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A Magical Evening for a Worthy Cause
Join us for a delightful family-friendly community reception and online donation drive supporting Three Square as we celebrate our December To Remember Holiday Exhibition on Friday, December 6, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Experience the holiday magic and cultural charm of the season while exploring The Las Vegas Natural History Museum.
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Meet the talented creators who bring enchanting traditions to life in each display
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Participate in exciting winter-themed science experiments
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Capture treasured moments with Santa in festive photos
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Enjoy the seasonal melodies performed by Michael and his jazz quartet
Admission is complimentary for each guest with the donation of one non-perishable item (minimum one donation per guest per entry-but the more items the merrier!), or items from the personal hygiene, baby products, or paper cleaning lists found in the link below: http://www.threesquare.org/lvnhm
-OR- you can make an online donation between November 1 - December 5 and present your receipt at the admission desk.
Celebrating The Holidays
Through The Wonders of Culture, Customs & Traditions From All Over The World
Judaism
Judaism, a monotheistic faith rooted in the teachings of Abraham, Moses, and Hebrew prophets, centers on a relationship with one transcendent God. It encompasses a rich cultural heritage, sacred texts, and traditions guiding the spiritual and daily life of Jewish people around the world.
Islam
Islam, a major world religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad in 7th century Arabia, centers on the idea of islām, or “surrender” to the will of Allah (God). Muslims, as believers are called, accept Allah as the sole creator and sustainer of the universe. The teachings of Islam are found in the Qur'an, the holy scripture revealed to Muhammad as Allah's messenger.
Christianity
In the month of December, Christianity celebrates Christmas, also known as
“mass on Christ’s day,” on the 25th to recognize the anniversary of the birth of
Jesus Christ, who Christians believe to be the son of God. Christmas traditions, like decorating trees, caroling, and gift-giving, evolved from the practices of St. Nicholas, a 3rd-century monk known for his generosity.
FEATURED EXHIBITS
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, begins on the 25th of Kislev (usually in December) and is celebrated for eight days. This holiday honors the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, with candles lit each night to celebrate and reaffirm Jewish ideals. Today, Hanukkah is one of the most widely observed Jewish celebrations.
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Kwanzaa
During the month of December, Kwanzaa is celebrated as an African American
holiday from December 26th to January 1st.
Kwanzaa, created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, is a cultural celebration honoring African American heritage. It focuses on seven principles (Nguzo Saba) represented by candles lit daily in a kinara. These principles guide reflection and discussion, fostering unity and self-determination within the African American community.
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Grand Market in Jamaica
Gran' Market, held on Christmas Eve across Jamaica, is a vibrant, festive celebration and one of the season’s highlights. Shoppers flock to major towns for last-minute gifts, unique items, and holiday décor, with lively street dances, music, and entertainment filling the night.
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Parols - Philippines
The parol, a star-shaped lantern, is an iconic symbol of Filipino Christmas spirit, embodying faith, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness. Traditionally displayed outside homes and along streets, parols represent the Star of Bethlehem and trace back to the Spanish colonial era when they guided the faithful to Simbang Gabi, a 9-day Christmas devotion.
Legend of the Christmas Spider
The Legend of the Christmas Spider is an Eastern European folktale, especially cherished in Ukraine, where spiders are symbols of Christmas luck. The story tells of a poor widow whose Christmas tree was magically covered in silver and gold cobwebs, inspiring the use of tinsel and spider ornaments (*pavuchky*) in holiday traditions.
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The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a Christmas story set on Christmas Eve, and is about a little
girl's favorite Christmas toy, a nutcracker, coming to life. Originally written in
1816 by Prussian author E. T. A. Hoffmann, Alexandre Dumas' adapted The
Nutcracker story when he wrote “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” This
would later become the inspiration for The Nutcracker ballet, which is the
common version of the story today.
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Christmas Eve in El Salvador
In El Salvador, Christmas Eve, also called “Nochebuena,” is primarily connected to the Catholic holiday of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, and
focuses on religious traditions. Nochebuena, meaning “Good Night,” is widely used to refer to Christmas Eve, which encompasses a church service at midnight
on Christmas Eve, a significant part of the celebration. Salvadorans spend Christmas Eve with family, enjoying a festive meal and sharing traditions, including the launching of fireworks in celebration.
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Our Lady of Guadalupe
The apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531 is a pivotal moment in Mexican history and faith. When the Virgin Mary appeared to the Indigenous Mexican, Juan Diego, on Tepeyac Hill, she left an indelible mark on the nation's cultural and religious identity. The miraculous image imprinted on Juan Diego's tilma (cloak) is revered as a symbol of hope, protection, and cultural syncretism. It represents the blending of Indigenous and Catholic beliefs, fostering a unique spiritual expression that continues to inspire millions of Mexicans and people around the world.
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Boxing Day in Jamaica
Boxing Day in Jamaica is a day of celebration, cultural exchange, and charity that takes place on the day after Christmas, December 26.
The Jonkonnu parade celebrates Boxing Day, and kicks off The Jamaican Pantomime season. Shows are
shown at the Little Theatre Complex in Kingston and have a mix of British tradition and Caribbean culture. Families also gather together for a meal on
Boxing Day, with traditional foods including baked ham, peas pudding, and mince pies, and people donate to those in need or volunteer at a local charity.
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American Traditions - Santa Claus
The beloved figure of Santa Claus has its origins in St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity.
Over time, St. Nicholas's legend evolved and merged with various cultural traditions, ultimately shaping the modern image of Santa Claus.
In the 19th century, New Yorkers Clement Clark Moore and Thomas Nast played pivotal roles in solidifying Santa's image as a jolly gift-giver. Moore's poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and Nast's illustrations brought Santa Claus to life, capturing the hearts of millions and creating a beloved Christmas tradition.
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Italian Nativity
During the month of December and January, the Italian nativity scene, also known as presepe, is associated with several winter holidays, Festa dell'Immacolata Concezione on December 8th, Christmas on December 25th, and Epiphany on January 6th. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is when decorations start to be put up, utilizing the nativity scene showcasing the birth of Jesus Christ as a central part of the holiday season, being displayed in homes and churches throughout the country. Epiphany is the last day of winter holiday festivities where children hang stockings by the fireplace in anticipation of a visit from Befana, an old woman who brings presents.
