“Seasons of Sharing”

Where can you find Santa Claus, a dreidel, a telescope and a “No Room” sign? At “Seasons of Sharing,” of course. The new Children’s Museum of Houston exhibit explores winter celebrations from around the world. There’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, and Las Posadas. There’s also Diwali, Kwanza and the Lunar New Year celebration. The museum will have a playhouse for each tradition so children can “visit” each culture.

Every weekend during the exhibit’s run, a different culture is spotlighted, and this weekend it’s Ramadan. Children can make telescopes (to see the phases of the moon that mark the celebration), solve mosaic puzzles (of designs that are often found in Muslim mosques), see live musical performances, learn songs, or make calendar chains and prayer rugs. It’s learning disguised as fun, but shhh, don’t tell the kids.

The museum is usually closed on Mondays; today is a rare exception. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays; and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays (with free admission after 5 p.m.). 1500 Binz. Through January 13, 2008. For information, call 713-522-1138 or visit www.cmhouston.org. $3 to $5.
Mon., Nov. 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: Nov. 19. Continues through Jan. 13, 2007