On December 14, Celebrate Colonial Christmas the Way the Colonists Did – at No Charge!
Henricus Historical Park invites the public to celebrate a Colonial Christmas at Henricus on Saturday, Dec. 14 at no charge. A special program, reception and parade viewing will offer a fun way to learn about the rituals of 17th-century settlers around Christmas. Two educational, fun and affordable camps will also take place during December at Henricus.
Colonial Christmas on December 14
On Saturday, Dec. 14, the public is encouraged to experience a Colonial Christmas in the re-created Citie of Henricus. Visitors will explore the etiquette, norms, customs and laws regarding Christmas in Elizabethan-Jacobean English households in the early 17th century through first-person interpretation. Event will begin at 10 a.m. and admission is free.
That evening, Henricus Foundation Patrons are invited to a complimentary holiday reception in Mount Malady from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Current Patrons should make a reservation by Dec. 7 by sending an email to henricus1611@aol.com. Information about becoming a new Patron is available at www.henricus.org/donors or call Linda Dalch Jones at (804) 514-1098.
The 21st Annual James River Parade of Lights, sponsored by the regional James River Advisory Council, will also be held on Dec. 14. This treasured holiday tradition features a parade of boats decorated with holiday lights. Spectators are invited to view the parade from the bluff at Henricus from 7:30-8 p.m. There is no charge to view the parade at Henricus.
Other December Camps:
On Saturday, Dec. 7, Henricus will offer a Christmas in the Colony Day Camp for children aged 5-10. Campers will make Colonial-style holiday decorations and crafts and enjoy seasonal activities. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the camp is $30 or $25 for Henricus Foundation Patrons. Registration is required by Nov. 29. Please call (804) 318-8797 to reserve a space.
A Civil War Winter Camp will take place on Dec. 14 for children aged 8-12. Campers learn about a winter day in the life of a Civil War soldier including drills, chores, cooking, music and stories. Registration required by calling 804-318-8797 by Dec. 6 for the camp which takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $30 or $25 Henricus Foundation Patrons.
The museum store at Henricus is currently stocked with holiday gifts for people of all ages. Products include handmade Virginia Indian and Colonial crafts, jewelry, historical literature, T-shirts and a variety of items for children. Prices range from budget-friendly to high-end. Gift certificates and Henricus Foundation Patron memberships also make unique holiday presents.
Henricus Historical Park is located on 32 acres along the scenic and historic James River and is surrounded by the 810-acre Dutch Gap Conservation Area. Only 20 minutes from Richmond, the living history museum is located at 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, Virginia 23836.
