Victorian Christmas Open House with Santa

Start your holiday season with a visit to the Hicks-Stearns Museum on the Tolland Green for a glimpse of how Christmas was celebrated in a bygone era. On Saturday, Decemer 4 from noon to 4:oopm and on Sunday, December 5 from 11:00am - 2:oopm, learn how the Victorians approached Christmas with keen enjoyment and zest.Your hostesses, Emma Hicks Downing and Minnie Hellen Hicks, will explain why there is a sawdust pie on the elegant dining room table, pillowcases strung across the library and a spider web of yarn in their formal parlour. Period decorations add to the festive mood along with the arrival of Santa Claus, dressed in the traditional Victorian long green robe. Children of all ages can chat with Santa, and don't forget your cameras. Shop in our gift shop for a large variety of very affordable ornaments, votives, decorations, stocking stuffers, etc. while Christmas music dances through the air. A delightful way to start your holiday season is to immerse yourself in the Museum's interpretation of Christmas Nostalgia. Refreshments will be served. In this season of giving, the non-profit Hicks-Stearns will not be charging an admission fee. Donations will be accepted. For more information, please call 860 875-7552 .