Delight in the spirit and joy of the upcoming season with the Worcester Art Museum’s annual “Holidays at WAM” celebration, which begins Friday, November 28 and ends Wednesday, December 31. Visitors can revel in the Museum’s holiday-oriented festivities that offer weekly gleeful musical concerts and dance performances in the Renaissance Court, special children’s programming, season-themed tours and enchanting decorations throughout the Museum — including candy-laden, gingerbread castle creations — and enjoy expanded Shop and Café hours.
“Holidays at WAM is a wonderful annual tradition. Visitors return year after year to enjoy festive music in the decorated Renaissance Court, take a winter-themed gallery tour, and to pick up unique, artsy holiday gifts in the Museum Shop,” said Katrina Stacy, assistant curator of education. “One of the new programs this year is our first annual Gingerbread Castle Competition. Professionals and amateurs alike can participate, and we are encouraging anyone interested to submit an entry!”
COMPLETE LIST OF HOLIDAYS AT WAM ACTIVITIES:
A detailed list of the planned “Holidays at WAM” merriment and activities is included below. All events are free with Museum admission except where indicated. Admission is free from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, December 6 and is always free for Members. Join or renew a WAM membership in December and purchase a gift membership for half price! For more information about Holidays at WAM, visit worcesterart.org/events/holidays-at-wam/2014/
MUSEUM TOURS
Zip Tours
Saturdays at Noon, celebrate the season with a holiday-themed, docent-led gallery talk that offers a short yet thorough view of a single work or artist.
- Nov. 29 German Depictions of the Christ Child
- Dec. 6 The Virgin and Child with Angels, Stefano da Verona
- Dec. 13 Getting Ready for Thanksgiving, Grandma Moses
- Dec. 20 The Adoration of the King, Ottaviano di Martino Nello
- Dec. 27 Winter Landscape with Skaters, Adriaen van de Venne
Sunday Public Tours
November 30-December 21, 1pm and following all holiday performances
These hour-long tours offer an overview of the WAM permanent collection. The 1pm tour leaves from the Lancaster Lobby; the tour following performances leaves from Salisbury Street Lobby.
December Tour of the Month: Celebrate Roman Style
Wednesday, December 17 & Saturday, December 20, 2pm Join docent Mark Mancevice for reflections on celebrations and culture in late Republican and Imperial Rome.
Audio tours in English and Spanish, self-guided thematic tours and family guides are available from the Visitor Service Desks at the Lancaster and Salisbury Street Entrances.
FOR FAMILIES
Families @ WAM Tour
Saturday, December 6, 10:30-11am, Winter-themed intergenerational tour. Free.
Families @ WAM Make Art!
Saturday, December 6, 11am-11:30am, Stay after the family tour and enjoy hands-on art making with a holiday theme. Materials provided. Free.
SUNDAY PERFORMANCES
At 2pm in the Renaissance Court
WPI Vocal Performance Lab
November 30, Under the direction of John F. Delorey, WPI Director of Choral Music, the Vocal Performance Lab performs Benjamin Britten’s achingly beautiful tapestry of sound, A Ceremony of Carols for Harp and Chorus, along with seasonal carols and sing-alongs.
Ballet Arts Worcester
December 7, The graceful Youth Ballet of Worcester dancers present a classical repertory from The Nutcracker and preview contemporary works for the 2014 season.
Salisbury Singers
December 14, The Salisbury Singers, a popular mixed chorus of selected volunteers under the dynamic guidance of Music Director Michelle Graveline, perform a rousing holiday concert.
Merrimack Valley Ringers
December 21, The Merrimack Valley Ringers handbell ensemble delight audiences with its infectious joy, spontaneity, and festive spirit. A “Holidays at WAM” crowd favorite.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Gingerbread Castle Competition
Sunday, November 30-December 7, Higgins Education Wing
View a sweet display of gingerbread castles created by both professional and amateur competitors and vote for your favorite entry from Sunday, November 30 to Sunday, December 7. Awards, including the People’s Choice Award, for the winning gingerbread castle(s) will be bestowed on Sunday, December 7 at 3:30pm in the Lancaster Lobby.
To enter the gingerbread castle competition, download a registration form at worcesterart.org/events/holidays-at-wam/2014/.
Third Thursday: Champagne & Shopping
Thursday, December 18, 5:30-7:30pm
Enjoy shopping, live music, cash bar, and complimentary gift wrapping at this special evening event. Free with Museum admission; no admission charged if just visiting the Museum Shop. Sponsored by the WAM Members Council. Members can enjoy a “Holiday Toast”- a complimentary glass of champagne while they shop! Cheers!
First Night Worcester 2015
Wednesday, December 31, 11am-5pm
Ring in the New Year at WAM with fun family-oriented activities. A First Night Worcester 2015 badge is your entrée to the revelry! Visit www.firstnightworcester.org for details.
HOLIDAY HOURS
Gallery
Wednesday-Friday: 11am-5pm
Third Thursday of every month: 11am-8pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm
(Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursday, December 25)
Museum Shop
Open 7 days a week, December 1-24, 11am-5pm*
Third Thursday: December 18, 11am-8pm
Shop WAM for the season’s most inspired gifts! Members receive a 20 percent discount off purchases Friday, November 28 to Sunday, December 28. Spend $100 or more after discount and receive a free WAM Cookbook II. *On Mondays and Tuesdays enter through the Salisbury Street front doors since access to the shop is limited on days that WAM galleries are closed. The Salisbury doors are open during the construction of the Museum’s new accessible entrance.
Café
Expanded hours and open Sundays in December
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30am-2pm
(Closed December 25, 28 and 29)