Get ready for a month packed with play, learning, and holiday cheer! Located at 60 Morgan Rd in Binghamton, NY, The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier has an incredible line-up of programs and events planned for December—it's truly the epicenter of family fun this season!
Experience Holiday Magic at The Discovery Center!
Village of Gingerbread Grand Opening
- When: 4-7PM on Friday, December 5, 2025
- What: Enjoy FREE admission (thanks to the Broome County Arts Council's United Cultural Fund) for the grand opening of A Village of Gingerbread - A Magical Trip Around the World! This spectacular village, created by community members, will be on display through January 4, 2025.
- Admission: FREE
Ho! Ho! Ho! Holidays & Santa's Workshop Opening
- When: 10AM-2PM on Saturday, December 6, 2025
- What: Begin your holiday season with the opening of Santa’s Workshop! From 10AM - 1PM, enjoy holiday activities, crafts, and a fun gingerbread man and lady scavenger hunt. Visit with Santa and Buddy the Elf and then watch the Johnson City High School Sophisticats perform their Holiday Show at 1PM. Although Santa leaves after the event, his workshop stays open throughout December so you can tinker with toys, sit in Santa’s sleigh, or visit the reindeer barn! Keep an eye out for King Moon Racer at the Island of Misfit Toys—and the Grinch, too!
- Admission: Included with Museum admission
Discover Hanukkah
- When: 1-3PM on Sunday, December 14, 2025
- What: The Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton, PJ Library, JCC, Hillel Academy, and The Discovery Center invite everyone to celebrate the Festival of Lights! Sing festive songs, create fun Hanukkah crafts, and enjoy delicious treats.
- Admission: Included with Museum admission. Jewish families can register for free admission by December 12, 2025.
Winter Movie Magic
- When: 11AM - 1PM on December 22-23, 26, & 29, 2025 (followed immediately by a movie showing)
- What: Get ready for holiday fun with themed activities and festive films!
- December 22: Elf - Buddy approved fun, crafts, and cheer!
- December 23: The Polar Express - Wear pajamas, sip hot cocoa, and take a magical ride!
- December 26: Happy Feet - Dance along with Mumble, themed crafts, and winter activities!
- December 29: Harry Potter - End the year with wizarding wonder! Come dressed as your favorite character!
- Admission: Included with Museum admission
New Year's Eve Extravaganza
- When: 10AM - 2PM on Tuesday, December 30, 2025
- What: Embark on a whirlwind trip around the world! Explore how The Philippines, Spain, and Puerto Rico welcome the new year. Ring in the New Year with balloon drops at 11AM, 12PM, and 1PM!
- Admission: Included with Museum admission
Toddler Time & STEAM for Little Hands
The fun continues every week with developmental and educational programs designed for toddlers and preschoolers!
- Toddler Time (Mondays, 10AM - 12PM): Focuses on developmental skills and fun.
- Upcoming Themes: Frost and Fun Gingerbread, Jingle Bell Shakers, Puffy Paint Christmas Cookies, Trim the Tree, and Whimsical Wands.
- STEAM for Little Hands (Wednesdays, 10AM - 12PM): Exploratory activities combining Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, and Math.
- Upcoming Themes: Holiday House, Snowy Day Sensory, and Arctic Adventures.
GIVEAWAY! Win a One-Year Family Membership!
Here's your chance to win a gift that inspires curiosity, creativity, and year-round family fun! We're giving away a Family Membership to The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier, valued at $110!
12/16/25 UPDATE: Congratulations to the giveaway winner, Laura A.!
The Family Membership includes two adults and their children under 18 residing in the same house.
Give the Gift of Play!
Can’t wait to win? A Discovery Center Membership makes a wonderful holiday gift, unlocking unlimited fun and learning for the entire year! Some membership levels even grant you free or discounted admission to hundreds of other science centers and children's museums across North America through programs like the ASTC Travel Passport Program and/or the Association of Children's Museums (ACM) Reciprocal Network. Visit thediscoverycenter.org to learn more!
This article and giveaway is sponsored by The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier, a valued sponsor of Macaroni KID Binghamton. We appreciate your support in reviewing our sponsors' articles and hope that their offerings are useful for you and your family.
Macaroni KID Binghamton is run by a local mom and this website is supported solely by our local sponsors. If you would like to join our network of family-friendly businesses and connect with local parents in Binghamton, Johnson City, Vestal, Apalachin, Owego, and beyond, please reach out and learn how you can share your offerings with our readers!
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