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Start a Holiday Tradition at 43rd Annual Candlelight Celebration!

 

For 43 years, Candlelight has captured the hearts of many Dallas families. This winter celebration invites visitors to explore the museum at night, lit by the glow of countless candles, all against the backdrop of the modern Dallas skyline. The period buildings are decorated for the holidays in historical fashion, and you can find the various ovens being put to use with cooking demonstrations. Local performers fill three different stages, and carolers roam the candlelit paths.  But out of all the things to do in Dallas, why should you make Candlelight a holiday tradition for your family? Members of the DHV staff are happy to explain!

Kay Lewis, our volunteer coordinator and a guest services representative, explains: “Imagine walking into the colorful past with your family.  You see people walking about in period clothing, hear carolers singing about the season, smell wonderful scents of food, have a chance to make Yuletide crafts, ride on a hay ride, visit with Father Christmas, watch the trains go around the track at the American Flyer model train exhibit, and much more. Crisp weather with lighted candles everywhere. Make a new holiday tradition for your family.  Join with a family membership and enjoy Candlelight free, as well as other special events throughout the year.”

Another guest services representative, Joanna Shampine, describes her thoughts: “Candlelight always gets me into the Christmas spirit, working its magic on me every time.  There is a wonderful variety of entertainment including carolers and dancers, a delicious bake sale, people in period costumes, the skilled blacksmith, and wagon rides. The vintage buildings are on display with old-fashioned decorations, dinner is available and people with Christmas spirit are sharing their joy.  For the young visitors, there is a special area with crafts just for them and they can also visit St. Nicholas.  Now this is old-fashioned!  Candlelight warms the heart.  Come and see for yourself!” Sometimes experiencing the traditions of the past is a great way to create new traditions for your family now. Plus visitors young and old take joy in seeing St. Nicholas because you are never too old to be swept up in the Christmas excitement.

But St. Nicholas isn’t the only attraction at Candlelight that stays in people’s minds year round. As Racheal Fullerton, guest services representative can tell you: “Every year we have vendors who come in, and they make the most excellent kettle corn, and it is very cool to watch them make it.  I love the atmosphere of the Village at Candlelight, the cold air and the sights of the walkways lit by candles and walking into the homes where people are cooking in the kitchens.  Families should make this their holiday tradition because it is a truly unique event in Dallas and something to look forward to before Christmas – a chance to step away from the hectic crowded stores and enjoy an evening in our historic village.” As you can see even the kettle corn is reason enough to make this event a family tradition for years to come!

Finally Candlelight also has the ability to restore the holiday spirit for some visitors. Candlelight volunteer and former Guest Services Representative Elizabeth Qualia added: “The past few years haven’t felt like Christmas and the holidays for me because my sister and I are growing up, and our family traditions have had to change. Some of that child-like wonderment and magic had seemed to disappear especially since my sister moved so far away. Attending Candlelight brought back some of that holiday spirit and happiness for me. Plus there is NEVER a line to see Father Christmas.” Candlelight is not only a time to witness all the seasonal wonder, but also to spend quality time with loved ones away from all the hustle and bustle. Candlelight brings the holiday season back to its most simple element of simply being together.

Candlelight will be December 13 and 14 from 3-9 p.m. Discounted tickets for the event are available at www.dallasheritagevillage.org.  We hope you decide to make Candlelight your new holiday tradition this year!

Monday, 08 December 2014