CHRISTMAS-ON-THE-BRAZOS HAPPENING TODAY
Christmas in the 1850s will come to The Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site today (Saturday) as part of “Christmas on the Brazos”.
The festivities today include:
- An Afternoon with Dickens: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (Independence Hall) - Staff dressed in period clothing will be regaling visitors with tales of Olde Time Christmas, as told by the great author, Charles Dickens.
Christmas Lore and Traditions: 4 p.m. (Independence Hall) - History is not only about battles, dates and names but also touches on the special times in peoples’ lives, and Christmas is one of those very special times. This program discovers how people embraced the holidays in early Texas, and which of our present-day holiday traditions came from back then. - The Star of the Republic Museum will host “make-and-take” period crafts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (regular admission fees; no charge for the crafts); museum open during regular business hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event culminates with Christmas Candlelight at Barrington Living History Farm tonight. The evening includes a tour of the historic home of the last president of the Republic of Texas, Dr. Anson Jones, as interpreters recreate how that family would have enjoyed Christmas, including an 1850s Santa. The slave quarters will also be decorated in typical style for the 1850s. Each tour culminates in a barn dance where visitors are welcome to join in. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the last tour leaving at 8 p.m.
Park Ranger Bruce Wardlow says they aim to provide an authentic 1850s Christmas experience:
Tickets are $5.00 for adults, $3 for students (age 7 through college), and children 6 and Texas State Park Pass Holders under are free.