Historic Washington celebrates holiday by candlelight
WASHINGTON, Ark.—Each December, Historic Washington State Park comes alive with light for the holiday season, giving a special glow to this 19th century restoration village.
The 29th annual Christmas and Candlelight will fill park streets with 2,000 luminarias to light your way as you visit this Saturday or on Saturday, Dec. 12.
Festive decorations and music will also fill the park, which features a number of locations for visitors to learn about life many years ago: the 1874 Hempstead County Courthouse, B.W. Edwards Weapons Museum, Blacksmith Shop, Candle Shop, Royston Town House,
Washington Presbyterian Church, Williams’ Tavern Restaurant and more.
More than 300 fresh wreaths and swags will be hung on the doors and windows at such spots, which give insight into life as it was in Washington. The decorations are period correct with real trees and ornaments made by hand. Guides wear period costume.
Special activities include popcorn made on an open hearth at the Royston Log Cabin, hot chocolate at Sanders’ House kitchen and apple cider at Morrison Tavern. Father Christmas will attend.
Evening programming and tours start at 1 p.m. Choirs and other musical groups start performing at 5 p.m. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Surrey rides will be available.
Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12. More info: 870-983-2684 or HistoricWashington@Arkansas.com.