Photo courtesy of Musical Instrument Museum

Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix invites you to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with ‘Tis the Season: Holidays at MIM, a festive exploration of winter holiday traditions from across the globe, complemented by an array of musical performances. This vibrant celebration takes place December 9 and 10, and is included with paid museum admission, free for members.

Located at 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., MIM becomes a bustling hub of holiday cheer, offering a unique opportunity to learn how diverse cultures celebrate their distinctive winter holidays, all through the universal language of music. This program, supported in part by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and the Arizona Commission on the Arts, promises an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Saturday and Sunday Activities Include
• Holiday Craft: Sleigh Bells (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Engage in hands-on creativity by making your own sleigh bell, perfect for accompanying the day’s musical performances.
• Photo Booth (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Capture the moment in MIM’s hands-free photo booth and share your festive snaps on social media with #MIMphx for a chance to be featured on MIM’s channels.
• Pop-Up Performance: Dickens Carolers (10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.): Experience the joy of traditional carols with the Dickens Carolers as they serenade guests.
• Gallery Mini-Tours (11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.).: Junior museum guides lead short, informative tours focusing on global holiday celebrations.
• Music-Making Workshop (11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.).: Learn to play a holiday classic on the luge in a family-friendly session.

Unique Performances
• The Hot Beignets (Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to noon): A New Orleans-style holiday performance that will have you tapping your feet.
• Mariachi Rubor (Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to noon): A vibrant medley by the talented Mariachi Rubor.
• Orchestrion: Holiday Playlist (Noon and 3 p.m.): Enjoy holiday tunes played on MIM’s largest instrument.
• Kwanzaa Storytelling with Súle Greg Wilson (12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.): A participatory exploration of Kwanzaa traditions.
• Las Palomas del Norte Handbell Ensemble (2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.): A melodious handbell performance to ring in the holiday spirit.
• Rural Street Klezmer Band (3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.): Celebrate Hanukkah with this spirited performance.

‘Tis the Season: Holidays at MIM is more than just an event; it’s a heartwarming journey through the sounds and stories of different cultures’ winter celebrations. For more information, visit mim.org.