One of Ocala’s best holiday traditions is back, adorning the first floor of the museum in full holiday cheer.
“A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” is the private collection of Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban and their daughters Katie, Kristie, Kassie and Karlie. They have lived in Ocala since 1989. Joyce Urban’s love of Christmas began when she was a child in the city of Philadelphia. Every year she would go see the elaborate decorations at the department stores set up along the path she walked as she went to see Santa. This wonder of Christmas has stayed with her through the years. She began publicly displaying her collection in 1989 because she wanted to provide a place for children of all ages to come experience what she did as a child. Over the years her Christmas Tour has raised money for many local charities including Harvest International, Interfaith, Pilot Club, Women’s Pregnancy Center and the Counseling Resource Center where she worked as a counselor. In 2012 Joyce opened Urban Counseling where she continues her legacy of helping others.
The Urban Family is honored to loan a portion of their Christmas collection to the Appleton Museum of Art during this holiday season and hope it brings joy to all who see it.
In addition to ornately decorated trees, see the architecture, customs and history of Victorian England come alive in the popular Dickens Village miniature. Also on display, an extensive collection of nutcrackers from all around the world and handmade Byers’ Choice caroler dolls. The display is different every year. We encourage you to visit, even if you’ve enjoyed this display in the past, and to bring your holiday guests.
Adorning the second floor of the museum are trees decorated by community groups and organizations. Participants include Appleton Artspace, Bridge to Hope, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, Hiers-Baxley/Highland Memorial Park and Urban Counseling.
Outside, the museum’s majestic oaks shine again with twinkling lights. Additional large-scale decorations deck the grounds with holiday cheer.
Holiday Community Day
Saturday, December 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Learn more