Quiet Valley to hold annual Old Time Christmas
Stroudsburg. A living Nativity, a Christmas putz, and a visit from the Belschnikel: Experience the holiday traditions of 19th-century Pennsylvania German families.
| 04 Dec 2019 | 11:03
Setting up the Christmas putz at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm (
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Christmas celebrations center on the traditions of families and heritage. Begin a new tradition with your family this year with an outing to Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm in Stroudsburg, where the Christmas customs of the past are brought to life, from the softly glowing lantern light to complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.
Quiet Valley's annual Old Time Christmas will be held this year on Dec. 7, 8, 14, and 15. Candlelight tours leave every 15 minutes beginning at 3 p.m., with the last group going out at 7 p.m.
Tour highlights
Gather around a bonfire while you wait for your visit to the 1800s to begin. Guides in period clothing will lead guests on their journey.
A Victorian skit features a 1890s family reminiscing and making new holiday memories. Take a peek at their Christmas putz, a homemade nativity and village scene. This Moravian custom was adopted by the Pennsylvania Germans.
The living Nativity in the barnyard, featuring Quiet Valley's farm animals, offers a look at the foundation of this special celebration, complete with soloist and scripture readings.
At a simple log cabin visitors will experience the rustic Christmas of the early 1800s.
At the one-room schoolhouse it is a jolly time as the school marm leads both the musicians and guests in singing their favorite seasonal carols.
In the cellar kitchen there is plenty of nervous excitement as folks await a visit from the Belschnikel, a traditional Pennsylvania German character who made his rounds during the Christmas season. He is the one who really knows if you were naughty or nice.
Complimentary refreshments will be offered at The Engel Education Building, adding a final festive touch to the visit. The holiday gift shop is stocked with heritage crafts handmade by Quiet Valley artisans. All funds raised support the farm museum.
Visitors will be outside part of the time and are reminded to dress warmly. No pets or smoking will be allowed.
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is a non-profit, educational corporation dedicated to the preservation and presentation of 19th century agricultural history.
Essential information:
What: Quiet Valley Historical Farm's Old Time Christmas
When: Dec. 7, 8, 14, and 15. Candlelight tours leave every 15 minutes beginning at 3 p.m., with the last group going out at 7 p.m. Tours take from 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Where: 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg (off Business Route 209)
How much: $10 for adults, and $5 for children ages 3-12, free for children under three. Group of 12 or more with reservations receive a discounted price any of the four days, when going out between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Phone: 570-992-6161
Email: farm@quietvalley.org
Web: quietvalley.org