Every year, for the past many years, our family has looked forward to the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum‘s annual Christmas event – the Vintage Village of Lights which closes for the season after December 23.
It’s so revered in our family that it gets added to our Advent Activity calendar. We go with cousins, aunts and uncles and nanny and grandpa.
This year, the kids ranged in ages between 2 years old and 12, and everyone (including those older than 12!) had an amazing time.
We didn’t let the little drizzle of rain scare us away, and although the horses were unavailable for the wagon ride, understandably due to the weather, each little activity and moment was special.
What is Vintage Village of Lights?
The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is a large property with buildings set in the 1920s and 30s. You step back in time in the old school house, church, and residence. At Christmastime, the Museum lights up those buildings and surrounding trees with mini lights that illuminate the entire area.
There are activities in each building like gingerbread cookie decorating and crafts, a horse-drawn wagon ride, and scenes and items from a vintage Christmas era.
Here’s the list of activities:
· Visits with Santa (FYI, this is an AMAZING Santa!)
· Christmas light and decoration displays
· Horse-drawn wagon rides
· Cookie decorating
· Ornament decorating
· Ball hockey (My son looks forward to this every year! Most of the family gets involved)
· Print your own greeting card
· Receive a Santagram
· Christmas charades
· Bonfire
· Sing along to Christmas carols
· Watch a festive short film from the 1930s
Everything is included in your admission price, except for beverages that are for sale. We always bring some cash to buy some hot chocolate for the kids and apple cider for us. As soon as we stand in the cold and take a sip, I feel like it’s truly the holiday season!
The Museum has some really great tips to share with you on their website if you are planning to go this last weekend for the event (and I highly encourage you to go!). They give tips about what to bring, wear, and how to make the most out of your experience to avoid some of the busier time.
We have always planned our outings on Fridays at 5 pm to beat the crowds and with little ones with us, we have never had to wait long for anything which is perfect.
TIP: Follow their Facebook page to keep up to date on news and weather details as needed.
If you are looking for one last event to enjoy before Christmas arrives next week, I can’t recommend the Vintage Village of Lights enough!
Admission info:
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 3 pm – 8 pm (the lights turn on at 5 pm.)
Cost: $19.25 families; $7.50 adults; $5.50 seniors and students. Children 5 and under are free. Annual museum memberships are also accepted. Memberships are also available for purchase for $37.25.
Have fun and happy holidays!
