Free events are being held at Bernhard Museum and Placer County Museum in December to kick off the holiday season. Photo courtesy of Placer County

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - Placer County Museums is kicking off the holiday season with two festive — and free — community events at two Auburn museum locations.

S’mores & Stories at the Bernhard Museum
Families are invited to gather around the fire at the historic Bernhard Museum from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12 for an evening of hot cocoa, s’mores, holiday stories and live music. Guests can also enjoy the museum’s new Victorian Christmas exhibits on display for the season. 

Old Town Christmas at the Placer County Museum
As part of Auburn’s Old Town Christmas celebrations, the Placer County Museum, inside the historic courthouse, will open its doors for two special holiday evenings, 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20. Visitors can enjoy crafts, cookies, cider, stories read by Mrs. Claus by the fireplace and access the event’s only indoor public restroom. The beautifully decorated courthouse provides a festive backdrop for families exploring Old Town Christmas activities.

Both events are presented by Placer County Museums, offering residents and visitors a chance to experience local history in a warm and memorable holiday setting.

For more information on these and other museum programs, call 530-889-6500 or visit http://www.placer.ca.gov/museums.