The Springfield Museums presents Jurassic Jingle Bells, four days of hands-on activities, from December 27–30. The program offers a festive blend of science, creativity, and prehistoric fun for visitors of all ages to dig into during school vacation. All activities are free with museum admission.
“Dinosaurs are one of our absolute favorite topics,” says Family Engagement Coordinator SarahRose Adan. “We can think of no better way to wrap up the year than by building, exploring, and celebrating everything dinosaurs here at the Museums.”
The program coincides with the Museums’ 16th annual gingerbread exhibit. The year’s imaginative display, Jurassic Gingerbread, features dinosaur-inspired creations crafted by local bakers, families, schools, and community groups. Guests can enjoy the exhibit while participating in interactive activities that bring paleontology to life.
Daily Activities (December 27–30)
Dino Build, 11 am-3 pm
Reconstruct dinosaur skeletons using everyday household materials, exploring how paleontologists piece together the past.
Animal Explorations, 11 am-3 pm
Compare and contrast the features of birds, dinosaurs, and other animals to reveal surprising evolutionary connections.
Air-Dry Fossils, 11 am-3 pm
Create your own “fossil” by imprinting objects into air-dry clay — a hands-on way to understand how traces of ancient life are preserved.
Dino Tracks Field Guide, 12-4 pm
Make a zine-style field guide of dinosaur tracks, then use it on a self-guided track hunt around the Connecticut River Valley’s historic track sites.
In addition to the dino-mite exhibit and activities, visitors can tour an upgraded Who-ville experience in the Grinch’s Grotto and an exhibition of winter-themed prints from the permanent collection, both entering their final weeks on view at the Museums.
Winter Wonderland: The Enchantment of the Season
Iconic American scenes from Currier and Ives, meticulous hibernal wood engravings by renowned New England artist Asa Cheffetz, and a survey of snow-dappled Japanese woodblock prints by Andō Hiroshige combine visual art with engaging photo opportunities and hands-on activities to bring the magic of the season to life.
Explore a winter wonderland and get into the Grinchmas spirit! Exclusive to the Museums, step inside the Grinch’s home on Mount Crumpit and strike a pose for holiday photos. Explore Who-ville, write a letter to the Grinch and drop it in the Who-ville Post, and celebrate Grinchmas by playing games of the season. Grow your heart three sizes with the joy of this immersive experience. The Grinch appears from 11:30 am-3:30 pm from December 27-30
Programs and exhibitions presented as part of Grinchmas, sponsored by the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, Auth Fuels, M&T Bank, Wolf and Company, P.C., New England Public Media, and Connecticut Public. Lighting of the Quadrangle illuminations made possible by Decorate with Lights Western Massachusetts. The Grinch’s Grotto is from Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
MassMutual is the season supporter of the Springfield Museums.