The holidays begin at the museum with An Eastman Christmas CD Launch Party and Sweet Creations on November 3
Rochester, N.Y., October 11, 2017—The George Eastman Museum will kick off the holiday season on November 3, when the annual Sweet Creations—the exquisite display of dozens of cleverly designed and deliciously decorated gingerbread houses—opens to the public. That evening, the Eastman Museum Council is hosting a CD Launch Party for An Eastman Christmas, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to celebrate the official release of the new album of holiday music performed on George Eastman’s Aeolian pipe organ—recorded live in the historic mansion.
Over the years, Sweet Creations has featured hundreds of memorable gingerbread designs, including houses of all sizes, famous landmarks, trains, cars, and even cameras. A beloved holiday tradition, this annual display provides a visual and aromatic treat for visitors of all ages. New this year, a small selection of the exquisitely designed creations will be on display through New Year’s Eve. The rest of the cleverly designed gingerbread creations are available for purchase in a silent auction, and highest bidders will be able to take their prize gingerbread home after December 13. Proceeds from the auction help support future restoration projects of George Eastman’s National Historic Landmark estate. Sweet Creations is a project of the Eastman Museum Council and is made possible by M&T Bank, Tops Friendly Markets, and Tasteful Connections. The display will be on view through December 13.
New for this holiday season, the Eastman Museum Council is releasing An Eastman Christmas, a selection of 24 holiday favorites, performed on the Aeolian pipe organ in Eastman’s historic mansion. An Eastman Christmas includes music from the 19th and early 20th centuries, from “Silent Night” to “Jingle Bells”—all Christmas classics that entrepreneur and philanthropist George Eastman would have been familiar with.
The album was recorded live in the historic mansion on Eastman’s three-story, 6,037-pipe Aeolian pipe organ and performed by Joe Blackburn. Blackburn is a veteran organist and music teacher who trained at the Eastman School of Music, and he has been a volunteer organist at the museum for 12 years. The album was produced by Jack and Bonnie Garner, with recording and mastering by Antonio H. Guerrero. The album will be available for purchase online and in the Museum Store for $20 (including tax) with all proceeds benefiting the George Eastman Museum.
An Eastman Christmas CD Launch Party
Friday, November 3, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $50
Celebrate the launch of the new album of holiday classics performed on George Eastman’s Aeolian pipe organ, and enjoy a live preview of a selection of tunes. In addition, guests will receive a first look at the 2017 Sweet Creations gingerbread display throughout the historic mansion. Light refreshments and wine. CDs will be available for purchase that evening for $20 (including tax). Tickets available at eastman.org/holidays.
2017 Holiday Events & Films
Wreath Display & Auction
The George Eastman Museum’s annual holiday wreath display and auction will be on view from October 31 through November 26. This year’s selection features more than 20 wreaths created and donated by florists, garden clubs, and local businesses, available for sale via silent auction. The holiday wreath display and auction is organized by the Eastman Museum Council and is included with museum admission.
Tabletop Tree Display & Auction
Tabletop trees decorated in various themes by local groups and businesses will be on display throughout the historic house. The trees will be available for purchase via silent auction, with proceeds benefiting fresh flower arrangements in the historic house throughout the year. The trees will be on view November 14 through December 17. The tabletop tree display is included with museum admission.
Holiday Music
Enjoy an hour of holiday organ music performed by Joe Blackburn, resident organist at the George Eastman Museum on Sunday, December 3 at 3 p.m. The special holiday performance is free to members and included with museum admission.
Holiday Homecoming Celebration
Savor the seasonal spirit at the George Eastman Museum’s annual Holiday Homecoming celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 7. The event includes holiday decorations and displays, live music, refreshments, and holiday family activities, plus a visit from Santa, who will pose for photos in the decorated Living Room (bring your camera). Included with museum admission. No discounts or passes.
Holiday & Family Films in the Dryden Theatre
The Dryden Theatre will be screening holiday and family favorites throughout the season. The selections include Rocky (John G. Avildsen, 1976) on Thanksgiving weekend, November 24 and 26; It’s a Wonderful Life (Frank Capra, 1946) on December 6 and 10; and The Nightmare Before Christmas (Henry Selick, 1993) on December 24. For the full list of holiday and family films, visit eastman.org/dryden. Regular Dryden admission: $8 adults/$6 members/$4 students (w/ID), FREE for 17 and under.
It’s a Wonderful Life with Zuzu and Tommy Bailey in Person!
Wednesday, December 6
Meet and Greet begins at 6 p.m./ Film program starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15 general, $12 members, students, and youth; available online at eastman.org/holidays
Zuzu ( Karolyn Grimes) and Tommy ( Jimmy Hawkins), two of the beloved Bailey children from Frank Capra’s 1946 classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, will be at the Wednesday evening screening. Grimes and Hawkins will participate in a meet-and-greet and a Q&A before the film, where they will share stories and childhood memories from the set. The event is in partnership with the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum in Seneca Falls, NY.
New Year’s Eve Dinner & A Movie at the Dryden Theatre
Celebrate the New Year with dinner and a movie on New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31. Enjoy a special holiday dinner in the Eastman Museum Café before the screening of It Happened One Night (Frank Capra, 1934). Tickets are $25 and include dinner, beverage, dessert, and admission to the screening. Seatings are available between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., and the film begins at 7:30 p.m. Reservations for dinner are required and can be made by calling (585) 327-4940 by Tuesday, December 26. Tickets for the screening only are available at the Dryden Theatre box office or online at eastman.org/dryden.
For More Information
For information on holiday events, call (585) 371-4800 or visit eastman.org/holidays. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, (Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day). General museum admission: $15 adults; $13 seniors (62+); $5 students (with ID) and ages 5–17; and FREE for ages 4 and under. Dryden admission is $8 general admission; $6 members; $4 for students (with ID); FREE for 17 and under.
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For press images, visit https://eastmanmuseum.box.com/v/holidays.
