Newtown Yardley, PA Holiday Announcements

Step Back to an Enchanting Time at Grundy Museum's "Victorian Holiday House 2025: Toys & Tinsel"

Bristol, PA, November 4, 2025 – The Grundy Museum announces the return of its annual holiday tradition, Victorian Holiday House on November 21, 2025, with a new themed exhibit, "Toys & Tinsel."

This year's celebration invites guests to step into the wonder of a Victorian inspired Christmas, surrounded by antique toys and the elegance of seven beautifully decorated Christmas trees throughout the Grundy Museum in historic Bristol Borough.

Each room will showcase Victorian holiday splendor thanks to the creative efforts of museum staff, volunteers, and designer Jimmy Bason Gilpatrick, with his talented team from Bird of Paradise Flowers on Mill Street.

"The Grundy Foundation is proud to support this much-loved holiday tradition," said Jameson Gilpatrick, Executive Director of the Grundy Foundation. "The Victorian Holiday House connects our community to its past in a truly joyful way, blending heritage and history with holiday spirit and inviting families and friends to make new memories on the Delaware River."

At the heart of this year's theme are antique Victorian toys from the remarkable private collection of Troy Chinnici-Bianchi of Philadelphia. His passion began 50 years ago when his great aunt gave him her cherished childhood toys. His collection has grown into a museum-worthy tribute to craftsmanship and timeless imagination. Visitors will see rare pieces such as hand-carved rocking horses, vintage dolls, miniature carousels, Steiff teddy bears, and wooden toys. Many of these are on display publicly for the first time.

"Victorian Christmas was a season of wonder, warmth, and storytelling," said John Whitenight, Director of the Museum. "Each toy tells its own story, and through 'Toys & Tinsel,' we invite visitors to rediscover the magic of childhood treasures that once brought joy to children and their families more than a century ago."

The Victorian era (1837–1901) transformed Christmas into the festive celebration we know today. Traditions such as decorated evergreen trees, gift exchanges, holiday cards, family get-togethers and charitable giving became staples of the season. Toys from this period reflected the artistry and innovation of their time.

The Opening Night of this event is on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 6pm, and will feature a live violin performance by Claudia Pellegrini and light refreshments served in the Museum's South Lawn Garden. Tickets are $50.

Following the Opening Night, Walk-Through Tours will be available from November 22 through December 20, 2025, for just $5 per person, offering visitors a cozy and nostalgic way to experience the holiday season. Proceeds from the ticket sales will support the Museum's educational programs.

To make the celebration even more delightful, the Grundy Museum has partnered with local restaurants – Itri Wood Fired Pizza, and The King George Inn – to introduce "Date Night in Winter." Guests can enjoy exclusive dining discounts before or after their museum tour, blending history, romance, and local flavor into one festive evening experience in Bristol Borough.