LANCASTER, Pa. – LancasterHistory invites the public to experience the rich history of the festive season with its annual event, Yuletide at Wheatland. From November 20 to December 30, 2023, attendees can observe the holiday traditions of the late 1800s through the eyes of President James Buchanan's niece and nephew, Harriet Lane and James Buchanan "Buck" Henry.

These guided, history-infused holiday tours provide an intimate look at Christmas in the years after Buchanan's death in 1868. Attendees will explore how the holiday spirit blossomed during the Second Industrial Revolution, from the advent of electric tree lights to the burgeoning culture of gift-giving and entertainment.

"Each room in Wheatland sets the stage for discussing Christmas in the late Victorian period in America and Lancaster County," said LancasterHistory Museum Associate Stephanie Celiberti. "For example, we'll discuss how Frank Woolworth opened his first successful store in Lancaster in 1879. A little more than 10 years later, Woolworths' stores were selling thousands of imported, German glass ornaments! Today they are often Christmas tree staples, but then, they were revolutionary."

Other topics explored include Christmas meals, carols and parlor games, Christmas tree decorations, and other seasonal celebrations, such as Hogmanay (Scottish New Year's Eve Celebration) and Yule. 

Event Details

Dates: November 20 – December 30, 2023

Hours: Monday - Saturday, hourly tours from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (last tour at 3 p.m.) except Thanksgiving (November 24) and Christmas Day (December 25)

Tickets

LancasterHistory Members: $8.00/person

Adults (14 and up): $17.00/person

Youth (6-13): $8.00/person

Child (5 & Under): Free with the admission of a paying adult

Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Youths): $40.00

Tickets are now available for purchase online or by calling (717) 392-4633.

Please Note: Each ticket purchase includes a guided tour of Yuletide at Wheatland and access to the self-guided museum exhibitions at LancasterHistory. Advance ticket booking is strongly recommended as tours often sell out. Walk-in ticket availability is not guaranteed.

For parties of 15 or more persons, please contact us at (717) 392-4633, ext. 135 or by emailing groups@lancasterhistory.org for group tour pricing and scheduling.

LancasterHistory encourages visitors to review its Health & Safety Policies for Visitors prior to booking tickets and arriving for their tour. Attendees should be aware that the Yuletide tour includes traveling up and down stairs, and tours can last up to an hour. LancasterHistory is happy to provide alternative accommodations. Please contact our Visitor Services Department at (717) 392-4633, ext. 100 to make arrangements.

For additional details and FAQs, visitors are urged to refer to LancasterHistory's official website.

About LancasterHistory

LancasterHistory is a community-based, not-for-profit organization established to educate the public on the history of Lancaster County and its place in the history of Pennsylvania and the United States, to advance the missions of regional historical organizations, and to promote the acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of resources representing the history of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania within the broader context of state and national history, including the homes of 15th US President James Buchanan and Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith.

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