History for the Holidays: The Spirit of Celebrations Past
Dec 14, 2026, 6:30 PM ET<a href="https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/history-for-holidays?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/history-for-holidays?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223">smithsonianassociates.org…</a>
The holiday season in America is a rich tapestry woven from diverse cultural threads, yet many of the customs cherished today are surprisingly recent inventions. Public historian Ken Turino traces how Christmas evolved from a rowdy, once-outlawed celebration into today's family-centered holiday. He reveals how Christmas trees, holiday decorations, and even Santa Claus came to be, while highlighting traditions shaped by Spanish, French, Dutch, and other immigrant cultures.