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Date: 12/9/2016
STURBRIDGE – Plans are well underway for Old Sturbridge Village’s biggest Christmas by Candlelight, the living history museum's annual celebration of New England holiday traditions held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings the first three weekends in December, as well as an additional Friday evening on Dec. 23.
This year Old Sturbridge Village is transforming an area of the museum into North Pole Village complete with an all-new Santa Claus experience that has families walking through a super-sized “The Night Before Christmas” storybook illustrated by acclaimed artist Charles Santore. In North Pole Village, families can also meet a talking Christmas tree named “Tinsel,” stop by Mrs. Claus’ bakeshop for hot chocolate and cookies, take a ride on a holiday train and make crafts at a Christmas craft workshop.
In its 14th year, Christmas by Candlelight will once again transform its historic village into an enchanted winter wonderland for this much-anticipated holiday event that has now become a holiday tradition for thousands of families.
Christmas by Candlelight highlights include:
• Historic village decorated with hundreds of candles and thousands of feet of evergreen garland and wreaths;
• New England Christmas traditions brought to life by costumed historians and artisans;
• Regional musical groups and strolling carolers perform holiday classics;
• Large-scale, miniature nativity reminds all of the true meaning of Christmas;
• Professional and amateur bakers compete in Village's annual gingerbread house contest;
• Visitors sing Christmas carols in a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh (snow permitting);
• Musical tree-lighting ceremony kicks-off each evening's festivities; and
• Outdoor marketplace features holiday snacks, drinks, gifts and a roaring bonfire
Christmas by Candlelight admission is $22 for adults; $14 for youth ages 4 to 12; and free for children 3 and under. Friday and Sunday evening tickets purchased before December 1 by OSV Members receive 30 percent off and non-members receive 15 percent off. There is no early discount for Saturday tickets. Online ticketing is encouraged at www.osvchristmas.org.
The Bullard Tavern, Oliver Wight Tavern, Museum Store, and the Old Sturbridge Inn & Reeder Family Lodges will be open for holiday dining, shopping and lodging during Christmas by Candlelight.
Also new in 2016, families can participate in a holiday sleepover in the Museum's Education Center. The overnight experience includes admission to Christmas by Candlelight, a hearthside dinner prepared by guests with guidance from costumed historians, a hands-on craft, and a continental breakfast the following morning with a visit from Santa Claus. Offered Dec. 10 and 17 beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing through 9 a.m. Sunday.
Price is $75 per person until Dec. 1, $125 per person thereafter, which includes Christmas by Candlelight admission and all meals. Reservations are required for the Family Holiday Overnight Experience by calling 508-347-0362 or online at osvchristmas.org.
Families attending Christmas by Candlelight can savor a sumptuous family-style Holiday Bounty and a special performance from Victorian carolers in the Bullard Tavern (located inside the historical Village, thus requiring admission to Christmas by Candlelight) for an additional fee. Nightly seatings at 4:15 pm, 6:00 pm, and 8 p.m. on the evenings of Christmas by Candlelight, and advanced reservations are strongly recommended by calling 508-347-0362.
A Holiday Buffet will also be offered at the Oliver Wight Tavern (located outside the historical Village, no additional admission fee is required) at 3:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. during Christmas by Candlelight. No reservations required.
The award-winning Old Sturbridge Inn and Reeder Family Lodges, located near the museum entrance, offers overnight packages that include admission to Christmas by Candlelight. Call 508-347-5056 for details.
For more information on Christmas by Candlelight or to purchase tickets, visit osvchristmas.org or call 800-SEE-1830.