ENTERTAINMENT

Morris Museum to host Teddy Bear Tea on Saturday

JENNIFER L. NELSON
CORRESPONDENT

Children and their beloved teddy bears are invited to the annual Teddy Bear Tea at the Morris Museum on Saturday.

The popular holiday tradition invites children and their families to enjoy elegant teatime treats, enjoy a performance at the Bickford Theatre and visit with Santa and his bag full of gifts.

The Teddy Bear Tea event has been running for more than 20 years.

“It all started as a way for families to come together and make a visit to the museum part of their annual holiday traditions, and to enrich children’s lives with a theater performance,” said Lana Duda, director of individual giving and donor relations.

Tickets are $20 per person. Advanced reservations are required by calling the museum or visiting the website.

The event is designed for families with children from ages three to eight. Seatings are available at 1 and 3 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to arrive with their favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal.

“All of our attendees typically arrive dressed up for tea,” she said. Refreshments include tea and juice along with light snacks, such as finger sandwiches and cookies.

“We also have a dress-up station for anyone who wants to embellish their outfits a bit more, from hats to tiaras to necklaces,” Duda said.

The Teddy Bear Tea includes a performance of “The Woodbin Holiday Follies” in the Bickford Theatre. The 20-minute performance is designed to be kid-friendly, with a festive holiday plot and singing and dancing.

“It’s a very interactive show, and kids are going to be encouraged to get in on the fun,” she said.

Parents are welcome to bring cameras and capture memories throughout the holiday party.

“The smiles on the children’s faces are definitely the highlight of the event,” Duda said. “They’re so excited to get dressed up and enjoy the afternoon with their parents and favorite teddy bears, and have the opportunity to see a show in our theater.”

Tickets to the Teddy Bear Tea also include admission to the Morris Museum.

“We love that it’s a way for children of all ages to experience the museum and all the arts, sciences, and theater we have to offer here,” Duda said.

All participants will go home with a small teddy bear and a gingerbread cookie as a memento of their experience.

“The Teddy Bear Tea has become a really nice way for the family to kick off the holiday season together,” she said. “People who once brought their children are now bringing their grandkids to this event, and we’re thrilled to be part of the community and so many holiday traditions.”

TEDDY BEAR TEA

WHEN: 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown

COST: $20

INFORMATION: morrismuseum.org, 973-971-3706