We are still receiving the question, “Is the new location open this year?” Unfortunately, our answer continues to be, “Sorry, no.” The National Christmas Center has not yet moved to its permanent home. However, we are excited to share that there are some new displays being revealed this year that should definitely entice you to return.

One of the major highlights is the resurrection of our large, wooden, hand-carved Nativity. In years past, the spectacular Nativity was on display inside the Star Barn and also inside the Main Barn at Ironstone Ranch. As our estate events grew in size, and space was needed in those barns, the large Nativity was temporarily put into storage much to the disappointment of our guests. However, for 2025, it has been dusted off and moved into The National Christmas Center! This one-of-a-kind Nativity was hand carved from basswood by Ludwig Andreas Kraus (1921-1982) of Oberammergau, Germany between 1958 and 1965. The Nativity was on display in the Marshall Field's Department Store at their flagship store in Chicago until Target purchased the store in 1990. It then found its way to The National Christmas Center in Paradise, PA where it was displayed for many years before The National Christmas Center was purchased by David Abel and moved to its current location.

Another feature which actually made its debut last year is a collection of handmade masterpieces by curator, designer and artist, Dolph Gotelli. Beautifully presented behind individual windows, each themed exhibition was meticulously created with extraordinary detail and care. Gotelli has designed many holiday exhibitions using his collections of dolls and toys in elaborately detailed tableaux that allow each viewer to imagine a personal story or memory. 

“My Christmas installations transport the viewer by awakening their ‘inner child’ with nostalgic memories of holidays past.”  - Dolph Gotelli

We can’t forget Jolly Old Saint Nick! PA native, Bob Phillips, portrayed Santa Claus in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade for seven years. He was also the White House Santa for three years during the George W. Bush administration. A room at the Christmas Center has displayed memorabilia from Phillips’ personal collection for several years. This year, the Phillips collection expanded to include Phillips’ Santa costume, complete with his black shiny boots. 

A few other special surprises for this season include handmade Santa and Mrs. Claus figures outside the Candy Shop sitting amongst new Ornament Trees and exquisitely detailed Gingerbread Houses. In addition, a newly added Reindeer Barn houses animated reindeer, and Santa’s Workshop and the Coke display have gone through transformations. 

Ask any guest about their experience at The National Christmas Center and you are bound to hear, “I’ve never seen anything like it! There was so much to see that I didn’t get to see it all!” Well, this year there is even MORE to see! Grab your tickets now and make your visit to The National Christmas Center a part of your annual Christmas tradition!



Photos by Darrel Moyer