This holiday season, discover holiday traditions, explore a castle decorated for Christmas, and experience Nativity scenes from around the world at Glencairn Museum.
Whether continuing a family tradition or discovering Glencairn for the first time, visitors are invited to experience the beauty, history, and holiday traditions of this National Historic Landmark.
Glencairn Museum is a museum of religion, art, and history located in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. Housed in a National Historic Landmark built as the home of Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn, the Museum features art and artifacts that explore religious beliefs and practices across cultures and throughout history.
Visitors can explore the holiday traditions of the Pitcairn family, admire dozens of handcrafted Nativity scenes, and discover the history, architecture, and religious art of this National Historic Landmark from Nov. 27, 2026, through Jan. 24, 2027.
The annual “World Nativities” exhibition features dozens of handcrafted, three-dimensional Nativity scenes representing cultures and traditions from around the world. The exhibition explores how artists interpret the Nativity through their own cultural, regional, and spiritual customs. Many of the settings were created by Bryn Athyn artist Kathleen Glenn Pitcairn. Self-guided admission is $5 per person and is included with guided tours and event attendance. Free for Museum members and children ages four and under.
Visitors can experience Christmas in the Castle, a 60-minute guided tour spanning five floors of Glencairn from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, . For four decades, from the 1940s through the 1970s, the Pitcairn family celebrated Christmas in the castle with a concert, a large three-part Nativity scene, a towering Christmas tree, and a Christmas Day meal. Today, visitors can discover these family traditions while exploring the historic rooms and distinctive craftsmanship of the former family home. The tour concludes with self-guided access to the World Nativities exhibition. Reservations required with the cost of $15 adults and $12 seniors and students.
Additional guided tours are available throughout the season. The 90-minute Highlights Tour explores Glencairn’s history, architecture, family spaces, and collection of religious art and artifacts, tracing the building’s transformation from a private residence into a museum dedicated to religious art.
Special programs offer opportunities for families and creative adults to experience the season at Glencairn. Christmas Homeschool Mornings, offered Dec. 11, 15, and 17, featuring a guided Christmas in the Castle tour and self-guided activities for homeschool families. On Dec. 12, adults ages 16 and older can participate in a hands-on ceramic ornament workshop, designing and carving their own molds to create custom ornaments inspired by Glencairn.
The Highlights Tour is available on weekends throughout the season. Reservations are required with the cost of $15 adults; $12 seniors and students. Free for Museum members and children ages four and under.
Reservations and information are availably by calling 267.502.2600.or visiting the Glencairn Museum wrbsite.
- Nov. 27–Jan. 3: Daily, 12:00–4:30 p.m.; except Dece. 7–8, Dec. 24–25, and Jan. 1.
- Jan. 5–24: Tuesday–Sunday, 1:00–4:30 p.m.; closed Mondays.
For additional information, visit GlencairnMuseum.org.
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