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Fernbank Museum Announces Annual Winter Wonderland Exhibition, Holly Jolly Film Fest and More!


This holiday season, Fernbank Museum of Natural History will offer several ways to celebrate, including its annual holiday-inspired exhibition, Winter Wonderland, a Holly Jolly Film Fest, the Martinis & IMAX® Series Finale, membership sales, special performances and more. WINTER WONDERLAND From November 18, 2016 through January 8, 2017, Fernbank Museum will become a Winter Wonderland with enchanting trees and displays boasting a beautiful setting and immense cultural value. The seventh annual Winter Wonderland exhibition will feature two floors of festive trees decorated by cultural partners to reflect traditions and holidays celebrated around the world. Twinkling with lights, glimmering with color and shining with a variety of cultural objects, the displays will recognize cultural traditions in North America, South America, Africa, Europe and Asia. EXPANDED HOURS Beginning on November 20, 2016, visitors will be able to view Winter Wonderland and the entirety of the Museum from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day including Sundays. This permanent change in hours will provide guests with two extra hours each week to enjoy all of Fernbank’s offerings. HOLLY JOLLY FILM FEST On Saturdays in November and December, Fernbank Museum will commemorate the season of good cheer with a Holly Jolly Film Fest, featuring holiday favorites such as “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” “Frozen,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and more. In celebration of Winter Wonderland, additional cultural programming will also be offered on select days.

  • On Saturday, November 19, 2016, visitors can embark on a frosty adventure with Elsa in “Frozen,” enjoy the Peanuts classic “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” make a snowman rod puppet with the Center for Puppetry Arts and create cultural jewelry in celebration of the new Disney film “Moana.”

  • On Saturday, November 26, 2016, visitors can view Dr. Suess’ heart-tickling holiday film, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” get in the holiday spirit with Charlie Brown in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and create a snowman rod puppet with the Center for Puppetry Arts.

  • On Saturday, December 3, 2016, visitors can spend time with a lovable snowman in “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland,” view “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and immerse themselves in special cultural performances by the Atlanta Ballet, Matsiko World Orphan Choir and the Thai Association.

  • On Saturday, December 10, 2016, visitors can view the films “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and create a snowman rod puppet with the Center for Puppetry Arts.

  • On Saturday, December 17, 2016, visitors can view the films “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland,” and create a snowman rod puppet with the Center for Puppetry Arts.

Visit FernbankMuseum.org for Holly Jolly Film Fest schedules and show times. MARTINIS & IMAX® SERIES FINALE On November 18 from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m., adults are invited to enjoy music, films, small plates, holiday spirits and Winter Wonderland and at the final installment of Fernbank’s popular Martinis & IMAX® series. For 20 years, Martinis & IMAX® has been a fixture of the Atlanta nightlife scene. Fernbank was one of the first cultural institutions in the country to offer an opportunity to enjoy the late-night atmosphere of a museum with music, cocktails and giant-screen movies. The final opportunity to attend this signature event will make for a lively way to kick off the holiday season. Fernbank will debut a brand new after-hours program, Fernbank After Dark, on February, 10, 2017. The new series will feature exclusive Museum access for ages 21+ with activities and science exploration designed just for adults. Additional details to be announced. Visit FernbankMuseum.org for more information, tickets and pricing. NOON YEAR’S EVE The celebration will continue with Fernbank’s annual Noon Year’s Eve event on December 31 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 pm. A jubilant way to ring in the new year for families, this festive event features a massive balloon drop at noon, B98.5’s Tripp West playing kid-friendly tunes and fun activities to kick off 2017 well before bedtime. Space is limited for this event and visitors are required to purchase tickets in advance at FernbankMuseum.org. HOLIDAY SHOPPING AND MEMBERSHIP SALES For those searching for the perfect holiday gift, Fernbank’s Museum Store offers a variety of options including, dinosaur merchandise for the T. rex-crazed tot, jewelry for mothers and grandmothers, and science kits, games, toys, ornaments and more for anyone who enjoys a bit of science-y fun. Gift memberships and gift certificates are also available. The Museum Store’s annual holiday sale will offer an additional 10% off store purchases for Museum members on December 3 and December 4. For a fantastic and affordable way to enjoy Fernbank all year long, a Cyber Sale from November 23, 2016 – November 29, 2016 will offer 20% off all membership levels. A Holiday Membership Sale from December 12 – 26 will offer 15% off all membership levels. Some restrictions apply. Visit FernbankMuseum.org/Membership for more information. TICKETS AND INFORMATION All Winter Wonderland activities and holiday programming are included with Museum admission and are free for members. Evening viewing hours during the Martinis & IMAX® Series Finale are included with cover charge tickets as well as with Giant Screen IMAX® film tickets. The Museum Store is available for shoppers without a ticket for Museum admission. Museum admission is $18 for adults, $17 for seniors, $16 for children ages 3 to 12, free for children ages 2 and younger and free for Museum members. Martinis & IMAX® prices are $8 for cover charge or $13 for a Giant Screen IMAX® film ticket, which includes a free cover charge. Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. Tickets and visitor information are available at FernbankMuseum.org and 404.929.6300. Fernbank Museum will be closed on Nov. 24 and Dec. 25 but will offer its new, expanded operating hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday - Saturday throughout the remaining holiday season. Winter Wonderland is presented in part by The Nissan Foundation in support of cultural learning. Cultural celebrations made possible by Publix Super Markets Charities.

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