Christmas Traditions

Our Christmas Traditions event has been rescheduled for SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21st from 12:00 – 4:30.

Discover Christmas and the joys of the Yuletide season spanning centuries and cultures. Our site will be decorated with festive adornments showcasing the different holiday traditions and origins of German, English, Scots-Irish, and early American culture. Over time, various customs were borrowed or melded with the practices of others, and by the latter part of the 19th century, an American tradition of Christmas began to emerge that united various cultural customs. Our log houses will be open to the public and decorated for Christmas reflecting those different traditions and customs. Smell the white pine adorning the log cabin interiors, get cozy by the fire and candlelight, and learn about the traditions of Christmases past!

Event activities include making scented orange pomander balls, pine-cone ornaments, tin punch patterns, and paper crafts, and hearing a special children’s story time at 2:00 by the fireplace inside Hanna’s Tavern. Featured stories include “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Clement C. Moore, excerpts from “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, and “An Early American Christmas” by Tomie dePaola.

We will also hold a meet-and-greet with Father Christmas himself, Santa Claus! Stop inside our 1910’s era farmhouse next door to the Education Center, and Mr. Claus will have a special treat in store for kids.

The Westmoreland History Shop will feature seasonal decor, handmade creations, books for adults and children, vintage toys and games, and many other special gifts and keepsakes.

Event includes admission to the exhibit Cut from the Same Cloth: A Turn of Phrase Explored Through Historic Clothing Styles inside the Kendra Gallery of the Westmoreland History Education Center.

Join us at Historic Hanna’s Town and the Westmoreland Historical Society for a fun day of activities celebrating winter and the holiday season, great for all ages!