‘Old Time Christmas’ at the Pioneer Museum

“Old Time Christmas” at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama is one of the museum’s most highly attended events each year and just what many need to get them in the Christmas spirit.

The annual Christmas event will be from 6 until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Pioneer museum on Highway 231 North in Troy.

And, if weather predictions are right, there will be enough nip in the night air to make it seem like Christmastime.

“We’ll have all of the favorite Old Time Christmas activities plus something brand new and different,” said Kari Barley, museum director.

For the first time, the museum staff and volunteers will take the stage of the amphitheater and bring Christmas stories to life.

Twice each night, at 6:30 and 8 o’clock, three Christmas vignettes will bring the merriment of the Christmas season to the stage as well as focus on the real reason for the season.

“Everyone will be invited to bundle up and join us for short stage presentations of

‘The Night Before Christmas,’ ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ and the Christmas story from the Bible,” Barley said.

Rosalyn Holmes will read the popular Clement C. Moore poem and the museum staff will perform a humorous version of “Twelve Days” and the Christmas story.

The museum will be decked out for Christmas and lighted paths will guide visitors around the grounds.

“At the Little Red Schoolhouse, children can make a Christmas craft item to take home,” Barley said. “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.”

The log church will be open and the carols of Christmas will be sung along with the music of the old pump organ.

Old Father Christmas will pay a visit to the museum during Old Time Christmas and children will want to make their Christmas wishes known to him and have the pictures take with him.

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

“We have a good selection of locally made items for all ages and old time toys,” Barley said. “We even have a large number of stalks of sugar cane for sale. Shopping will be good and a lot of fun at Old Time Christmas.”

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