Home » Activities & Events » Twelve Nights of Christmas

Here are highlights of the Twelve Nights of Christmas at Old Sturbridge Village:  

• View more than 35 entries in four categories in our 2nd annual Gingerbread House Contest; enjoy a sample of old style gingerbread - in the Friends Meetinghouse
• Hear performing groups from area schools, organizations and professional ensembles - in the Center Meetinghouse (see below for nightly listings)
• Discover the traditions behind the Yule Log and Poinsettias and see traditional fruitcake prepared -  in the Parsonage
• Enjoy readings of A Visit from St. Nicholas (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas) and join the dance from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol - in the Parsonage Barn
• Find out what's behind Christmas decorations and twist a tin icicle to hang on your own tree -  in the Tin Shop
• Meet Father Christmas and find out how he's related to Santa Claus - in the Bullard Tavern
• Step into the decorated Towne House and learn about how Christmas was different in early New England cities, complete with a Victorian-style tree; see the dining table set with Twelfth Night Cake and other fancy foods as part of a more formal Christmas supper
• Warm yourself by the outdoor bonfire and climb onto the horse-drawn wagon (or sleigh, if there's good snowfall) for a ride around the Common
• Discover the origins of the Christmas tree and see a reproduction of the first documented Christmas tree in New England; sample some hot mulled cider - in the Fitch House
• See stockings hung by the fire and find out what early New England children might find inside on Christmas morning - in the Fenno House
• Try your hand at binding a small Christmas book and find out about the history of Christmas Cards - in the Printing Office
• Visit the Little Town of Bethlehem, a breathtaking Nativity Scene -  in the Cottage
• Join your voice with others and sing along with favorite Christmas Carols - in the Dennison Building 
• Spend time with Santa Claus in his workshop (Be sure to bring your camera) - in the Hands-On  Crafts Center
• Try your hand dipping a holiday colored candle to take home - in the Hands-On Crafts Center
• Shop for that special gift in either the Miner Grant Store or the Museum Giftshop and Book Store
• Reserve now for Christmas by Candlelight dinner in the Oliver Wight Tavern

Also, enjoy the following this evening (Sunday December 20):
5:30 Robert Olson presents Holiday Magic
5:30 Reading of "A Visit from Saint Nicholas"
6:00 Old Sturbridge Village Select Singers
6:00 Christmas Carol Sing-along
6:15 Reading of "A Visit from Saint Nicholas"
6:30 Punch and Judy Puppet Show
6:30 Learn the Dance from "A Christmas Carol"
7:00 Reading of "A Visit from Saint Nicholas"
7:00 Christmas Carol Sing-along
7:00 Quintebrass (hear a sample)
7:30 Robert Olson presents Holiday Magic
7:45 Reading of "A Visit from Saint Nicholas"
8:00 Learn the Dance from "A Christmas Carol"