My family visited the Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature exhibit at the Concord Museum this past weekend and had a wonderful experience that will become an annual tradition. The exhibit blends the magic of the holiday season with the joy of reading, artistic expression, and community spirit. Celebrating its 30th year, this event transforms the museum into a unique winter wonderland where children’s books come to life through decorated Christmas trees and wreaths, offering a literary twist on the classic seasonal display. It is the perfect stress-free holiday outing for families and a must-see for book lovers and anyone looking for an unforgettable dose of holiday cheer.
While we recognized some classics, we discovered many unfamiliar titles, making it a wonderful opportunity to explore new authors and illustrators. Our visit coincided with the exhibit’s 30th birthday celebration, complete with author meet-and-greets and even a surprise appearance by the Very Hungry Caterpillar. Our visit offered something special for each of my kids. My oldest, an aspiring writer, was over the moon getting to meet and chat with the authors, while my artsy daughter loved admiring all the beautiful handmade decorations. The highlight for my son was seeing the Very Hungry Caterpillar in real life. We discovered the book Millie Fleur's Poison Garden by Christy Mandin during our visit, and it’s become an instant favorite in our home.
The list of book options is selected by the Museum's educational staff and includes both new books and long-time favorites. Over 30 community organizations and businesses each select a book from the list, create decorations based on the book's theme, and set up and decorate their tree.
To keep young visitors engaged, the experience starts with a scavenger hunt. This interactive approach encourages children to pay attention to the little details of the beautiful trees. Their effort is rewarded with a small prize to be collected at the front desk — a simple touch that provides a final moment of delight for families on their way out.
Many trees are paired with a hands-on activity such as designing your own bookmark, contributing a note about a favorite book to hang on a tree, or playing with related items like a wooden bedtime play set. The thoughtful integration of play ensures children stay engaged, making it a fun and memorable experience.
One of the most charming features is the arrangement of small chairs set up beside decorated trees, inviting families to pause for story time.
What makes the event more meaningful is knowing that all the magic supports the museum’s valuable educational programs, giving you the opportunity to give back in an impactful way by supporting this fundraiser.
I highly recommend making this a part of your holiday calendar; it’s a rare opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the simple, timeless magic of a good book in the perfect Christmas setting.
Concord Museum
54 Cambridge Turnpike
Concord, MA. 01742
Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature is open through January 4th
Hours: The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Special holiday hours are offered Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The museum is usually closed on Mondays but will be open on December 22nd and December 29th, as well as December 31st and January 1st.
Cost: Adults $20; Seniors/Students $15; Youth (6–17) $10; Children (3–5) $5; Children under 3 are Free. (Note: Admission to the exhibit includes access to the entire museum.)
On-site and street parking available.
