scatter at their home for Santa. They also have the opportunity to make a DPKH pickle ornament for their tree.
December 29–30: Gingerbread: Come search for gingerbread people all over the Museum and hear about where gingerbread houses originated—Germany! Gingerbread houses originated in Germany during the 16th century. Work together to construct DPKH’s Gingerbread village!
Special Programs
December 7: A Huntersville Christmas: The Town of Huntersville will host “A Huntersville Christmas” from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. They will transform the town into a magical winter wonderland with games, activities and crafts. Discovery Place Kids will participate by helping children make holiday themed crafts at Veteran’s Park from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
December 15: Frost Fest: Join us for a magical day of science, holiday fun and seasonal surprises at Discovery Place Kids! Children and families will enjoy a blend of science experiments, festive crafts, and holiday-themed activities, with special appearances by Santa and Elsa throughout the day. The Museum will transform into a winter wonderland where learning through play meets the joy of the holiday season.
Morning session: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon session: 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
December 31: Noon Year’s Eve: 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 Town Hall Main Stage for the Big Fun Dance party and countdown to the Big Balloon Drop!
December 20 and 21: Members Only Mingle with Kringle: This is a Members-only event. Come Mingle with Kris Kringle. During member hour Santa will be walking through the Museum. This is a great opportunity to take a quick photo as you spot him around the Museum.
*There is not a designated picture area*
Daily Shows
Daily shows are subject to change at any time.
Puppet Show (9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.)
Sammy Squirrel’s Holiday Party: Sammy Squirrel wants to throw a Holiday Party! What does he need for his party? Find out in this fun puppet show with Sammy and his friends.
Science Show (10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.)
Join us at the Town Hall all month for an adventure in science. Predict, observe and experiment with different topics. From color-mixing to chemical reactions, our Science Show is sure to instill curiosity in our little scientist.
Story Time (11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.)
- Latke The Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer
- Kevin’s Kwanzaa by Lisa Bullard
- Lucia’s Morning In Sweden by Ewa Rydaker
- How To Catch a Reindeer by Alice Walstead
- The Gingerbread Man Illustrated by Gail Yerrill
Big Fun (4:15 p.m.)
Big Fun is the time of the day when children and adults move and groove to three of our favorite songs. Put your dancing shoes on and join us for this daily dance party!
I CAN Create
Join us in I CAN Create this month as we see how talented we can be. Little artists can stop by anytime to paint, color, build or draw a masterpiece. Letters to Santa: We’ll be in I CAN Create to help you write a wonderful letter to Santa! When you’re done, drop it in our mailbox and we’ll be sure to deliver it to the North Pole!
