There’s a new trend this holiday season. Out: pine needles. In: cactus needles. The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is hosting the most unique holiday party in St. Pete, as it announced the unveiling and lighting of its giant ‘Yule Cactus’ this December.
The holiday extravaganza takes place on Tuesday, December 3 from 6-8 pm and will include fun for adults, children and everyone in between. The event in The James Museum’s immaculate atrium is free to attend, but registration is required and space is limited.
Festivities for the the party include the unveiling and lighting of the never-before-seen Yule Cactus, art making classes (including a sensory snow activity, painting, and a make-you-own snowglobe station), alcoholic and non-alcoholic seasonal drinks, pictures with Cowboy Santa, and even a special treat: a mini horse from Honey’s Mini Therapy Adventures, which will perform the ceremonial lighting of the cactus. St. Pete may have found its own Li’l Sebastian. 
The festive extravaganza is a perfectly St. Pete party, mixing art and open doors with all the quirky and kitschy personality we love about our city. The giant Yule Cactus will remain on display until January, and the museum hopes it will become a new annual tradition.
“We were inspired by the iconic saguaro cacti found in the southwest, which can grow to enormous heights,” Nicholson explained. “Our holiday cactus is a reminder of the grandeur of nature, and we hope guests will have a moment of wonder and awe when they see it for the first time, no matter their age.”
The James goes all out for the holidays
In addition to the Yule Cactus (we really can’t wait to see this beauty), The James Museum is hosting a slew of excellent events to help us get into the spirit of the holidays. In fact, this December’s calendar is every bit as big as that 12-foot cactus (and far less prickly). There is something for all ages all month long at The James.
Yule Cactus Unveiling and Lighting Ceremony
December 3, 6–8 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with a NEW annual tradition. Join us in the inaugural lighting of The James Museum’s never-before-seen Yule Cactus. This 12-foot spectacle is the perfect backdrop for your family’s holiday card this year. Enjoy seasonal drinks, artmaking activities for all ages and take your photo with Cowboy Santa before a special guest from Honey’s Mini Therapy Adventures turns on the Yule Cactus lights at 7 p.m.
Winter Bar Crawl (Hosted by the Trailblazers)
December 5, 6–9 p.m.
Gather your friends and join us for a holiday bar crawl in downtown St. Pete! Holiday attire encouraged. Enjoy discounted and specialty drinks at several locations including Good Night John Boy and Glamper. In partnership with Forward Hospitality Group. 21+ only.
James Playdate: Winter Wonders
December 6, 10, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
This event is FREE thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor!
We welcome our youngest learners and their caregivers each month. Grab your stroller and come for a morning filled with art, touchable objects, stories, songs and a chance to connect with other adults. Ages 0-3 with an adult.
Listening Party: Winter Wonderland Market
December 10, 5–8 p.m.
Need that one special gift for the holidays? Explore a cozy market full of unique goods from local businesses, get a picture with Cowboy Santa and enjoy the sounds of holiday classics as you wander the galleries upstairs. A few lucky guests will go home with prizes!
Sensory-Friendly Morning with Honey’s Mini Therapy Adventures
December 14, 9–10 a.m.
This event is FREE thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor!
Activities and artmaking experiences are specifically designed for adults and families with neurodiversity or sensory processing differences, featuring mini horses from Honey’s Mini Therapy Adventures! The mini horses will be available for live sketching, petting and pictures. All ages and developmental levels are welcome.
Family Matinee: Togo: The Untold True Story (2019)
December 14, 1–3 p.m.
This event is FREE thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor!
Togo is the untold true story set in the winter of 1925 that takes you across the treacherous terrain of the Alaskan tundra for an exhilarating and uplifting adventure that will test the strength, courage and determination of one man, Leonhard Seppala, and his lead sled dog, Togo. (Rated PG).
Film nights generously sponsored by Greg & Anne Yadley.
Family Artmaking: Holiday Break Open Studio
December 23, 26, 27, 30, 31 and January 2, 3, 1–4 p.m.
This event is FREE thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor!
When school is out, fun is IN at The James! Drop by the studio and create art inspired by the winter season—experiment with icicle painting, snowflake gelli prints, puffy snow painting and more. Ages 4-12; children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information about The James and to register for these events, visit thejamesmuseum.org/events and follow the museum on Instagram and Facebook.
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