Press Release: November 3, 2026
Holidays at the Autry 2026
(November 3, 2026—Los Angeles, CA) The Autry Museum of the American West invites you to celebrate the holiday season with us! Get into the holiday spirit on Saturday, November 21, at the Autry’s annual Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration. Attendees can enjoy a performance by The Sugarplums, the 2020 winners of the CW’s The Christmas Caroler Challenge. After the tree lighting on the Autry Plaza, head inside to enjoy a live DJ, line dancing lessons, holiday drinks and food for purchase, access to all museum galleries, and holiday shopping at the Autry Store with a special discount! On Saturday, December 5, join the Autry for Santa’s Winter Wonderland, featuring a snow play area on the Autry backlot, festive treats, holiday crafts, live music, and a chance to take a photo with Santa Claus!
On Sunday, December 6, take in the Strong Words Holiday Show: Voices of the City at the Autry, produced in collaboration with the arts organization Strong Words, whose members also share their stories in the exhibition Life, Liberty, and Los Angeles. This special event brings those voices off the gallery walls and onto the stage. The following week, enjoy a special Autry After Hours on Thursday, December 10, with "Happy Holidays" from the SAG-AFTRA Radio Players. Performers will present scripts from early radio broadcasts filled with drama, humor, vintage attire, and commercials with old-time sound effects. Attendees can also enjoy extended Autry Store hours from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. during the Holiday Sip and Shop, when the store will provide cookies, candy, fruit, and Martinelli’s apple cider, as well as complimentary wine and cheese after 7:00 p.m.
Please join us for Gene Autry Christmas Day at the Museum Store on Saturday, December 12. The Autry Store will offer free cookies to visitors and host a store giveaway, including vintage Here Comes Santa Claus sheet music and a Christmas card. Vintage items from the recently closed Gene Autry office will also be available for purchase.
Finally, on Saturday, December 19, enjoy Family Fun Day: Frosty the Snowman, celebrating the 76th anniversary of Gene Autry's recording of the popular holiday carol. Families can create their own snowman, take photos inside a life-size snow globe, and learn songs like "Frosty the Snowman" and other favorites before joining a holiday sing-along. Attendees can also enjoy free chocolate in the Autry Store and a 10 percent discount. Supporter, Patron, and Curator’s Circle members can enjoy 20 percent off in the Autry Store.
Download press release as PDF (1.36 MB)
Press Inquiries
Tayler Young
Associate Director of Marketing & Communications
323.495.4261
tyoung@theautry.org