An Old-Fashioned Christmas at Hearthside House

WELCOME THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH A VISIT TO HEARTHSIDE ON SUNDAY, DEC. 1ST
If you've ever sought the warmth and charm of a truly old-fashioned Christmas, a visit to Lincoln’s historic Hearthside House will surely get you into the holiday spirit.  Festivities get underway on Sunday, December 1st between 2-7 p.m.  The magic of Christmas comes alive with elaborately decorated rooms, dressed up to recall the traditions of Christmas at the turn of the century. Guests, who will be greeted by hosts dressed in Victorian finery, are invited to tour the house and enjoy beautifully-appointed Christmas trees, gaily decorated mantels, twinkling lights, garlands adorning the staircases and doorways, and festive decorations throughout this 200-year old home. The nostalgic sounds of the season performed on the harp and a visit with Santa are all part of the day-long celebration.  Families are invited to bring along a camera to capture a perfect photo for their annual Christmas card.  Cookies and hot cider add to the holiday merriment.

The stunning decorations, provided by the volunteers of the Friends of Hearthside, create a holiday splendor that not only evokes memories of Christmas' past, but stimulates ideas and inspiration to bring into your own home. The beauty of Hearthside during the holidays has been captured in two books featuring some of the country's finest historic houses decorated at Christmastime. Christmas at Historic Houses and Delicious Christmas Decorations at Historic Houses are for sale in the Hearthside Gift Shop, along with a customized Hearthside ornament, Christmas cards featuring scenes of Hearthside, the recently-released Hearthside History book, tiles, notecards, reprints of David Davidson's hand-colored photographs of the house done in 1907, as well as an assortment of other gift items.  Admission is $8/adults; $6/seniors; $4 ages 10-17; under 10 and members are free. 

Hearthside will also host a Candlelight Tour on Sunday, December 8th between 5:30-8:30 p.m.  The amber glow of candlelight and the parlor fireplace adds even greater warmth to this beautiful home.  Guests may take a leisurely self-guided tour throughout the 10-room house.  The evening also features festive music performed on the mansion’s antique piano, as well as costumed interpreters and holiday refreshments.  Admission is $10/adults; $8/seniors; $5 ages 10-17; under 10 and members free.

And in case you miss these pre-Christmas openings, there will be two more opportunities following Christmas.  On Saturday and Sunday, December 28th and 29th, Home for the Holidays Candlelight Tours will be held.  These will be guided tours, given by volunteer interpreters in period attire.  Background music will be performed on the antique dulcimer.  Space for each tour is limited and advance reservations are strongly advised.  Tours are given at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.

Built in 1810, Hearthside is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.   For more information or to make a reservation for the post-holiday tours, call Hearthside at (401) 726-0597. 

Email kathy.hartley@hearthsidehouse.org

http://www.hearthsidehouse.org