Holiday magic and memories

The Neville Public Museum has launched its annual Holiday Memories of Downtown Green Bay exhibit for its 17th year of recreating the Christmas magic many found at H.C. Prange’s years ago.

“It is wonderful to see the preservation and fabrication. The magic that we are able to recreate is great,” said the Neville’s Collections Manager Afton Esson.
With over 60 animatronics in storage being shuffled in and out of shows, leaving time for “tired friends to take a break,” including Snow Babies and forest animal collections, the exhibit is guaranteed to be a unique experience for all Christmas-loving viewers.

This year’s show is hosting about 30 of the animatronic friends dancing and journeying through the enchanted forest.

Aside from the characters frolicking in the snow, Bruce the Spruce, the adored talking Christmas tree, stands tall at the exhibit’s entrance.

Bruce the Spruce will be up and ready to chat at specific times throughout this holiday season.

While Bruce is awake, the Chidren Only Shop will be open.

At the Children Only Shop, children ages four to 12 are invited to purchase a holiday gift and have it wrapped by the elves.

For specific times, visit nevillepublicmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/exhibits/current-exhibits/holiday-memories-of-downtown-green-bay-2025/.

Within the Enchanted Forest, there are a few modern figures alongside characters straight from Prange’s, making this a sure multi-generational hit.

“With this being my third holiday season with the Neville, I am so excited to see the amount of people and families that come out to continue or start building their family traditions,” said Ali Smurawa, education specialist at the Neville Public Museum.

The Neville’s Exhibit Technician, Maggie Dernehl, takes on this Christmas challenge every year and brings all the vintage Christmas spirit back to Downtown Green Bay.

This year is no different, so if you are looking for a little trip down memory lane or just a nudge into the Christmas spirit, stop down at the Neville Public Museum any time during regular hours until Jan. 12.