Going Back in Time for Christmas

The modern age is upon us. This year for Christmas why not travel in time to an age where cell phones and television didn’t run our lives. Historical areas throughout the U.S. throw heartwarming, educational holiday celebrations.

Thomasville, Georgia is an award-winning “Great American Main Street City,” and its Victorian Christmas focuses on Christmas in the 1890’s. As you stroll though this historic area, notice the locals dressed in traditional costume. Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, listen to carolers, watch the special Christmas parade, and sample Victorian food. There are over 100 restaurants and shops for you to enjoy as you relax with a time-honored Christmas in someone else’s home.

The Red Castle Inn in Nevada City, California serves Christmas dinner with a Victorian twist. The castle is modeled after a Gold Country Gothic mansion, and the luxurious setting is complete with heirloom china, antique crystal, and silver. The eight-course meal begins with a champagne toast and finishes with café noir. The castle also has seven rooms, so if you desire a romantic Christmas, enjoy dinner, a long walk in the crisp mountain air, and then retire to your room. It will be a holiday fit for royalty.

Christmas at Amelia Island in Florida is centered on a Historic Tour of Christmas Bed and Breakfasts. All of the inns are decked out in Christmas finery along with music and refreshments to greet visitors. The entire Historic District goes all out for Christmas, and historic churches are also decorated for visitors’ pleasure. The entire month of December at Amelia Island is seasoned with holiday spirit: delicious food, Christmas parades, special shopping, and holiday teas characterize the 52-block area.

One of the most famous historic Christmas celebrations takes place at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. This special time of year is officially started with a “Grand Illumination” involving candles, cressets, music, and fireworks. During the Christmas season Colonial Williamsburg’s pastry and culinary chefs give lessons and demonstrations of special holiday dishes. The entire historic area is decorated for Christmas and visitors can even tour specially decorated private homes in the area. There is a special Christmas tree lighting on Christmas Eve at Market Square. Plenty of festive events provide lots to keep visitors busy such as listening to special concerts with 18th Century replica instruments, absorbing military music, and learning to decorate with fruit, fresh greens and other natural materials from landscapers. Special dining options include a wine dinner with Thomas Jefferson, a holiday meal at Shields Tavern or King’s Arms Tavern with a Palace Ball afterward, or a Christmas tree dinner with colonial singer.