From the Stuhr Museum:

The magic of Christmas returns to Grand Island December 4, 10, 11 & 12 during Stuhr Museum’s “Christmas Past and Present.”

The museum’s signature event also includes a night exclusively for museum members on Friday, December 3. Festivities run from 6-9 p.m. each night with the exception of Dec. 12, which runs from 2-5 p.m.

From the soft glow of lanterns to the smells of Christmas cooking to the 19th century decorations around every corner, visitors to Stuhr Museum identify “Christmas Past and Present” as one of the most memorable events on the museum’s schedule.

This year, Stuhr’s 1890’s Railroad Town will feature dozens of open homes and businesses to explore and visit, the sounds of live music will waft from the rural church, visitors can take a horse-drawn wagon ride around the grounds and Christmas past will be celebrated in many different and memorable ways. Events include:

•Cooking in the Cleary Farmhouse

•Scrap Ornament making in the Milisen House

•Make a Tinsicle in the Tinsmith Shop

•Create a paper ring ornament for the tree at the Peters School

•Christmas baking in Menck Cabin at the Road Ranche

•Special shopping at the Mercantile

•Father Christmas and Bazaar in the Town Hall

While echoes of past yuletide can be found in Railroad Town, the Stuhr Building features modern Christmas trimmings. Visitors can also have their picture taken with Santa on his antique sled, check out the unique gifts at the newly stocked and redecorated Prairie Treasures Gift Shop, hear live music and explore the Kids Corner dressed to fit the festive spirit.

The Stuhr Building also features the breathtaking “Fantasy of Trees” exhibit, which showcases more than 80 lavishly decorated trees created by area businesses, clubs and organizations. The exhibit begins on November 22nd and runs through January 1, 2011.

Be sure to log onto www.stuhrmuseum.org for a full list of activities and information, including a schedule of live musical performances, an interactive map of the grounds and much more. It’s a great way to plan your visit.

Admission is $8 for Adults, $6 for Youth (6-12), and free for children 5 and under. Stuhr Museum and Hastings Museum members are admitted free.

Events will be held in multiple buildings across Stuhr Museum’s grounds, both indoors and outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. The event also includes areas of low light and some prefer to bring a flashlight.

Call Stuhr Museum at 308-385-5316 or log onto www.stuhrmuseum.org for additional information about “Christmas Past and Present.”