Christmas Past & Present

Take a step back in time and explore Christmas traditions and preparations of the past! As you stroll through historic Railroad Town, you’ll get to experience what Christmas might have looked like in the 1890s. The homes will be decorated for the holiday with wreaths, holly, and bright red bows about the house, but what about a Christmas tree? And what cooking or baking is being done to prepare for the big day?

The businesses are also preparing for Christmas! A few of the things you will encounter include:

•The blacksmith, busy hammering away as he fills last-minute orders

•The tinsmith, making his famous ‘tinsicles’. For just $1, you can make one to take home with you and hang on your Christmas Tree!

•The planing mill is the place to go if one wants to build a little toy train! A variety of train cars are available to build or take home as a kit, $5 per train car.

•The Mercantile is bustling with shoppers finding the perfect gifts for their loved ones

•And the Town Hall is where Father Christmas can be found!

Beyond Railroad Town, visitors can also visit the cabin to see how Christmas preparations in the 1860s might look at the log cabin, as well as the Cleary Farm, where we take a look at Christmas after 1900. Look for the lanterns to guide you along your journey!