Smithsonian Presents a Holiday Festival Dec. 3–4

The Smithsonian will host a free, two-day festival Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the National Mall to kick off the holiday season. A wide selection of festive events, trunk shows, activities and seasonal décor will be available at participating museums and galleries, including musical performances by U.S. Air Force Band High Flight and free screenings of The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Other highlights include sampling astronaut food such as freeze-dried ice cream at the National Air and Space Museum store. At the National Museum of American History, visitors can sample chocolate during a demonstration by American Heritage Chocolate and explore the “Muppets and Puppets” exhibit showcasing the evolution of puppetry. At the National Museum of Natural History, visitors can experience a special holiday screening of The Polar Express in IMAX 3-D for $12 per adult and $8 per child. The museum cafes will offer a variety of seasonal drinks and foods, including gourmet marshmallow-inspired treats. 

To see the full list of activities, trunk shows, performances and book signings, visit www.si.edu/events/holiday.

Participating museums include the National Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, National Museum of the American Indian, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Museum of African Art and the Smithsonian Castle.

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SI-584-2016