43rd Annual Candlelight Celebration at Dallas Heritage Village

Begin the holiday season with Texas’ earliest residents and see how holiday traditions were celebrated in the late 1800s on December 13 and 14, 3 - 9 p.m. at the 43rd Annual Candlelight Celebration at Dallas Heritage Village, sponsored by Baylor Scott & White Health.

 

“May Your Candlelight be Merry and Bright” will be this year’s theme, celebrating songs of the season with performers, stories behind these holiday favorites, and crafts inspired by these treasured tunes.  Take a stroll and experience gleeful carolers, holiday storytelling, hand-weaving, blacksmithing, interpreters in traditional costume, and many other festive activities such as the popular American Flyer model train exhibit in the Depot, operated by the Lone Star Flyer Model Train Club.

Guests may explore 38 historic buildings, circa 1840 to 1910, traditionally decorated by area garden clubs. Different family holiday traditions and activities are celebrated at Candlelight by interpreters. Visit with Mrs. Freeman in the Shotgun House and Mrs. de Léon in her two-room Tejano home, both preparing for the holidays. At the 1860s Farmstead, see how early Dallas pioneers enjoyed a modest Christmas as the country approached the Civil War. Listen to Cowboys tell tales around the bonfire, and stop by the Alamo saloon for a root beer and a game of dominoes. 

 

Don’t forget to visit a special 19^th century guest, St. Nicholas, in the newly renovated Depot and snap a photo with him. While there, stop by to see the American Flyer model train exhibit.

Kids may participate in hands-on holiday crafts inspired by treasured Christmas tunes. Decorate a song book with sheet music ornament cutouts then select a few favorite carols to add to the book. Other crafts include making jingle bell bracelets, paper chains from Christmas sheet music paper, and crystal music note ornaments.

 

Attendees may ride around the Village in a surrey pulled by the Village’s loveable Mammoth Jack donkeys Nip and Tuck ($5 per rider) or a hay wagon pulled by a vintage tractor ($3 per rider). Local food trucks, such as Easy Slider, Rock & Roll Tacos, Ruthie’s, and more will have delicious food available to purchase. Wine and beer, Kettle Korn, and roasted nuts will also be available for purchase.

 For a complete list of performers and performance times, please visit www.DallasHeritageVillage.org.  All proceeds from Candlelight, the museum’s biggest annual public fundraiser, benefit museum programs at Dallas Heritage Village. Visit http://www.dallasheritagevillage.org/candlelight for more details and to purchase tickets online.

Candlelight at Dallas Heritage Village

Begin the holiday season with Texas’ earliest residents and see how holiday traditions were celebrated in the late 1800s on December 14 and 15, 3 - 9 p.m., at the 42nd Annual Candlelight Celebration at Dallas Heritage Village, 1515 South Harwood, sponsored by Baylor Health Care System.   

“Get Wrapped Up in Candlelight” will be this year’s theme, celebrating the beauty of holidays past with seasonal décor and traditional celebrations featured throughout the Village.   Take a stroll and experience gleeful carolers, holiday storytelling, hand-weaving, blacksmithing, interpreters in traditional costume, and many other festive activities such as the American Flyer model train exhibit in the Depot, operated by the Lone Star Flyer Model Train Club.

“There are few places that get people in the holiday spirit like Candlelight, which sets a beautiful landscape for the season, honoring and creating memories,” said Melissa Prycer, Interim Executive Director, Dallas Heritage Village.  “Candlelight is a magical event that has been a holiday tradition in Dallas for 42 years, and we welcome visitors from across the globe.”

During Candlelight, pioneer and Victorian Texas is brought to life by characters dressed in period costumes.  Guests may explore 38 historic buildings, circa 1840 to 1910, traditionally decorated by area garden clubs.  Don’t forget to visit a special 19^th century guest, St. Nicholas, in the Depot and snap a photo with him. 

Kids may participate in hands-on holiday crafts.  Attendees may also ride around the Village in a surrey pulled by the Village’s loveable Mammoth Jack donkeys  Nip and Tuck ($5 per rider) or a hay wagon pulled by a vintage tractor ($3 per rider).  Local food trucks, such as Ruthie’s Grilled Cheese Truck, Tutta’s Pizza, Easy Slider, Good Karma Kitchen, and more will have delicious food available to purchase.  Wine will be available for purchase from Times Ten Cellars.

For a complete list of performers and performance times, please visit www.DallasHeritageVillage.org.

All proceeds from Candlelight, the museum’s biggest annual public fundraiser, benefit museum programs at Dallas Heritage Village. 

Candlelight corporate and family sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Lisa Simpson at 214-413-3662, lsimpson@dallasheritagevillage.org.   Various sponsorship levels are available with benefits as well as area and activity sponsorships.