Holiday Magic At Your Museum
The holiday season brings unique opportunities for museums to create special moments and connect with visitors in memorable ways. It’s a chance to showcase your museum’s collection, encourage festive community involvement, and foster a sense of wonder that keeps visitors coming back long after the holidays. Here are some ideas for turning your museum into a must-visit destination this holiday season!
1. Deck the Halls with Seasonal Decor and Exhibits
Welcome visitors with festive decorations that reflect your museum’s theme. For a historical museum, traditional holiday décor can transport guests to another era, while an art museum might play with winter-inspired installations. Consider adding seasonal items to your displays or creating a holiday-themed “mini-exhibit” that highlights how people in different cultures or time periods celebrated the season.
Tip: A small exhibition on holiday traditions from around the world or an installation of winter-themed art can add a unique educational angle to your decor.
2. Host Holiday-Themed Tours
If your museum offers guided tours, consider adding a holiday twist to them! Incorporate seasonal stories, artifacts, or artworks related to winter celebrations, and give visitors a fresh perspective on your collection. You could even run special evening or candlelit tours for a magical effect.
Tip: If you already have walking tours or ghost tours, create a special holiday version to attract return visitors who want to experience something new.
3. Plan Interactive Family Activities
The holiday season is a time when families are looking for things to do together, so consider family-friendly activities like crafting workshops, holiday scavenger hunts, or even interactive storytelling sessions. These types of activities can be fun for visitors of all ages and provide hands-on learning experiences that parents and kids will love.
4. Organize a Community Donation Drive
This season is a wonderful time to support local causes and encourage your visitors to join in. Consider organizing a donation drive in partnership with a local charity. Set up a drop-off area at your museum for visitors to bring items such as canned goods, winter clothing, or children’s books. Publicize the drive on social media to encourage greater participation and show your museum’s commitment to the community.
Tip: Use this as a way to promote museum membership by offering a discount or a free holiday gift in exchange for a donation.
5. Create Holiday-Themed Digital Content
Take the festivities online by sharing holiday-themed posts and stories across your social media platforms. Highlight unique items in your collection that relate to the holiday season, share behind-the-scenes photos of your team decorating, or offer a peek into how past generations celebrated. Virtual holiday tours or festive Instagram takeovers can also engage remote audiences and attract new followers.
Example: Spotlight a piece in your collection that symbolizes peace or unity, paired with a caption about the history and significance of the object during the holidays.
6. Partner with Local Businesses for Holiday Events
Collaborate with local businesses to create a holiday market or event series that draws in the community. You could invite local artisans to set up booths or partner with a nearby bakery to sell festive treats on-site. This kind of partnership can increase foot traffic and make your museum a hub for local holiday festivities.
Tip: Schedule a “Holiday Open House” day with free admission, featuring pop-up vendors, live music, and seasonal snacks for a fun and inviting experience.
7. Host Members-Only Holiday Events
Thank your museum’s members for their ongoing support by hosting exclusive holiday events. A members-only holiday gathering with refreshments, holiday treats, and a behind-the-scenes tour or preview of upcoming exhibits can make your members feel appreciated and encourage membership renewals.
Tip: Offer a small holiday gift, such as a museum-branded ornament or postcard, as a token of appreciation for members who attend.
8. Make the Museum Store a Holiday Shopping Destination
Museum stores can be the perfect places to find unique holiday gifts, and this is a great opportunity to showcase items inspired by your collection or local artisans. Curate a selection of holiday items, from art books to handcrafted jewelry, and consider adding a gift-wrapping station to make it easier for visitors to buy and go.
Tip: Offer a “Holiday Shopping Night” event with extended hours, discounts, and complimentary gift wrapping to draw in more visitors and encourage purchases.
9. Send Visitors Home with a Lasting Memory
Give visitors something to remember their visit by offering a small, holiday-themed takeaway. This could be as simple as a holiday postcard featuring one of your exhibits or a photo booth where visitors can snap pictures with festive props. Small tokens like these create positive associations with your museum and give visitors a reason to return.
Tip: Add a station where visitors can create holiday cards inspired by art pieces or historical items from your exhibits. It’s a fun and simple way to make their visit memorable.
Do you have more ideas? Come share them in our Love my Museum Facebook Group, a private community of museum professionals:
