Explore how countries from around the world celebrate the holidays through tradition and the act of gift-giving with this program at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. 

Chinese Culture: Ping An Ye (Peaceful Evening)
Did you know that in Asia, specifically in China or Mandarin-speaking countries, giving apples on Christmas Eve is a common tradition? Since the pronunciation for the words “peace” and “apple” in Chinese are similar, apples have become associated with this holiday and are said to bring peace for the new year. Sculpt apples out of mixed media materials in honor of this wholesome custom!
Friday – Sunday, December 1 – 3 | 10:30am – 4:30pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Greek Culture: Pomegranate Sculptures
The pomegranate has been a symbol of fortune, fertility and prosperity in Greece and Greek mythology for thousands of years. During Christmas holidays, pomegranates are used as decorations or hung on the doors of houses. Sculpt clay pomegranates to fill with seeds of joy and good fortune!
Friday – Sunday, December 1 – 3 | 11am – 12:30pm & 2:45pm – 3:45pm | Ages 5 & under | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Italian Culture: La Befana Paper Stockings!
Legend has it that Befana was an Italian woman who wanted to bring gifts to Baby Jesus but got lost on her way. Since then, she has been trying to find her way to Bethlehem each year, flying her broom from one house to another. Traditionally, children leave their socks out to be filled with goodies. Create your own paper socks!
Saturday & Sunday, December 16 – 17 | 10:15 am– 4:30pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Makerspace

French Culture: Postcards from Père Noël
Letters from French children to Father Christmas always receive a response from Santa. Since 1962, France has had a law that stipulates any letter to Santa must be responded to in the form of a postcard. Get into the Christmas spirit and design some holiday postcards.
Saturday & Sunday, December 16 – 17 | 11am – 12:30pm & 2:45pm – 3:45pm | Ages 5 & under | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Norwegian Culture: Julekurver (Heart-Shaped Woven Basket)
The heart shape has become essential for Norwegian decorating during Christmastime. Tree decoration is usually set aside to be done on December 23rd (also known as Lille Julaften or Little Christmas Eve). Create heart shaped baskets to adorn CMOM’s Christmas tree or to give to a loved one this holiday season.
Tuesday – Thursday, December 19 – 21 | 10:30am – 12:45pm & 2pm – 4:30pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Guatemalan Culture: Chinchines (Maracas)
The sonajas or maracas take on a different name in Guatemala, they are called chinchines! Create your own version in multiple colors with textile patterns.
Tuesday – Thursday, December 19 – 21 | 11am – 12:30pm & 2:45pm – 3:45pm | Ages 5 & under | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Scottish Culture: Tartan Accessories
In Scottish tradition, tartan cloth accessories are woven in patterns of plaid. Tartan is often given as gifts and is synonymous with the symbol of clan kinship. Create an original, wearable tartan piece to give to a friend!
Friday – Sunday, December 22 – 24 | 10:30am – 12:45pm & 2pm – 4:30pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Ukrainian Culture: Vertep Christmas Stars
Did you know that December 25th is now a public holiday in western Ukraine? In celebration of the traditional Vertep, a portable puppet theatre, which presents the nativity scene and other mystery plays, kids are invited to design a Christmas star, held by children (star bearers) as a symbol of hope and joy!
Friday – Sunday, December 22 – 24 | 11am – 12:30pm & 2:45pm – 3:45pm | Ages 5 & under | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Mexican Culture: Beeswax Candles
Many families in Mexico light candles and make wishes while eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck. Make our yown candles and enjoy grapes while sharing what you're looking forward to in the new year!
Friday & Saturday, December 29 – 30 | 10:30am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 4:30pm | All ages | 1st Floor | Makerspace

Latinx Culture: Lucky Luggage
Running around the room with an empty suitcase on New Year’s Eve is popular in Latin American countries, hoping to bring opportunities to travel in the coming year. Make a tiny luggage box and fill it with goals for the new year.
Friday & Saturday, December 29 – 30  | 11am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 3:45pm | Ages 5 & under | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks

Filipino Culture: Polka Dot New Year’s Eve Hats
Wearing polka dots is thought to bring prosperity in the Philippines. Explore the endless fun of polka dots with a wearable dotted hat to ring in the new year.
Sunday, December 31 | 11am – 12:30pm & 2pm – 3:45pm | All ages | 3rd Floor | PlayWorks