HolidayMagic takes center stage at PennypackerMills
Tuesday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017
The season’s inspiration awaits those who enter the Pennypacker mansion this holiday season. Holiday Tours begin Tuesday, Nov. 22 and go through Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017.
With a lush variety of greens embellishing every mantle and wind up the stairs, a Christmas tree decorated with hand-blown glass, Dresdens, and shiny tin ornaments with small white candles on the tips of branches, visitors will step back in time to the early 1900s when many Christmas traditions began.
There will be Christmas stockings hanging over a fireplace, presents decorated with “scrap” and beautiful ribbons, and a “putz”, or nativity scene, to give visitors a glimpse of what the holidays were like for families such as the Pennypackers. See how the use of bells – jingle bells, sleigh bells, and church bells, add sparkle, glimmer, and a little music to the Victorian decorations throughout the house.
True holiday magic happens at the Victorian Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 10 from 2pm to 8pm. Enjoy on the mansion porch the melodic sounds of a bell choir as they serenade visitors with holiday music. Nearby, families can share holiday wishes with our Victorian Santa Claus. Remember to bring a camera to capture these special moments!
Enter the Pennypacker mansion where living historians greet at the door and show how Christmas was celebrated during the Victorian Era throughout the house. With kerosene oil lamps providing a warm glow, walk through the mansion and listen as guides share the story of how Christmas was celebrated in the early 1900s when there was no electricity. In the kitchen, see a demonstration of clear toy candy making. Every child wished for a piece of this shiny glass-like candy in a wide variety of shapes.
In the Museum Shop, choose from a wonderful selection of vintage inspired decorations and gifts such as mercury glass and felt ornaments, crochet snowflakes, glass icicles, cast iron toys, wooden laser-cut ornaments, shiny Dresden ornaments, clear toy candy, Wilbur Buds chocolates and more!
Pennypacker Mills is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm and Sunday, 1 to 4pm; closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Day, and New Year’s Eve & Day. Tours and the Open House are free!
Pennypacker Mills is open year-round for guided tours, seasonal events, educational programs, and changing exhibits. The site is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites, and is located at 5 Haldeman Road in Schwenksville, PA. For more information, please call 610-287-9349 or visit PennypackerMills online at www.montcopa.org/pennypackermills.