Christmas Traditions at Falmouth Museums on the Green

Falmouth Museums on the Green, home of the Falmouth Historical Society, will present “Christmas Traditions” from December 5 to 13. The Federalist era Dr. Francis Wicks House, located at 55 Palmer Avenue, will be festively decorated by volunteers from the Falmouth Garden Club and open for visitation, offering educational fun for the whole family. Hours are Thursday through Sunday, 10 AM to 3 PM. and admission is $5; children 12 and under will be admitted free of charge.

Learn more about the holiday, with each room featuring a different tradition, such as “A Christmas Carol;” the history of Santa and gift giving; Christmas trees; and chocolate. A dollhouse display from the Musuems’ collection will be on view in the Hallett Barn Visitor Center. “We decided to reprise what we did last year with “Christmas Traditions” to offer visitors a window into why people do what they do during the holiday season,” said Executive Director Mark Schmidt.

The Whaling Wives Gift Shop (also located in the Hallett Barn) will offer Falmouth-related items, such as a one-of-a-kind ornament featuring a Village Green holiday scene by Falmouth artist Karen Rinaldo; boxed holiday cards featuring early 20th century scenes from the Museum archives; and scrimshaw-inspired gift items. Falmouth Historical Society members will receive 10 percent off (some exclusions apply).

Warm up with some hot cocoa before heading over to the lighting of the Village Green during evening hours on Saturday, December 5 from 4 to 8 PM. Families are invited to enjoy gingerbread making and other children’s activities in the Cultural Center, and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus.

Special holiday programs will include “The History of Christmas,” a lecture by Ken Turino of Historic New England, on Thursday, December 3 at 7 PM. Admission is $5 for members and $8 for non-members. On Saturday, December 12, Cape Cod Conservatory piano students, under the direction of Kathleen Kanaley, will perform Christmas carols from noon to 2 PM. The event is free.