Buffalo Bill Center of the West

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    • ItinerariesDiscover some quick day trips in and around Cody.
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    • Calendar of EventsSee what events are happening during your visit here.
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    • Blogs, articles, and featuresmuseum icon
    • ExhibitionsFind out what’s on view in our Center.
    • Beyond Our WallsSee how we bring the West to the World.
    • EventsEnjoy learning more about the American West.
    • NewsroomStay up-to-date with all Center happenings.
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    • School Programs & ResourcesEssential info and resources for teachers and students.
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    • Skype in the ClassroomLive, interactive K–12 field trips.
    • WorkshopsExplore hands-on programs for kids, families, and adults.
    • Conservation InternshipsTraining for conservators from all over the world.
    • Pre-K ProgramsSet up a guided tour for your preschool class.
    • Field TripsInvestigate outdoor adventures for adults and children.
    • Highlights MapsDiscover collection highlights in each of our museum.
    • Games and InteractivesLearn about the collection through online interactives.
    • Lectures & FilmsPlan for future talks and view past program videos.
    • Western EssaysDelve into historical information on western topics.
  • Shop
    • Books
    • Clothing and Accessories
    • Gifts
    • Native American Replicas
    • Fine Art
    • Quality Leather
    • Native American Jewelry
    • Navajo Rugs
    • Pottery
    • Prints
    • Media
    • Baskets
  • Research
    • McCracken Research LibraryFind books, photos, archives, media, and more.
    • Digital CollectionsExplore our extensive photo and manuscript collections.
    • Archival Collection List and Finding GuidesBrowse inventories of archival collections.
    • The Papers of William F. CodyDiscover scholarship on the man and the myth.
    • Fellowship ProgramContribute to new scholarship using Center collections.
    • Buffalo BillUncover in-depth information about William F. Cody.
    • Greater Yellowstone Natural HistoryLearn more about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
    • Western ArtDelve into the lives and works of western artists.
    • Plains IndianDiscover more about Plains Indian tribes and collections.
    • FirearmsFind a firearms bibliography, glossary, and more.
    • ConservationFind out how we preserve Center collections.
    • Rights and ReproductionsLicense or reproduce images from our collections.
  • Support
    • Planned GivingLeave your legacy with a bequest or estate gift.
    • Patrons BallAttend our annual gala fundraiser.
    • MembershipBecome a supporter and receive great benefits.
    • VolunteerSupport the Center with your time and talent.
    • 1966 Pontiac GTO winner: Ticket # 4206Our winner: Ticket number 4206 from Bozeman, Montana!
    • Give TodayMake a donation to programs and operations.
    • Why I SupportSee what motivates donors to give to the Center.
    • A.P. Proctor bronze winner: Ticket # 1115407Our winner: Ticket number 1115407 from Dayton, Ohio!
    • Raptor ExperienceHelp provide care for our avian friends.

Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Become a Member Sign up for our Newsletter
  • Visit
    • Current HoursDecember 1–February 28: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday–Sunday
    • Hours and RatesPlan your visit to the Center of the West.
    • Group SalesBook a commercial or non-commercial tour with us.
    • Facility RentalsHost your event in one of our indoor or outdoor spaces.
    • Visiting YellowstonePlan your visit to Yellowstone National Park.
    • LodgingSelect from a variety of local accommodations.
    • ItinerariesDiscover some quick day trips in and around Cody.
    • DirectionsFind driving directions and check road conditions.
    • StoriesFind your story among ours.
    • Calendar of EventsSee what events are happening during your visit here.
  • Explore
    • Our Museums
      • Buffalo Bill Museum Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • Draper Natural History Museum Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • Whitney Western Art Museum Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • Plains Indian Museum Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • Cody Firearms Museum Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • McCracken Research Library Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • Online Collections Buffalo Bill Center of the West
      • Blogs, articles, and features Buffalo Bill Center of the West
    • Museum Details
      • ExhibitionsFind out what’s on view in our Center.
      • Beyond Our WallsSee how we bring the West to the World.
      • EventsEnjoy learning more about the American West.
      • NewsroomStay up-to-date with all Center happenings.
  • Learn
    • School Programs & ResourcesEssential info and resources for teachers and students.
    • Family ProgramsFamily-friendly programs, activities, and craft ideas.
    • InternshipsCollege students may apply to gain museum experience.
    • Skype in the ClassroomLive, interactive K–12 field trips.
    • WorkshopsExplore hands-on programs for kids, families, and adults.
    • Conservation InternshipsTraining for conservators from all over the world.
    • Pre-K ProgramsSet up a guided tour for your preschool class.
    • Field TripsInvestigate outdoor adventures for adults and children.
    • Highlights MapsDiscover collection highlights in each of our museum.
    • Games and InteractivesLearn about the collection through online interactives.
    • Lectures & FilmsPlan for future talks and view past program videos.
    • Western EssaysDelve into historical information on western topics.
  • Shop
    • Books
    • Clothing and Accessories
    • Gifts
    • Native American Replicas
    • Fine Art
    • Quality Leather
    • Native American Jewelry
    • Navajo Rugs
    • Pottery
    • Prints
    • Media
    • Baskets
  • Research
    • McCracken Research LibraryFind books, photos, archives, media, and more.Buffalo Bill Center of the West
    • Digital CollectionsExplore our extensive photo and manuscript collections.
    • Archival Collection List and Finding GuidesBrowse inventories of archival collections.
    • The Papers of William F. CodyDiscover scholarship on the man and the myth.
    • Fellowship ProgramContribute to new scholarship using Center collections.
    • Buffalo BillUncover in-depth information about William F. Cody.
    • Greater Yellowstone Natural HistoryLearn more about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
    • Western ArtDelve into the lives and works of western artists.
    • Plains IndianDiscover more about Plains Indian tribes and collections.
    • FirearmsFind a firearms bibliography, glossary, and more.
    • ConservationFind out how we preserve Center collections.
    • Rights and ReproductionsLicense or reproduce images from our collections.
  • Support
    • Planned GivingLeave your legacy with a bequest or estate gift.
    • Patrons BallAttend our annual gala fundraiser.
    • MembershipBecome a supporter and receive great benefits.
    • VolunteerSupport the Center with your time and talent.
    • 1966 Pontiac GTO winner: Ticket # 4206Our winner: Ticket number 4206 from Bozeman, Montana!
    • Give TodayMake a donation to programs and operations.
    • Why I SupportSee what motivates donors to give to the Center.
    • A.P. Proctor bronze winner: Ticket # 1115407Our winner: Ticket number 1115407 from Dayton, Ohio!
    • Raptor ExperienceHelp provide care for our avian friends.
  • Visit
  • Explore
  • Learn
  • Store
  • Research
  • Support
Home > Newsroom > Buffalo Bill Center of the West hosts free Holiday Open House

