Christmas on the Brazos
Dec 09, 2017
Begin the holiday season by spending special time at Washington on the Brazos. Activities commence in the early afternoon at Independence Hall and the Star of the Republic Museum and extend into the evening, bringing an 1850s Christmas alive for all.
The highlight of the celebration is Candlelight Christmas, from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Barrington Living History Farm. Meet St. Nick; fall in with some noisy, rowdy revelers; experience the Jones family lighting the Christmas tree; attend an evening service with a traveling minister; and discover how the enslaved people celebrated Christmas. Allow at least one hour to complete the full experience, reservations are highly recommended and will be accepted starting November 15 by phone at 936-878-2214, ext. 246. Regular admission fees apply. Contact Bruce Wardlow at (936) 878-2214, ext. 246 or bruce.wardlow@tpwd.texas.gov.
Early afternoon festivities that take place at Independence Hall include:
• An Afternoon with Dickens: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (Independence Hall) - Staff dressed in period clothing will be regaling visitors with tales of Olde Time Christmas, as told by the great author, Charles Dickens.
• Christmas Lore and Traditions: 4 p.m. (Independence Hall) - A look at the historic origins and lore of some of the diverse Christmas traditions and celebrations brought to Texas by early settlers. Contact Jon Failor at (936) 878-2214 ext. 224 or jon.failor@tpwd.gov.
• The Star of the Republic Museum will host “make-and-take” period crafts (regular admission fees; no charge for the crafts); museum open for extended hours from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Contact Donna Baker at (936) 878-2461 ext. 245 or donna.barker@blinn.edu.