Again this Christmas, Hearthstone is brimming with hand-crafted holiday décor, lavishly decorated trees in every room, and our docents dressed in their finest Victorian holiday attire ready to welcome you into the home of Henry, Cremora, and Kitty Rogers.

This year, in honor of our 140th anniversary, the museum is highlighting some of what were the latest trends in19th century holiday decorating, trends drawn from the leading magazines, newspapers, and photographs of the day and which would have served as inspiration for the Rogers family as they celebrated their first Christmas in their new home. This includes the use of the very first Christmas lights! (Yes… Christmas lights were invented in 1882!)

The evening events are “open-house” type of affairs with no set guided tour. Rather, holiday merry-makers are encouraged to wander from room to room to take in the sights at their own pace. Our docents will be on-hand in each room, wearing their Victorian holiday finest, to explain Victorian holiday traditions and to answer any questions that may arise. The evenings also feature traditional Christmas carols played on our 1875 Kranich and Bach square grand piano as well as other musical performances.

Please note:

• Our evening’s guests are encouraged to linger as long as they like (though we do close by 8:30 pm). However, PLEASE ARRIVE DURING THE TIMES STATED ON YOUR TICKETS. This helps immensely to avoid over-crowding.

• To see all of the rooms, guests must be able to climb steps to the second floor.

• Children’s tickets are purchased separately. Children must accompany their ticketed parents or guardians.