Warning - this post is picture heavy. I wanted to share the magic to keep the memory alive.
If you don't already know, you will soon realize that I love all things Christmas. The National Christmas Center was on my “to-do” list for years. I finally visited one July a few years ago during a trip to Amish Country and it was a great experience! I returned home and spread the word to my Christmas-loving friends and co-workers that they MUST go.
I was planning on waiting until next Christmas to write this post, but I don't want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to visit The National Christmas Center.
The National Christmas Center will close for good after nearly two decades of operation, unless a buyer steps in to save the museum at the last minute. The museum's last day of operation will be this weekend on January 7, 2018.
Run there this weekend! Don't hesitate. You won't regret it. It is more magical that I would have imagined.
The National Christmas Center's website carries this message:
"It is with great sadness that we make this post today. After many tough conversations and some difficult seasons over the past few years, National Christmas Center has had to make the very difficult decision to close its doors permanently following our 2017 season. We will officially close the business on Sunday, January 7, 2018."
"We have had 19 wonderful years as a business sharing our incredible collection of Christmas throughout the years. Our passion for this most wonderful holiday is strong than ever and we are deeply saddened that we will not be able to share it with the world going forward."
"We appreciate all of our many loyal and loving customers and friends and cannot thank you all enough for the many years of support and love you have shown us over the years."
I am sorry I didn't let you know about the closing sooner friends, but I only just found out this news today.
Christmas memories both past and present are packed into this 22,000 square foot museum in Paradise, PA in Lancaster County.
At the beginning of the tour is the most impressive Santa collection on display. Gorgeous Santa's from all over the world and of all different time periods. I guess I was so enthralled that didn't get any pics of that fabulous collection :(
Then, pass by this beautiful scene in a glass picture window as you continue on to the life-size Santa room.
These life-size Santa's are from different cultures and countries in this room.
I LOVE Santa, but I was even more impressed by the Woolworth's Five and Dime store replica full of vintage Christmas merchandise.
On we go to the next room … this room had a needlepoint carpet of Santa that hung from floor to ceiling.
As well, as an upper deck full of toys.
Santa's elves seemed hard at work.
There was a large doll collection.
with cute Teddy Bears and Raggedy Anne dolls.
So many Nutcrackers...
Oh yeah, and creepy Elf dolls who are definitely up to no good.
Continue down the brick walkway through a cute little town. Read along as you go. It is a beautiful Christmas Fairytale about a town searching for the Christmas spirit.
If you or your kids are fans of toy trains … you will be in heaven. There is a massive train room with train cars displayed in glass cases that run floor to ceiling. Along with a massive tree decorated in Christmas lights with a lovely Christmas Village and operating train.
Fun fact, wooden pyramids preceded Christmas trees as decorations for the home. They were used as early as the 15th Century in church "miracle plays". This hand-carved, hand-painted carousel pyramid has tiers that rotate on a shaft, thermally-powered by lit candles which then spin the gold windmill at the top.
This is not a sponsored post. All words and pictures are my own. Be sure to go and experience the magic this weekend before they close. The day trip is definitely worth you while! You will not regret it.
If you aren't able to get there on such short notice, enjoy a 360 degree video tour HERE.
The museum has always operated as a non-profit organization for the public to enjoy. I will definitely be praying this weekend for last-minute "Christmas" miracle that someone purchases it to keep the dream alive.
xo,
- Meredith