Buffalo Bill Center of the West hosts free Holiday Open House

November 21, 2018 by Nancy McClure

Lighted trees, Greever Garden

Lighted trees, Greever Garden

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West invites the region to come celebrate the season with the Buffalo Bill Center of the West at the annual Holiday Open House, a day filled with festive decorations, Santa Claus, and entertainment. There’s nothing like the sight of a sixteen-foot decorated Christmas tree and gingerbread house to put everyone in a festive mood!

The Holiday Open House takes place Saturday, December 1 and is free, but families attending are encouraged to share the holiday spirit: The Center asks that you bring a non-perishable food item, still packaged toy, dry pet food, or pet toy item and place it in the applicable collection box at our entrances. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West will distribute the food donations through Cody food pantries. Toys will be distributed through Toys for Tots and pet items will go to the Park County Animal Shelter.

Local and regional groups perform for the crowds at the open house, with entertainment running simultaneously in two venues. The diverse programs offer something for everyone: music by choruses, carolers, honor choirs, jazz bands, and instrumental quartets; dance in styles from ballet to modern, clogging to tap. All these performers generously volunteer their time and talent.

Santa Claus considers the Buffalo Bill Center of the West a very important stop in his preparations for Christmas Eve each year. Children of all ages can visit with Santa at the Holiday Open House and tell him their wishes for the holiday season. Parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras or cell phones to capture these precious memories! Nearby, the Cody Reading Council is on hand to read favorite Christmas and holiday stories. If that line to Santa is long, there will be plenty to entertain the children while they wait!

Commemorate the occasion with a free souvenir bookmark. Our resident printer, Mike Parker, helps visitors print their own bookmark next to William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s printing press in the Buffalo Bill Museum.

In front of the Center’s Museum Store, popular local author and historian Bob Richard signs copies of his latest book, Frost & Richard Camping Co. Journey to Yellowstone, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. His latest title is available for purchase along with several of his other works about the Cody area, his experiences as a Yellowstone Park ranger, as a tour guide for groups in the Yellowstone region, and how his photography avocation follows in the shoes of his father, Jack Richard.

The Museum Store offers a storewide sale—30 to 75 percent off, with some exceptions—during the Holiday Open House. With every $50 purchase, receive a free Crow Cradle poster. This is the perfect time to complete those final Christmas present purchases!

Lobby Christmas tree, 2017

Lobby Christmas tree, 2017

Schedule: 2018 Holiday Open House entertainment
(subject to change)

Coe Auditorium

  • 10 a.m. – Sunset Honor Choir
  • 10:30 a.m. – Livingston Elementary Choir
  • 11 a.m. – Eastside Honor Choir
  • 11:30 a.m. – Yellowstone Harmony Chorus
  • Noon – Break
  • 12:30 p.m. – Alphabell Music (vocal)
  • 1 p.m. – Alphabell Music (instrumental)
  • 1:30 p.m. – 40 Fabulous Finger
  • 2 p.m. – 40 Fabulous Finger
  • 2:30 p.m. – Lovell Recorder Quartet
  • 3 p.m. – Sheets Family Music
  • 3:30 p.m. – Sheets Family Music
  • 4 p.m. – Sheets Family Music

John Bunker Sands Photography Gallery

  • 10 a.m. – Cody High School Jazz Band
  • 10:30 a.m. – Cody Middle School Mini Ensemble
  • 11 a.m. – Cody Community Choir
  • 11:30 a.m. – Break
  • Noon – Cody Center for the Performing Arts
  • 12:30 p.m. Break
  • 1 p.m. – Victoria’s School of Dance
  • 1:30 p.m. – Victoria’s School Dance
  • 2 p.m. – Absaroka Mountain Thunder Cloggers
  • 2:30 p.m. – Sunlight Martial Arts
  • 3 p.m. – Break
  • 3:30 p.m. – Rocky Mountain School of the Arts
  • 4 p.m. – Rocky Mountain School of the Arts

Keep in mind that the Buffalo Bill Center of the West’s hours change on December 1; the Center will be open Thursday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., closed Monday–Wednesday.


Since 1917, the award-winning Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming, has devoted itself to sharing the story of the authentic American West. The Center is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. For additional information, visit centerofthewest.org or the Center’s pages on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact: Samantha Harper at [email protected] or call 307-578-4138.

Filed Under: Newsroom
Tagged With: Bob Richard, free event, holiday open house, Museum Store, Park County Animal Shelter, Santa Claus, Toys for Tots

 

About Nancy McClure

Nancy works with electronic communications, including website, events, news, images, and social media. She produces the e-newsletter Western Wire, writes news releases, and assistant edits Points West magazine. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys photography, plays the flute, and is attempting to learn to play the piano.

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