The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Holiday tours to be offered at Pennypacker Mills
SCHWENKSVILLE >> Discover one of Montgomery County’s most spectacular holiday destinations.
Holiday tours of historic Pennypacker Mills embrace the warmth and festivity of the season with a magnificent holiday tour of Pennsylvania Gov. Samuel W. Pennypacker’s mansion, including a vintage-inspired Christmas tree, dazzling room displays, and the opportunity to shop in the best Museum Shop for a Victorian Christmas. Holiday tours are offered between Tuesday, Nov. 26, and Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020.
This year, the Library will be decorated as a Men’s Club while the dining room will display a New Year’s bachelor’s brunch with a tiered buffet of food selections. In the sitting room, see how children celebrated the New Year with party hats and noisemakers. The Formal Parlor will have a Christmas tree decorated with handblown glass ornaments, icicles, and plain wrapped presents. Throughout the mansion, see how shiny ribbons, glass beads, satin, silver, and metallic decorations enhance the season.
The Victorian Christmas Open House on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., will be enlivened with living historians who will portray family, friends, and servants as they wrap presents, write Christmas cards, and listen to holiday music. In the kitchen, see a clear toy candy demonstration as hot liquid sugar is poured into antique molds. In the traditional colors of red, yellow and green, these three-dimensional shapes provided a special treat for youngsters.
Outside, listen to the holiday music of a bell choir as they serenade visitors waiting to go inside the mansion. Especially for families, spend time with Victorian Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and share Christmas wishes, take a picture to capture the moment, and get in the Christmas spirit. Afterward, enjoy warm refreshments and Christmas cookies as you leave.
Holiday Tours and the Victorian Christmas Open House are free, suggested donation $2 per person. Group reservations are suggested for Holiday Tours of 10 or more people. Call 610-287-9349.
The house will be closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve & Day and New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday: 1 to 4 pm. Pennypacker Mills is located at 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473.
Visit on the web at https://www.montcopa.org/pennypackermills. Pennypacker Mills is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails & Historic Sites. Open year-round.