Chattanooga Times Free Press - ChattanoogaNow
Ring in the new year at noon
Children are invited to join Father Time and Baby New Year on Tuesday, Dec. 31, for the annual New Year’s at Noon party in the Creative Discovery Museum.
New Year’s at Noon is designed specifically for children to celebrate a new year’s countdown since they will be asleep before the midnight countdown. The party is held from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the children’s museum, 321 Chestnut St.
Children attending the celebration will learn about the passage of time using traditional adult activities presented in a child-friendly manner, such as a kazoo rendition of the traditional classic “Auld Lang Syne.” As part of the celebration, the museum will hold a countdown to noon with Father Time and Baby New Year, complete with a confetti drop at the strike of noon.
At 1 p.m., Father Time will lead guests in an energetic dance party followed by indoor “fireworks” — which occur when children stomp on yards of bubble wrap. Children can also make hats, wands and shakers throughout the event.
“New Year’s at Noon is a great way to celebrate the new year with kids,” says Dr. Jayne Griffin, director of education at Creative Discovery Museum. “The event allows children to experience the passage of time and a traditionally adult holiday in a playful, interactive way.”
Museum doors will open at 10 a.m., and craft activities will begin at that time. The New Year’s at Noon celebration draws a crowd to the museum, so visitors are encouraged to arrive no later than noon to enjoy the activities.
For the comfort and safety of guests, museum staff will limit attendance of this event to no more than 1,000 people in the building at a time. When capacity is reached, doors will reopen after 12:30 p.m. to allow other guests to come in.
All activities are included with admission of $14.95. For more information: 423-756-2738.