Ohmygosh.
You guys.
Who knew that such a cool place would be in little ol’ Medina, OH?
Castle Noel opened last year… It’s a Christmas museum, and is, well, amazing.
Being a DC girl now, I’m very critical of museums. Castle Noel is beautiful and well-done, but still has a long way to go. The exhibits lack flow, and is in severe need of a curator.. Or, if they already have a curator, a better curator.
BUT, don’t let that keep you from going. Castle Noel is (obviously) very crowded this time of year but is totally worth the wait. Here are some of my favorites…
1) They recreated the Santa Mountain from A Christmas Story… complete with the slide.. Oh, and they take your picture when you’re going down the slide.. It’s fast. My picture is very unattractive, so my mom and sister bought a copy. Of course.
2) Santaaaaa!!!
3) Cindy Lou Who’s bedroom set from The Grinch
4) A Bloomingdale’s window.. Shoes… Love love looove it.
5) Jim Carrey’s costume from The Grinch.
Window Displays!!! Castle Noel has a a TON of window displays from retailers such as: Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Lord and Taylor, and Marshall Field’s. Even more are being restored in their workroom.
Movie Props: Castle Noel is also home to many, many Christmas movie props.
1) Christmas house prop from Deck the Halls.
2 and 3) Costumes from Elf
4) Reindeer harnesses from the 1985 Santa Claus movie with Dudley Moore.
Overall review: Beyond cool, worth the wait, and amazing…. Long way to go, but, hey, gives me a reason to go back next year!