Photo credit: Museum of the Southwest

What to watch: The Museum of the Southwest is opening its doors for this year’s Christmas at the Mansion Open House on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 2–5 p.m. at 1705 W. Missouri Ave. The free community event transforms the Turner Mansion and the entire museum campus with holiday décor, hands-on activities, and a visit from Santa Claus.

The big picture: Christmas at the Mansion has been part of Midland’s holiday season for decades. Families can explore more than 10 Christmas trees decorated by museum volunteers and community partners, the Southwest Express Train Depot, the Land of Fire and Ice dinosaur exhibit at the Fredda Turner Durham Children’s Museum, and gallery shows in the Lissa Noël Wagner Wing.

The Gingerbread Workshop returns to the front lawn of the mansion and is open to all ages. Note that participants must bring their own gingerbread house, or they can purchase a cardboard version in the gift shop while supplies last.

Inside the mansion, guests can view Visions of Santa by artist Billy Keen, a 50-piece portrait collection created over five decades. As one of the museum’s major annual fundraisers, Christmas at the Mansion supports exhibits, educational programs, and the museum’s ongoing care.

What’s next: Christmas at the Mansion continues next week with ReinBeer XIV on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 6:30-10 p.m., an adults-only holiday celebration featuring beer tastings, live music, s’mores and churros, and outdoor “reindeer games.” Tickets are $100 per person or $75 for Museum members for up to two tickets.

The Visions of Santa holiday exhibition remains on display during museum hours and all Christmas at the Mansion events through Dec. 30.