KIDS + FAMILIES

Bayou Bend, the American decorative arts center of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, hosts a free Family Day the third Sunday of each month from September through May. 

Sunday, December 18, 2011:  Celebrate the Season

Celebrate the joyous spirit of the season at Bayou Bend with performances and activities that take us back to holidays past. Enjoy cocoa and cookies as you listen to your favorite carols, delight in story and puppet performances, and see a holiday magician who can make it snow.

Across continents and cultures, December is a time of festive celebration, and Bayou Bend is the place to come to immerse yourself in the holiday season. Enjoy music on the terrace and ornament-making on the lawn before stepping into the house for a tour of America’s holiday past. Afterwards, treat yourself to a cookie and a cup of wassail, then join the carolers to sing your favorite Yuletide songs.

Tours of the first floor of the house are hosted by volunteers of the Houston Junior Woman’s Club, while giveaways and promotions are offered through media sponsor, Houston Public Radio KUHA / KUHF, and Bayou Bend.

DIANA TERRACE:
1:30 p.m.
Rachel Buchman, Songs of the Season
A variety of songs relating to Christmas, Chanukah, and other winter holidays.

3:00 p.m.
Julian Franklin, The Arctic Express
A one-man show featuring puppetry, comedy, magic.

4:00 p.m.
Viva Voce
16+ carolers in full Victorian dress sing your favorite holiday songs.

KUHF/KUHA Houston Public Radio – Join MC Eric Ladau by the music stage. Giveaways of prizes from Bayou Bend and Houston Public Radio will take place between performances.

KILORY CENTER, BARNHART ROOM:
1:30, 2:30, 3:30 p.m.
Twas the Night Before Christmas Shadow-puppet play

TRAVELING:
1:30 – 2:30; 3:00 -4:00 p.m.
Puppet Pizzazz, Holiday Characters

KILROY CENTER, BAILEY ROOM & DIANA GARDEN:
1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Craft Activities for Children – create your own holiday gift at one of our craft tables!

EAST TERRACE:
1:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Tales of the Tannenbaum
This year’s Yuletide exhibition features a gallery of Christmas trees from America’s holiday past. Before going into the house, learn a little bit more about the use of the tree in holiday history.

BAYOU BEND HOUSE (Entrance on the South Lawn):
1:00 – 4:15 p.m.
1st Floor Home Tours
View the 2011 Yuletide Exhibition with guides from Houston Junior Woman’s Club. All ages are welcome. Approximate tour time: 20 – 25 minutes