A historic celebration for all ages, featuring Victorian carolers, carriage and hay rides, entertainment, St. Nicholas, home tours, American Flyer model train exhibit,
and treats and food trucks, with over 600 candles lighting the paths - Discount tickets available through Dec. 7
“Cultures of Candlelight,” the theme of the 46th annual Candlelight celebration will highlight the many cultures of 19th century families featured at Dallas Heritage Village, on Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10, 3 – 9 p.m., 1515 S. Harwood St. This annual holiday event – the largest public fundraiser for Dallas Heritage Village – features carriage and hay wagon rides, holiday storytelling, Victorian carolers, musical entertainment, crafts, St. Nicholas, hand-weaving, blacksmithing, and many other festive activities such as the American Flyer model train exhibit in the Depot.
New this year in Browder Springs Hall will be a “Santas of the World” exhibit, including figurines and a selection of Victorian postcard interpretations of Santa. A variety of historic buildings, circa 1840 to 1910, will be decorated for the holidays, and festive foods will be available for purchase from food trucks as well as a bake sale, traditional kettle korn, nuts and more.
The Village’s popular fall exhibit “Neighborhoods We Called Home” is also available to tour and will remain open through the end of December. A collaborative effort with the Dallas Jewish Historical Society, the Dallas Mexican American Historical League, and Remembering Black Dallas, Inc., the exhibit explores the historic neighborhoods of Dallas that served as strong, supportive communities for Jewish, Hispanic, and African-American Dallasites from the early 1900s and beyond.
“Neighborhoods We Called Home was the inspiration for this year’s Candlelight theme, highlighting the diverse cultures featured in historic structures throughout Dallas Heritage Village,” said Melissa Prycer, president and executive director, Dallas Heritage Village. “Attendees will enjoy exploring the three featured structures in this exhibit as well as all of our buildings, circa 1840-1910, which will be traditionally decorated for the holidays by area garden clubs and feature various activities such as cooking demonstrations.”
During Candlelight, pioneer and Victorian Texas is brought to life with costumed interpreters. At the 1860s Farmstead, attendees may see how early Dallas pioneers enjoyed a modest Christmas as the country approached the Civil War. At the bonfire, Cowboys tell tales, and at the Alamo Saloon, root beer and games of dominoes are available. The candlelit paths provide a perfect opportunity to take a stroll and experience the many Cultures of Candlelight along the way. At the Depot, kids may tell St. Nicholas their Christmas wishes and see the American Flyer model train exhibit, operated by Ron Siebler. Village Donkeys Nip and Tuck will be posing for pictures, and our newest Mammoth Jack donkey team Willie and Waylon will offer guests carriage rides on the candlelit paths ($5). Hayrides, pulled by a vintage tractor, are also available ($3 per rider). Local musicians, dancers, bands, choirs, and storytellers will entertain at the Renner School (circa 1888), on the Main Street (circa 1900) stage, in the Pilot Grove Church (circa 1890).
“This event is a perfect opportunity to see and experience history while making special holiday memories,” added Prycer. “One of the best things about Candlelight is that is offers something for all ages. I love hearing grandparents share childhood memories and watching children enjoying activities and couples celebrating a cozy evening together – all in such a magical backdrop. With beautiful candlelit paths and activities across 20 acres, Candlelight offers a holiday experience like no other.”
All proceeds benefit museum programs at Dallas Heritage Village. General admission (gate) is $12/adults, $10/seniors 65+ and $8/children, ages 4-12. Children under 4 are free. Tickets purchased online at www.DallasHeritageVillage.org by December 7 are $10/adults, $8/seniors 65+ and $6/children. Visit http://www.dallasheritagevillage.org/candlelight for more details or call 214-421-5141. Self-parking is available for $5.
Sponsors include: Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, Baylor Scott & White, Ron Siebler, Mrs. Charlotte Test, Mrs. Barbara Lake, Sue John, Primrose School of Preston Hollow, Ann Phy, McMurray Metals, Dr. Ken Hamlett, Dallas County Medical Society, Don Baynham, and KRLD 1080.
Sponsorships start at $500. Contact Preston Cooley at 214-413-3662, pcooley@dallasheritagevillage.org.
The Village’s historic structures are open for touring during regular museum hours throughout December. Hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday, 12-4 p.m. (Closed on Monday). With the exception of December 9 and 10, parking is free throughout the season.
Watch these videos produced by Mark Birnbaum to see Candlelight and the Trains exhibit by Ron Siebler in 2016: https://vimeo.com/244871419 and https://vimeo.com/243593681