‘Old Time Christmas’ opens tonight at Pioneer Museum

Published 11:00 pm Thursday, December 6, 2012

The Pioneer Museum of Alabama has “decked the halls” and has a wonderful old-time Christmas planned for tonight and Saturday.

“Old Time Christmas is one of the most highly anticipated events at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama,” said Kari Barley, museum director. “Each year we plan a little something different because people come back year after year to celebrate Christmas the old fashioned way.”

This weekend, Old Time Christmas will include a stage presentation at the amphitheater that brings the familiar stories of Christmas to life, Barley said.

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Old Time Christmas is from 6 until 9 p.m. each night and visitors to the museum are encouraged to set aside time to enjoy the stage presentations at 6:30 and again at 8 p.m.

The Christmas vignettes will include “The Night Before Christmas,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” and the Christmas story as told in the Bible.

“The museum staff and volunteers have had a wonderful time putting the vignettes together,” Barley said.

“The stories are traditional and a couple of them are silly and funny and the children will really have a good time. And, we close with story of the birth of the Baby Jesus, the real reason for the season.

The historic buildings on the museum grounds will be open. There will opportunities for kids to make a craft to take home in the museum schoolhouse.

The museum grounds will be lighted for those who stroll from building to building to enjoy the beauty of cabins decorated with offerings from Mother Nature.

“In the Demonstration Cabin, we’ll have hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast over an open fire. Apple cider and sweet treats will be offered in the Reunion Cabin and there will be old time music to enjoy,” Barley said. “The log church will be open for singing or just quiet reflection.”

Old Father Christmas will be around so children can make their Christmas wishes known to him.

The museum’s gift shop features a variety of items that will make great Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers, Barley said.

Admission to Old Time Christmas is $4. Tickets may be purchased at the gate.

The Pioneer Museum of Alabama is located on U.S. Highway 231 north in Troy.