Holiday Activities & Workshops at GRHP this December
During the entire month of December, the George Ranch Historical Park will be a winter wonderland with each historical site decked out in traditional Christmas decor and holiday craft workshops offered on Saturdays.
Begin the adventure at the 1830s Jones Stock Farm, discover how the Old 300 celebrated Christmas on the frontier. Simple greenery will decorate the dog-trot cabin, where guests can learn about the significance of the Yule Log.
Then, travel to the 1860s to explore Christmas in the Civil War era. Create fragrant Orange Pomanders to help decorate the homemade Christmas tree at the Ryon Prairie Home.
As the journey through Christmases past continues, see the splendor of the holiday in the Victorian Christmas Tradition Tour in the 1890s Davis Mansion, featuring a tree adorned with fancy glass ornaments. Before leaving this time period, stop in at the Sharecropper’s Farm to make paper chains and see other homemade decorations for a tenant farmer’s home.
Upon arrival at the 1903s George Cattle Complex, enjoy a special edition Cattle Demonstration involving the cowboy version of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. Then, take a special Christmas Tradition Tour of the George House, where caroling can be heard from the radio and early Christmas lights sparkle in a tree decorated with glass ornaments.
Saturday Workshops will teach visitors traditional crafts through a hands-on experience that produces a special homemade souvenir to take home. Lessons include Candle Making on December 7, European Christmas Crackers on December 14, Victorian Ornament Making on December 21, and New Year Noise Makers on December 28. Workshops are offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for an additional fee of $5 per participant. Workshops can be purchased in the Visitors Center.
