NPS - National Park Service

11/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/22/2024 11:13

Family Fun Featured at Holiday Events at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

News Release Date:
November 22, 2024

Get into the holiday spirit at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park! Dec. 6 through Dec. 8 the park will host a series of family-friendly, immersive activities and demonstrations in historic Lower Town. All activities are set against the backdrop of Harpers Ferry in 1864, when the U.S. Army had transformed the town into a major supply and logistics center during the Civil War.

All holiday events and activities are included with a valid park entry pass unless otherwise noted. Public parking in Lower Town is extremely limited. Plan like a Ranger and go to the Visitor Center at 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV to take a park shuttle to Lower Town. Special thanks to the Harpers Ferry Park Association and all the park's volunteers for their support of this event.

Dec. 6

  • 6:30 to 7 p.m. - Opening Ceremony. Enjoy period music and tales of holiday celebrations from the 1800s (Tent on the Green - Shenandoah Street)
  • 7 to 7:30 p.m. - Yule Log Fire. Learn about the history of the "yule log," hear stories of Civil War-era soldiers far from home over the holidays, and share holiday traditions from your own family. (near John Brown's Fort)
Dec. 7
  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - While Visions of Sugar Plums Danced in Their Heads, sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association. Step back into the 19th century and learn the art and mystery of the yuletide trade of making treats. Under the guidance of Historic Foodways Expert Carol Anderson, you'll master the confectioner's craft just in time for the holidays. Make your own clear toy candy, a traditional treat that's perfect for gifting (or keeping)! Registration is required at https://www.harpersferryhistory.org/product/while-visions-sugar-plums-danced-their-heads-workshop. $25 workshop fee.
  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Olde Tyme Christmas Horse & Wagon Rides, brought to you by the Harpers Ferry Park Association. Experience the magic of the Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Olde Tyme Christmas Festival with a horse and wagon ride along historic streets! These interpretive rides offer a unique journey back in time as knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories of Harpers Ferry's rich past. Enjoy scenic views, festive charm, and insights into local history in this family-friendly experience. Rides are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. (Behind the Tent on the Green - Shenandoah Street)
  • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Historical exhibits. Volunteers and park rangers will bring a Civil War-era town to life through period-appropriate encampments and clothing. (Throughout historic Lower Town)
  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Harpers Ferry's Trains. View an electric model train demonstration to learn how the railroads were used in pre-Civil War times for US Armory industry, during the Civil War for moving troops and equipment, and for passenger travel. (2nd floor of the John Brown Museum, Allies for Freedom room)
  • 12 to 3 p.m. - Decking the Halls: Ornaments for the Tree. Make 19th-century tin tinsel, tin spiral decorations, tin stars, and edible ornaments for your tree at home. (Tent on The Green - Shenandoah Street)
  • 1 to 3 p.m. - Civil War Slippers for the Sick and Wounded. The outpouring of hand-made goods, funds, and care was so vast that the relief effort was described as "an artery of the people's love to the people's army." This sewing demonstration will tell the story of both the national and local civilian and military efforts to sustain the Union Army. Stop in to see how a historic pattern of slippers aimed at the sick and wounded soldiers were made by women all across the country. (Ready Made Clothing Store)
  • 1 to 4 p.m. - While Visions of Sugar Plums Danced in Their Heads, sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association. Step back into the 19th century and learn the art and mystery of the yuletide trade of making treats. Under the guidance of Historic Foodways Expert Carol Anderson, you'll master the confectioner's craft just in time for the holidays. Make your own clear toy candy, a traditional treat that's perfect for gifting (or keeping)! Registration is required at https://www.harpersferryhistory.org/product/while-visions-sugar-plums-danced-their-heads-workshop. $25 workshop fee.
  • 2 p.m. - Holidays at War. Amidst all the evergreens, presents, and parties, many soldiers sensed in 1864 that the war was almost won. But they weren't done yet. Even during the holidays, Army life continued. Join a ranger and living history volunteers to see the drill these soldiers performed every day of the year, including the loading and firing of their weapons.Please expect loud noises and prepare dogs and children. (Begins at Tent on the Green - Shenandoah Street)
  • 3 to 5 p.m. - A Grand Military and Citizens' Ball. Join the 34th Massachusetts officers and their wives as they host a Victorian dance. Dance instruction provided by the Victorian Dance Ensemble to period dance music by Wheaton's Parlor Orchestra. (Tent on the Green - Shenandoah Street)
Dec. 8
  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - While Visions of Sugar Plums Danced in Their Heads, sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association. Step back into the 19th century and learn the art and mystery of the yuletide trade of making treats. Under the guidance of Historic Foodways Expert Carol Anderson, you'll master the confectioner's craft just in time for the holidays. Make your own clear toy candy, a traditional treat that's perfect for gifting (or keeping)! Registration is required at https://www.harpersferryhistory.org/product/while-visions-sugar-plums-danced-their-heads-workshop. $25 workshop fee.
  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Olde Tyme Christmas Horse & Wagon Rides, brought to you by the Harpers Ferry Park Association. Experience the magic of the Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Olde Tyme Christmas Festival with a horse and wagon ride along historic streets! These interpretive rides offer a unique journey back in time as knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories of Harpers Ferry's rich past. Enjoy scenic views, festive charm, and insights into local history in this family-friendly experience. Rides are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. (Behind the Tent on the Green - Shenandoah Street)
  • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Historical exhibits. Volunteers and park rangers will bring a Civil War-era town to life through period-appropriate encampments and clothing. (Throughout historic Lower Town)
  • 12 to 2 p.m. - Harpers Ferry's Trains. View an electric model train demonstration to learn how the railroads were used in pre-Civil War times for US Armory industry, during the Civil War for moving troops and equipment, and for passenger travel.(2nd floor of the John Brown Museum, Allies for Freedom room)
  • 1 to 3 p.m. - Civil War Slippers for the Sick and Wounded. The outpouring of hand-made goods, funds, and care was so vast that the relief effort was described as "an artery of the people's love to the people's army." This sewing demonstration will tell the story of both the national and local civilian and military efforts to sustain the Union Army. Stop in to see how a historic pattern of slippers aimed at the sick and wounded soldiers were made by women all across the country. (Ready Made Clothing Store)
  • 1 to 4 p.m. - While Visions of Sugar Plums Danced in Their Heads, sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association. Step back into the 19th century and learn the art and mystery of the yuletide trade of making treats. Under the guidance of Historic Foodways Expert Carol Anderson, you'll master the confectioner's craft just in time for the holidays. Make your own clear toy candy, a traditional treat that's perfect for gifting (or keeping)! Registration is required at https://www.harpersferryhistory.org/product/while-visions-sugar-plums-danced-their-heads-workshop. $25 workshop fee.
  • 2 p.m. - Holidays at War. Amidst all the evergreens, presents, and parties, many soldiers sensed in 1864 that the war was almost won. But they weren't done yet. Even during the holidays, Army life continued. Join a ranger and living history volunteers to see the drill these soldiers performed every day of the year, including the loading and firing of their weapons. Please expect loud noises and prepare dogs and children. (Begins at Tent on the Green - Shenandoah Street)
  • 3 to 4 p.m.- Harpers Ferry's Trains. View an electric model train demonstration to learn how the railroads were used in pre-Civil War times for US Armory industry, during the Civil War for moving troops and equipment, and for passenger travel.(2nd floor of the John Brown Museum, Allies for Freedom room)