Thanksgiving has come and gone, and the Christmas rush is in full swing. As the countdown to Christmas begins, the Historic Columbia Foundation offers a plethora of family-friendly holiday activities.
Start the season on a merry foot by attending a free choir showcase by local elementary schools on Dec. 10 at the Robert Mills House.
Enjoy a guided Holiday House Tour, where you’ll hear stories of holidays past in Columbia and learn how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Tours are offered of each of the house museums – Robert Mills House and Garden, Hampton-Preston Mansion and Mann-Simons Cottage – throughout the month of December.
Be sure to check out the Foundation’s Candlelight Tours, which will be free and open to the public. This year commemorates the Foundation’s 50th anniversary. Free guided tours will take place on Dec. 15 to 16 at Robert Mills House and Garden, Hampton-Preston Mansion and Mann-Simons Cottage. On Dec. 17 children (and adults) can bring their favorite vintage items to a Toy Roadshow at Seibels House and Garden where experts will be on hand to appraise and share tips on caring for antique toys. Food and old-fashioned toy venders will also be on-hand for guests.
If you don’t have any vintage toys don’t worry. Head over to the Robert Mills House and Garden for Breakfast with Victorian Santa instead. From 8 to 11 a.m., enjoy a continental breakfast in the Carriage House, walk through the decorated halls of the Hampton-Preston Mansion, make holiday crafts, and of course get your photo taken with Santa. Reservations are required for this event.
Enjoy a guided Holiday House Tour, where you’ll hear stories of holidays past in Columbia and learn how families decorated and entertained.
Don’t let this Christmas season go by without enjoying some holiday magic!
For more information on these and other holiday events offered by the Historic Columbia Foundation visit www.historiccolumbia.org.
