Holiday fun for the whole family at Black Creek Pioneer Village

Get into the holiday spirit by stepping back in time to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of a 19th century Christmas.

TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Black Creek Pioneer Village is a great family destination any time of year, but its best in December when the Village's buildings are beautifully decorated for Christmas. Special holiday programs run every weekend until December 23rd.

Along with enjoying the wonderful holiday decorations including beautiful wreaths, kissing bows and Christmas trees, the Village is filled with festive foods, horse-drawn wagon rides, and Christmas cheer.  Come see, smell, taste and experience the rich history of 19^th century Victorian Christmas traditions.  There are three ways to get into the holiday spirit at Black Creek Pioneer Village with Christmas by Lamplight, Christmas programming on weekends and Sunday Christmas Dinners. 

Christmas by Lamplight - Saturdays, December 8, 15 & 22, 6:oo p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

For three magical evenings, Black Creek Pioneer Village invites visitors to join in the holiday festivities with live music, food and activities. Wander through our historic Village, lit by the glow of lanterns, lamps, candles and roaring fires. Take a seat and watch a spectacular retelling of the story of the Tin Soldier with rod puppets. Hear the voices of a choir soar in the Church as they perform traditional and contemporary Christmas music. The always popular Playford Players will charm guests with their dulcimer and mandolin music; Nollaig will get toes tapping in the Town Hall; Jamie Levac will draw a crowd around the piano in the Doctor's House; Village Carolers will roam around the Village bringing cheer with their carols and Burwick House will play host to Paddy on the Cellphone and their traditional folk tunes. Try your hand at making a unique Christmas ornament inspired by traditions from days gone by.

Taste mincemeat tarts, chestnuts roasted over an open fire, candied orange peels, peppermint pastilles, gingerbread cookies, Turkish delights, cheese straws and sugar plums. Try your hand at an old fashioned taffy pull or stop and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or cider mulled over an open fire. Visit with Santa in his cottage. His friendly helper will be on hand to play traditional games and help prepare folks for their visit with the big guy himself. Bring your camera to take a one-of-a-kind picture with Santa by a beautiful fireplace.

Program only or with dinner options available. For information or to buy tickets please visit http://www.christmasbylamplight.ca/  

Christmas at Black Creek - weekends until December 23, 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tour Black Creek Pioneer Village and discover the rich history of Christmas traditions! Get your hands sticky at an old-fashioned taffy pull, pop a freshly roasted chestnut into your mouth, wonder as the flaming pudding enters the room, and then relax with a homemade mincemeat tart or a sampler of heritage ale. Kids can make their own Victorian Christmas Card while a visit with Jolly Santa will cheer young and old alike. Tap your toes and learn the steps to a popular Victorian dance, or take a horse-drawn wagon ride through the Village (extra fee required). Gaze upon a miniature replica of Black Creek Pioneer Village fashioned entirely out of gingerbread or check out the "Tin Soldier", a rod puppet performance in the Ballroom.

Some activities occur at set times. For a full list visit http://www.blackcreek.ca

Christmas Dinners - Sundays, December 9, 16 & 23, Seatings at 2:30 & 5:00

Spend the day at Black Creek Pioneer Village then enjoy a traditional locally and seasonally inspired three-course meal at Black Creek Historic Brewery Restaurant.

For more information or to make a reservation please visit: http://www.blackcreek.ca/events/event.dot?id=xmasdinner12

About Black Creek Pioneer Village
Black Creek Pioneer Village is Toronto's premier outdoor living history museum. Visitors can explore heritage homes and buildings restored to re-create an 1860s Ontario village. Historic interpreters in period dress demonstrate how villagers lived, worked and played. The Village hosts learning programs and special events that highlight local heritage and culture. The tranquil setting, rural landscapes, heritage gardens and period farm animal breeds make Black Creek Pioneer Village the perfect place to break out of the modern world and journey into the past. Located in north Toronto, Black Creek Pioneer Village is owned and operated by Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA). For more information please visit www.blackcreek.ca. 

Black Creek Pioneer Village acknowledges support from the City of Toronto, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture, The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto, and the public.

SOURCE: Black Creek Pioneer Village

Media Contact:

Rowena Calpito
Black Creek Pioneer Village
416.661.6600 ext 5632
[email protected]