Celebrate the Holidays at the CF Appleton Museum of Art

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. This year, the museum’s majestic oaks will be lit with twinkling lights. Additional large-scale decorations will adorn the grounds with holiday cheer.

On view Nov. 8-Jan. 8, “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” returns to the first floor of the museum. This beloved annual display is from the collection of Ocala cardiologist Dr. Paul Urban, his wife, Joyce, and daughters, Katie, Kristie, Kassie and Karlie. In addition to beautifully decorated trees, see the architecture, customs and history of Victorian England come alive in the popular miniature Dickens Village, alongside an extensive collection of nutcrackers from all around the world and handmade Byers’ Choice caroler dolls.

On the second floor, enjoy trees decorated by community groups and organizations. Participating organizations include: City of Ocala, Hiers-Baxley Community Care, Ocala Civic Theatre, TJM Promos and Urban Family Counseling.

“The Appleton is happy to welcome back this longstanding tradition of holiday fun, and we thank our community partners who are participating in this year’s community tree display,” said Victoria Billig, assistant director at the Appleton.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the annual Community Day event, sponsored by the Urban family, offers free admission. Visit the permanent collection and special exhibitions including “A Dickens Christmas” and “Blow Up II: Inflatable Contemporary Art” and make holiday crafts in the Artspace. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the auditorium, enjoy a free holiday photo op with Belle and the Beast from Once Upon a Party. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the café. Food trucks will be on-site throughout the day.

If you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift, an Appleton Museum of Art membership is truly the gift that gives all year. A variety of membership levels are offered to fit the needs of every individual, couple or family. Visit AppletonMuseum.org for membership details. We also invite you to visit the Appleton Store any time with no admission fee to find unique gifts for all ages including artist-made jewelry, art books and activities for adults and children, holiday home decor and more.

About the Urban Family Collection

Joyce Urban’s love of Christmas began when she was a child in the city of Philadelphia. Every year, she would go see the elaborate decorations at the department stores that were set up along the path she walked as she went to see Santa. This wonder of Christmas has stayed with her through the years. She began publicly displaying her collection in 1989 because she wanted to provide a place for children of all ages to experience the holiday magic she enjoyed as a child. Over the years, her Christmas Tour has raised money for many local charities including Harvest International, Interfaith, Pilot Club, Women’s Pregnancy Center and the Counseling Resource Center where she once worked as a counselor. In 2012, Joyce opened Urban Counseling where she continues her legacy of helping others.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.