Santa Comes to Town: New Acquisitions from the Museum Collection

This exhibition welcomes the holiday season with a spotlight on the enduring image of Santa Claus. The now-iconic figure of the beloved “jolly old elf” took shape in the late 1800s through the work of printmakers—most notably Thomas Nast, whose illustrations in Harper’s Weekly helped popularize the modern vision of St. Nick. Alongside Nast’s influential depictions, the exhibition showcases works by other American artists who shaped holiday traditions through wood engravings, lithographs, and hand-colored prints. Together, these festive images capture the magic of the season and the spirit of imagination that has made Santa an enduring symbol for more than a century.

These festive prints join the Museum’s collection as part of a major gift of popular imagery celebrating this holiday icon. The presentation captures not only the magic of the season, but also the spirit of imagination that has made Santa an enduring symbol for more than a century.