Glencairn’s Christmas tree in the Great Hall. Beneath it is a Christmas village, Nativity, and train.

Christmas at Glencairn 2025

Christmas has been celebrated at Glencairn since Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn moved into their new home in 1939. Today Glencairn Museum continues this tradition with our annual World Nativities exhibition (since 2009), a Christmas in the Castle tour, a Christmas concert, and other seasonal activities. The Glencairn Museum collection features outstanding examples of Nativity art, including paintings, illuminated manuscripts, sculptures, and stained-glass windows, many dating to the medieval period.

Enjoy Christmas at Glencairn through a variety of events and programs, running from Friday, November 28, 2025, through Sunday, January 25, 2026 (closed December 8–9, 24–25, and January 1). Visit Glencairn Museum for the following events and programs.

*Bryn Athyn Nativity* honors the architectural legacy of Raymond Pitcairn, who supervised the design and construction of both Bryn Athyn Cathedral and Glencairn. Michael Joseph Stumpf and A.J. DiAntonio of Navidad Nativities created the architectural setting in wood, stone, and other natural materials in their Bucks County, Pennsylvania atelier.

World Nativities Exhibition
Friday, November 28, 2025–Sunday, January 25, 2026
Glencairn Museum’s annual World Nativities exhibition presents dozens of three-dimensional Nativity scenes collected from around the world. For many Christians, the Nativity scene is a meaningful expression of religious faith, providing a compelling visual focus during the Christmas season. World Nativities shows how artists adapt the Nativity scene to represent their own spiritual, intellectual, cultural, and regional environments. Settings for many of the Nativities have been created by Bryn Athyn artist Kathleen Glenn Pitcairn. Explore highlights of World Nativities exhibitions from previous years in past issues of Glencairn Museum News.

Christmas in the Castle Tour
Friday, November 28, 2025–Sunday, January 4, 2026
For forty years (1940s to 1970s), the Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn family celebrated Christmas at Glencairn with a concert, a large three-part Nativity scene, a decorated tree that reached beyond the second-floor balcony, and a Christmas Day meal. This 60-minute guided holiday tour visits five different floors, including the Tower and Bedroom suite. Your guide will take you on a journey back through time to explore how the Pitcairn family celebrated Christmas in their 20th-century castle. At the conclusion of the tour, visitors can enjoy self-guided access to the World Nativities exhibition.

This Neapolitan presepio (Nativity) is the work of the Giuseppe and Marco Ferrigno company, located in Naples, Italy.

World Nativities Opening Event
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Join us at Glencairn Museum as we launch the holiday season with the opening of the World Nativities exhibition. This exclusive event for Museum members provides a first look at the exhibition, showcasing dozens of intricately crafted, three-dimensional Nativity scenes from around the globe, all set against the stunning backdrop of Glencairn Museum’s beautifully decorated first floor.

Online Advent Calendar
Monday, December 1, 2025
Every day, from December 1 through December 25, a new Nativity artwork will appear on the home page of our online Advent calendar.

Scandinavian Strawcraft Ornament Workshop
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Make a traditional straw craft ornament you can take home! In Scandinavia, making woven straw ornaments to decorate the house and tree is a beloved Christmas tradition. Participants will learn how to make wreaths and hearts from straw using a variety of techniques. Wheat weaver Kirsten Hansen Gyllenhaal will guide workshop participants through the various stages of each project.

Glencairn Christmas Sing Concert
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
For over 80 years, the Glencairn Christmas Sing Concert has been a cherished holiday tradition, bringing together families and friends for a magical evening that celebrates music, community, and the spirit of Christmas.

Visitors to the *Christmas Homeschool Mornings* enjoy the Nativity seek and find activity in the Upper Hall.

Christmas Homeschool Mornings
Friday, December 12, 2025
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Our popular annual Christmas event for homeschool families is transforming this year! We are excited to welcome you to a Christmas Homeschool Morning at Glencairn Museum. This new version of our event is designed to welcome smaller groups, provide more interaction with Museum staff, and create a calm and cozy morning of festive fun.

Click here for a short video of Christmas at Glencairn.