WinterFaire

Open Nov. 16, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025.
Museum members can visit the exhibit a day early!

WinterFaire is a magical indoor world featuring a festive, carnival-like atmosphere, fun-filled games, loveable critters, and hands-on activities. Play, laugh, and make lifelong memories together in this one-of-a-kind indoor winter experience. Includes labels in English and Spanish.

Presented by

Make magic with the chameloen Indigo. Work with others to touch all six symbols on the "frozen" fountain, its frozen plumes will change colors—and so will Indigo's body
Test your skills in fan-favorite carnival games with a winter twist
- Play Skee-Ball
- Aim “snowballs” at virtual targets
- Race your snowboard down a snowy virtual hill
- Toss rings around pin shaped penguins—who can land the most?
Put on an apron and help Gerty run her shop in the Artisans Corner
In the Community Corner, explore winter-inspired art from around the world, including four pieces commissioned by The Children's Museum that highlight highlight different holidays and celebrations
- Diwali—the Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of light over dark
- Hanukkah—the Jewish festival of lights celebrating the rededication of the Temple
- Kwanzaa—a celebration of family, community, and African American culture
- Las Posadas—a Christmas celebration in Latin American countries that commemorates Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem

Zoom down WinterSlide

The animals of WinterFaire have used the frozen fountain’s magical water to turn the beloved slide in the Sunburst Atrium into the icy WinterSlide! The “snow” on either side will light up as you race toward the bottom.

How fast will you go?

You must be 37“ tall to ride WinterSlide alone
Children may ride on an adult's lap

WinterSlide presented by

Visit with Santa

Santa arrives at WinterFaire on Nov. 29, collecting water from the frozen fountain to help power his sleigh and reindeer, gathering gifts from Artisan Square, and posing for photos with you!

Meet WinterFaire’s enchanted creatures

These five lovable creatures are ready to welcome you to their enchanted winter home. Members and social media helped us name our adorable new friends!

Ember

Ember is a fluffy red fox. When you see her welcoming smile and furry red coat at the WinterFaire entrance, you’ll know that you’re about to be transported to an enchanted world!

Indigo

Knowledgeable in all things mystical, Indigo is an elusive chameleon. You’ll find them perched on an illuminated frozen fountain—the source of WinterFaire’s magic. When you work together with other visitors to touch all six symbols on the fountain, its frozen plumes will change colors—and so will Indigo’s body!

Flip

An energetic and carefree lover of carnival games, Flip is a harbor seal who will get you excited for a variety of all-ages activities with a winter twist. In WinterFaire, you’ll be able to play Skee-ball, throw “snowballs” at moving targets, and race snowboards!

Storm

WinterFaire’s adventurous, brave, and daring ice phoenix, Storm will greet you to his ice cave that’s full of activities to get you building, jumping, climbing, and balancing as you play and explore.

Gerty

Sweet, creative Gerty the beaver is a woodworker who presides over the Artisans Corner. You can help her run the shop and spark your creativity as you take on the role of artisan as you create a bright, colorful WinterFaire design.