Dec 12, 20202 min read

The George Eastman Gingerbreads are Back!

By Kellie Fraver

New health and safety measures in place, including timed ticketing and online auctions, to bring the holidays back to the museum. The George Eastman Museum plans to bring its annual Sweet Creations gingerbread display back for 2020. The exquisite show of more than 40 cleverly designed and deliciously decorated gingerbread creations will open to the public on November 6 and will remain on view through December 13. The museum is making a few changes to its holiday traditions this year to ensure the health and safety of its guests, including timed ticketing, extended hours, and a virtual silent auction.

Timed Tickets and Extended Hours In order to manage crowds, the museum is requiring advance timed ticketing for nonmembers. Tickets can be reserved in 90 minute blocks and should be purchased in advance at eastman.org/tickets. Museum members and others receiving free museum admission (SNAP/EBT cardholders and active-duty military and their families) do not need to purchase tickets in advance. The museum is also extending its hours on four Thursday evenings (November 12, 19; December 3, 10) during the run of Sweet Creations from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. _____

Online Silent Auction & Virtual Tour The silent auction for the Sweet Creations gingerbread display, Handcrafted Wreaths, and Tabletop Trees will be held online. Guests can view the gingerbreads, wreaths, and trees in person or online, and place their bids from any mobile device or computer. Proceeds from the auctions benefit the George Eastman Museum. Those unable to make it to the museum in person can also view the displays and the decorated mansion through a virtual 360-degree tour, and access an online-only holiday-themed scavenger hunt at eastman.org/holidays. _____

Handcrafted Wreath Display The George Eastman Museum’s annual handcrafted wreath display and auction will be on view from November 4 through 29 in the museum’s Potter Peristyle. This year’s selection features nearly 40 wreaths created by florists, garden clubs, local businesses, and individuals, and all wreaths are available via online silent auction. Proceeds from the auction benefit the George Eastman Museum. The holiday wreath display is included with museum admission.

Tabletop Tree Display Festive tabletop trees decorated in various themes by local groups and businesses will be on display throughout the historic mansion from November 18 through December 16. More than a dozen trees will be available for purchase via online silent auction. Proceeds from the auction benefit the George Eastman Museum. The tabletop tree display is included with museum admission. _____

For More Information on Holiday Events Call (585) 371-4800 or visit us online. Museum hours during Sweet Creations (November 6 through December 13) are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on select Thursdays (November 12, 19; December 3, 10); 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. (The museum is closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day). General museum admission: $18 adults; $16 seniors (65+); $7 students (with ID) and ages 5–17; and FREE for ages 4 and under. Admission to the Eastman Museum is FREE for SNAP/EBT cardholders and their families, and for active-duty military personnel and their families. Advanced tickets are required and can be purchased at eastman.org/tickets. Masks and social distancing are also required.