It’s an Olde Tyme Christmas this year during two special events at Waynesboro’s Renfrew!
Rediscover the simple joys of Christmas past at Renfrew Museum and Park this holiday season! Kick off the holiday season at Renfrew with a special presentation on how the celebration of Christmas evolved in Early America!
Christmas in Early America
The Olde Tyme Christmas celebration includes exploring Christmas traditions in Early America.
Join Renfrew’s Executive Director, Becky LaBarre, for a fascinating overview of how some of
America’s treasured holiday traditions, introduced and disseminated during the nineteenth century. The program explores roughly 100 years, from just after the Revolutionary War Era to the Centennial Celebration in 1876. It’s a great primer for anyone planning to attend Renfrew’s Christmas on the Farm event.
This talk includes an array of original images, primary accounts, and insight to enrich your
understanding of the historic period interpreted at Renfrew. You won’t want to miss this fun
and educational evening program.
Christmas in Early America takes place Tuesday, November 22, from 7–8 p.m.
There are two ways to attend:
- Online Via Zoom, or;
- In-Person Watch Party at Renfrew (Limit 30) @ $5 per person (Free for Friends of Renfrew Members). Pre-registration required. Sign up here.
READ: Heart of the Holiday
Christmas on the Farm
Join Renfrew for an unforgettable holiday experience and make memories that will last a lifetime at Christmas on the Farm.
“Walk Back In Time” through over 200 years of celebration at Renfrew’s annual Christmas on the Farm event. Follow the soft glow of flickering lanterns and the fiery blaze of torches to the beautifully decorated Museum House where you’ll encounter how treasured traditions evolved over the centuries.
Explore some of Renfrew’s historic outbuildings where period-attired interpreters will share even
more holiday cheer!
Enjoy a cozy warming circle while you wait to take a horse-drawn wagon ride down Fahnestock Lane or enjoy a goodie or warm beverage from one of the museum’s vendors. Step out of the chill into the festive atmosphere inside the Visitors Center where even more family fun awaits. Peruse Renfrew’s gallery, then browse the museum shop and Christkindlmarkt for that special gift.
Admission also includes live music, crafts, and more!
- Friday, December 2, 3–8 p.m. or
- Saturday, December 3, Noon – 8 p.m.;
- Cost: $10.00 per person; Friends of Renfrew Members: Free
- Children, Ages 3 – 12: $5; Children 2 & Under: Free
- Admission Rates Include Tours, Wagon Rides, Live Music, Crafts and More!)
Not a member yet? Join now! at this link.
Wreath making workshop
Love the old-fashioned Christmas wreaths decorating the historic buildings at Renfrew?
Learn how to make one yourself! Enjoy a warm, festive atmosphere complete with hot cider, light refreshments, and recorded period music as you build your wreath.
Participants will be provided with a wire frame and all the materials needed to create a traditional holiday wreath inspired by the rustic simplicity of our historic Pennsylvania German farmstead.
Decorate with natural evergreen boughs, holly, pinecones, and greens harvested on site by Renfrew’s staff, make your own citrus and clove pomanders, and finish it all off with a modest homespun bow.
Participants should plan to bring their own pair of wire cutters, small pruners, and garden gloves. Staff also recommends bringing a portable seat cushion. Workshop takes place in the Wagon Shed Room of the Visitors Center.
This event is for individuals aged 12 and over. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, also registered to attend, at all times. Cost is $50 per person, but Friends of Renfrew members get a $10 discount. Pre-registration is required at this link.
