The Durham Museum invites you to experience the magic of the season during Christmas at Union Station. The famous indoor tree custom began in the 1930s when Union Pacific would decorate and display large evergreens from the Pacific Northwest for Union Station travelers to enjoy during the holiday season. The holiday custom returned when Union Station became a museum in the 1970s. Today, this cherished tradition continues with the region’s largest indoor Christmas tree and an exceptional line-up of family-friendly events.

Christmas at Union Station is presented by ConAgra Foods. Holiday programming sponsored by the On Track Guild, Pinnacle Bank, the Debby Durham Family Foundation, and ConAgra Foods. Media support provided by KETV. Special thanks to Union Pacific, Omaha Public Power District, and Mangelsen’s.


TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Friday, Nov. 23, 4-7PM
The joyous Christmas at Union Station season begins with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. A highlight of this year’s celebration will be a performance by renowned jazz singer Michael Walker, who will dazzle you with his Sinatra inspired holiday carols. The fun will continue with cookie decorating, holiday crafts in Mangelsen’s Craft Corner, and singing Christmas carols. It also is the perfect time for children to share wish lists with Santa and Mrs. Claus under the glow of the museum’s majestic tree.


ETHNIC HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
Friday, Nov. 30, 5-9PM
Learn how the world celebrates this joyful time of year during the Ethnic Holiday Festival. Local cultural organizations proudly display their crafts and traditional dress while musicians and dancers perform throughout the evening. You can also purchase hard-to-find ethnic foods and gifts at this festive celebration.


FAMILY NIGHTS WITH SANTA
Tuesdays, Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 5-8PM
During the busy holiday season, The Durham Museum is making it easy for families to create special memories. Children will be able to share their wish lists with Santa and meet his reindeer, who will be making a special stop at the museum. Take part in holiday crafts in Mangelsen’s Craft Corner and enjoy live musical performances.


HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES
Saturday & Sundays, Dec. 1 & 2, 8 & 9, and 15 & 16
Enjoy some of the area’s most beautiful holiday music under the glow of The Durham’s Christmas tree. Talented local entertainers, school musicians, and choirs perform on weekends as part of The Durham Museum’s Holiday Concert Series.
For a listing of performers, download a PDF here.


NOON YEAR'S EVE
Monday, Dec. 31, 10AM-1PM
Get an early jump on your New Year’s Celebration! Children will especially enjoy this fun-packed party with music by The Doo-Dads, special crafts, and activities. The day ends with a celebratory bubble wrap stomp and ball drop at noon in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall.


ETHNIC HOLIDAY TREES EXHIBIT
Nov. 23 – Jan. 6, 2013
Another holiday favorite makes a returning appearance during Christmas at Union Station. The Ethnic Holiday Trees exhibition is one of the enduring fixtures of the event and showcases how cultures from around the world celebrate the Christmas season. Each tree is decorated by a local Omaha ethnic group and is accompanied by interpretative text explaining the meaning behind the various decorations and unique traditions within each culture.


SHINE THE LIGHT ON HUNGER
Throughout the holiday season, The Durham is accepting non-perishable food donations for the Omaha Food Bank. Visitors are encouraged to drop off donations and help support ConAgra Foods’ Shine a Light on Hunger Campaign. During the month of December, donations can also be made to the Food Bank for the Heartland by clicking here. Please help us beat our goal to raise $5,000 and assist our neighbors in need.


WINTER CAMP
Dec. 26-28 & Jan. 2-4, 9AM-4PM
Join us at The Durham Museum for an exhilarating holiday break! Campers can choose to sign up for individual days or the entire Winter Camp session at a discounted rate. Each day of camp will feature a unique theme including Holidays Around the World, Know Your City, Welcome 2013, Durham Boot Camp (in conjunction with the American Soldier exhibition), Rock Out at The Durham (in anticipation of our spring exhibition, Women who Rock), and Dinosaur Discovery (in anticipation of our summer exhibition, A T. Rex Named Sue). Each theme will be supported with hands on activities, tours, games, and crafts.

For pricing and camp descriptions, click here.

To register, please contact the education department at (402) 444-5027 or email education@DurhamMuseum.org.