Winter Wonderland Holiday Experience

This exhibit takes you on a journey throughout the museum, where cozy living room scenes depict the spirit of the holiday across different eras. The journey begins in a recreation of the early 1900s, where the holiday season is marked by simplicity and traditionalism and culminates in the 1990s where technology and pop culture ruled the day.

Festival of Trees is a display of 40 decorated Christmas trees staged throughout the Museum’s Christmas Through the Decades exhibits. Our trees are decorated by each business. Trees will be displayed throughout December. Visitors will vote for their favorite trees by placing a ballot in a voting box. The top three winners will receive recognition on Gilmore Car Museum social media and get first choice of tree-placement the following year.

A whimsical and immersive experience that invites participants of all ages to embark on a quest to find Santa's most elusive and mischievous helpers, the elves. With map and clues in hand, you set off into the museum, taking in all the different sights and sounds. The clues will challenge your wit and creativity and hint to the locations of each elf encounter.

The symphony of instruments fill the main gallery with rich, resonant sounds. From traditional carols like "Deck the Halls" and "Silent Night" to lively renditions of holiday classics like "Jingle Bells" and "Winter Wonderland," each note carries the spirit of the season.

Our holiday village search and find activity is a festive game that revolves around the challenge of locating specific items, characters, or hidden objects within the bustling holiday village of Garlandtown, USA.

The light-up reindeer forest is a captivating and enchanting display that brings the magic of the holiday season to life in a dazzling spectacle of light and imagination. Amongst the tall trees, glittering reindeer sculptures emerge from the darkness.

The North Pole Post is a delightful setup designed to inspire children and adults alike to pen heartfelt letters to Santa Claus. Whimsical stationery, colorful markers and crayons wait patiently for eager hands to start writing.

Capture the spirit of the season through a single image in a fun and memorable way. The holidays are a time to share laughs and create shared experiences making them a cherished part of your family's history.

A delightful and creative space where visitors of all ages can craft their own personalized holiday ornaments. Huddle around tables, laugh and share ideas, while the room resonates with the sound of creativity as you create a cherished keepsake to take home.

Visiting Santa Claus is a cherished and magical experience that captures the spirit of joy and wonder. Share your wishes, hopes, and holiday stories with the man who embodies the magic of Christmas. Capture the moment with a photo, forever preserving the memory of this special encounter.

Tantalize the taste buds but also evoke a sense of nostalgia, tradition, and the joy of sharing with loved ones. Sweet treats are a delightful part of the holiday season, symbolizing the warmth and togetherness that make this time of year so special.

Let us do the driving for you! Take in hundreds of thousands of lights from the inside of a vehicle right out of the Museum's collection. Prepare to be amazed as the lights start to dance in time to the music coming in through the radio.

Dashing Through the Snow family rides through the lights in Ford Model T’s, a Checker Taxi Cab, a ‘63 Cadillac convertible, and several other vintage cars from our collection.

Santa's garage is a magical workshop where Santa Claus and his team of elves prepare for their annual journey to deliver gifts to children all around the world. The air is filled with a symphony of sounds - the rhythmic tapping of hammers and wrenching of hardware.

Delight in winter scenes from vintage advertisements and classic automotive artwork. Winter-themed artwork often evokes a sense of nostalgia, wonder, and appreciation for the unique beauty and emotions associated with the winter season. Whether it's a frosty landscape, a cozy interior, or a festive holiday scene, these artworks invite viewers to embrace the magic of winter.