The Pioneer Museum of Alabama invites everyone whose heart longs for the simplicity of the Christmases of yesteryear to step back in time to Ole Time Christmas at the museum Dec. 10-12.

Ole Time Christmas is the museum’s gift to the community. It comes wrapped in holly, and mistletoe and with the warmth that only a flickering fire can provide on a cold December night.

“Ole Time Christmas will be from 6 until 8 o’clock Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There is no admission charge. Just come, bring the family and friends and enjoy an old fashioned Christmas.

“The grounds and buildings are beautifully decorated and we’ll have delicious treats in the different buildings,” said K.T. Valkyrie, museum volunteer.

“Each night, we will have musical offerings from 6:30 until 7:30 in the Village Square. On Thursday night, the Broken Strings Bluegrass Band will perform. On Friday, the Shape Note Singers from Ozark will be here and the Spring Hill Choir will entertain on Saturday. Calvin Bodiford and his Troubadours will play throughout the night in the Reunion Cabin.”

Those who enjoy singing Christmas Carols will be encouraged to attend “services” in the old country church. Music will be played on the 90-year-old pump organ.

Father Christmas will be accepting visits from children of all ages in the Bass Room and photographs will be available for a small donation.

Kari Barley, museum staff member, said the live Nativity scene will be a special feature of Old Time Christmas.

“The live Nativity scene will be at the log barn and luminaries will light the way to the barn and to the other structures that are all decked out for Christmas,” Barley said. “Inside a couple of the buildings, visitors will have a chance to roast marshmallows over an open fire and we’ll have coffee, hot chocolate, cake and cookies available.”

Several vendors will have arts and crafts for sale and children will have opportunities to make an ornament to take home.

“The train will be running and visitors will enjoy a ride around the grounds,” Barley said. “There will be plenty to do and lots to see so we invite everyone to step into the past and experience Christmas like a pioneer.”