Holiday Toy Trains Returning to Behringer-Crawford Museum in Devou Park

Behringer-Crawford Museum in Devou Park will once again turn into a fantasy wonderland crisscrossed by more than 250 feet of model train tracks when the 24th annual Holiday Toy Trains exhibit opens on Saturday, November 21.

The exhibit, included with museum admission, is a magical, interactive, family event, with vintage Lionel and Plasticville trains, Thomas the Tank Engine and friends and more than 30 moving, interactive displays. The museum’s permanent Faragher model trains, which run through a miniature, mid-century city with replicas of local businesses and landmarks, will also be decorated for the holidays.

But the festivities aren’t confined to trains. From Saturday, November 21 to Sunday January 17, BCM visitors will experience the holiday spirit throughout the museum, starting with a gallery dedicated to vintage toys and a Victorian parlor scene with an old-fashioned Christmas tree trimmed with hand-crafted, Victorian-style ornaments. Charles Dickens’ spirit is invoked in another gallery featuring an elaborate display of Department 56 miniature scenes arranged by the Queen City Villagers, depicting literary characters and scenes from his books and his life. There are Ebenezer Scrooge’s flat and Tiny Tim’s cottage, Portobello Market Road and Kensington Place, Fezziwig’s Warehouse, plus lamplighters, carolers and much more.

Members of the local chapter of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts share their love of the “mini” world through a sampling of their decorative arts collections, which include tiny, historically accurate replicas of room scenes and period furniture done in quarter-inch to one-inch scales. The group will host a special presentation on miniature collecting at 3 p.m., Sunday, November 22.

The River Valley Wood Carvers exhibit three-dimensional works ranging from whimsical creations to statement pieces that have drawn international recognition, representing a wide variety of wood carving and burning styles. Carvers will demonstrate their art on Saturday, Jan. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, Jan. 4 from 1 to 4 p.m.

All of these exhibits are included with museum admission and open during normal museum hours. The museum will also host a number of special holiday activities, including:

Magic Show – 2 p.m. Sat., Nov. 21:
Prepare to be amazed at the close-up magic of Tim Williams, who uses rope, newspaper, sponge balls, currency and many other somewhat ordinary objects to create fun and exciting illusions. Included with museum admission.

BCM Members’ Holiday Room – 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 27:
Take a break from the post-Thanksgiving sales and stop by for crafts and holiday activities. Future members may join at the door.

Folk Art Ornament-Making Workshop – 2:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 28:
Family fun! Bring the kids to make Christmas ornaments. This creative workshop is included with museum admission, plus the cost of materials for whichever ornaments you choose to make.

Polar Express Readings – 2 p.m. Sun., Nov. 28, Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20:
Experience BCM’s traditional Holiday Toy Trains display and listen to a reading of the classic children’s book, “Polar Express,” by local children’s librarians. Create a Christmas craft and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, plus a visit from Santa. Included with museum admission, but reservations are required because of limited seating. Call 859-491-4003 or email education@bcmuseum.org.

Dramakinetics: The Amulet Stone – 2 p.m. Sat., Dec. 5:
This engaging Cincinnati troupe, which uses drama, music and movement to engage people of all ages and abilities to experience, create and perform art, will perform “The Amulet Stone,” an original play co-written by Dramakinetics director Assia Johnson and cast members about believing in yourself and cultivating self-esteem. Included with museum admission.

Dickens High Tea: 2 p.m. Sat., Dec. 12:
Enjoy a delicious, Charles Dickens-themed high tea as Chef Michael of Four Seasons Catering explains the varieties of teas. $25 for BCM members and $30 for future members. Reservations required. RSVP to 859-491-4003 or education@bcmuseum.org.

Hills of Kentucky Dulcimers Christmas Concert – 2 p.m., Sat. Dec. 19:
The Hills of Kentucky Dulcimers will perform Christmas songs that once echoed through the hills. Enjoy the sounds of hand-made dulcimers played with a holiday twist. Included with museum admission.

BCM Members’ Family New Year’s Eve Countdown: 11 a.m. Thurs., Dec. 31:
Ten, nine, eight…the whole family will greet the New Year (a little early) and enjoy games, crafts and lunch. Reservations required. RSVP to 859-491-4003 or education@bcmuseum.org. Future members welcome – join at the door.

Behringer-Crawford Museum is located in Covington’s Devou Park, 1600 Montague Road, in Covington. Regular museum hours are Tues.- Sat. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun.1-5 p.m. Special holiday hours are Mon., Dec. 21 and 28 and Thurs., Dec. 24 and 31 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed other Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors 60+, $5 for children 3-17 and free for members. Wednesdays are Grandparents’ Days: One grandchild admitted free with grandparent’s paid admission.

Staff report/Image via Facebook