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Old Sturbridge Village has always been one of my favorite places to visit and discover about life in 19th century New England.
Now with the holiday season upon us, the village once again displays its ability to provide a learning experience in a fun and entertaining way.
So what’s in store for you this season?
First, the village is decorated tastefully for Christmas. I say tastefully because in keeping with its tradition of being authentic to the time period it depicts, Old Sturbridge Village will decorate to 19th century standards rather than 21st.
This means no plastic reindeer or extravagant lighting displays around houses, but each house decorated according to the homeowner’s income and means. Some decorated more elaborate than others.
You’ll also be able to take some of the traditional decorations you’ll see in the village houses home with you by shopping at the Old Sturbridge Village gift shop.
Spirit of the Season...
By day 9:30am – 4:00pm you can walk the village and enjoy special tours, performances, and hands-on activities.
If the weather allows you can bring your skates and join others skating on the village common area in a festive and heart-warming atmosphere, and then grab a cup of hot cocoa from Miner Grant Store and Bake Shop. Or take a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride around the common.
If you’ve little ones then visit to Santa’s workshop at the Samson’s Children Museum and have their photo taken with Santa. Make an ornament, decorate a cookie, listen to yuletide stories, and hear Charles Dickens read Christmas Carol. There’s a special activity going on each day in December at Old Sturbridge Village.
Christmas Traditions by Candlelight
On Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings on weekends of 12/3 and 12/20, Old Sturbridge Village will be open from 4:00pm – 9:00pm. On these special Candlelit Evenings you can explore holiday traditions and find out how they arrived in New England. What has fruitcake and roasted chestnuts got to do with Christmas? And what really is the story behind the Yule log?
Special events are already lined up for these evenings. And they include local musicians and choirs, puppeteers, and readings from popular Christmas works. Take all these in or just stroll around the lantern-lit common and its shops and houses.
Stop in at the Bullard Tavern or Center Meeting House where many of the special events will take place. And for the kids Santa’s workshop will be open at the Children’s Museum and a photo with Santa available.
Brunch with Santa in the Village...
On December 6th, 13th, and 20th, 2009 you can enjoy a unique opportunity to visit with Santa and enjoy a hearty Sunday Brunch in the Oliver Wight Tavern. Cost is $18.95 per adult and $6 for children 10 and under. Reservations are recommended.Visiting Old Sturbridge Village during the Yuletide season is an enjoyable and entertaining way to experience a 19th century Christmas for the whole family. As activities and events are added each day check their web site for schedule details here: www.osv.org
Old Sturbridge Village is in the town of Sturbridge in Central Massachusetts. Take exit 9 off Route 90 (Mass Pike)to Route 20 and follow the sign to OSV from the highway.
More Christmas Resources…
And if you'd like to enjoy your visit even more to New England at Christmastime, and grab a bunch more travel resource information at the same time, then here's an offer you can't afford to miss...
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