Hyde Hall Announces New ‘Dickensian Christmas-style Event’

By TARA BARNWELL
SPRINGFIELD

Otsego County residents are in for a treat this holiday season. Hyde Hall has announced that it is offering Victorian Candlelight Christmas Tours, on Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15, designed for families, history buffs and holiday enthusiasts. For those seeking a festive, unique, and meaningful way to celebrate the season, creating cherished memories with loved ones while learning about Hyde Hall’s fascinating history is a must.

“This Dickensian Christmas-style event stems from years of visitor interest in a holiday-themed experience at Hyde Hall,” said John Aborn, Hyde Hall’s programs manager. “We’ve previously hosted holiday bazaars and seasonal vendor fairs but, this year, we wanted to offer something more immersive and educational. The Victorian Candlelight Christmas Tours invite guests to step into the charm and traditions of the holidays within Hyde Hall’s historically authentic and beautifully preserved setting,” he said.

Hyde Hall is known for its re-enactments of 19th-century happenings, such as the historic lighting and cocktails event, “Get Lit!”

“Our staff are experts on lighting from the 19th century who provide demonstrations, and we pair cocktails that were served during that period,” Aborn said. “For this Christmas tour, we aim to transport guests to the elegance of 19th-century holiday celebrations in a grand estate like Hyde Hall.

“With 75 percent or more of its original furnishings, the mansion offers a uniquely authentic experience. This event embraces the simplicity and elegance of 19th-century holiday traditions. Decorations are modest, reflecting the era’s aesthetic and adding to the charm of the mansion,” Aborn continued.

The mansion is unheated, so guests are advised to dress warmly and bundle up in coats, hats, and scarves to ensure they remain comfortable. To enhance the visit, special touches like a Make-Your-Own Hot Toddy Station and hot chocolate for kids will be offered, ensuring guests can warm up before stepping inside.

“The true shining star of the event is Hyde Hall itself—its majestic architecture, rich history and timeless charm. To add festive flair, we’ve secured an Arts in the Community Grant to collaborate with local artist Carrie Mae Smith, who has created period-accurate faux food displays unique to Hyde Hall in the 1830s,” Aborn said.

“Another highlight will be the stunning tree in the drawing room, decorated by Elizabeth Graham of The Pink Squirrel in Cherry Valley, which perfectly embodies Victorian holiday traditions.”

Although Fenimore Farm & Country Village (formerly The Farmers’ Museum) has replaced its Holiday Lantern Tour with Glimmer Nights, Hyde Hall’s Victorian Candlelight Christmas is not intended to replace that event.

“We don’t see this as a competition, but rather as a complement. Together, Hyde Hall’s Victorian Candlelight Christmas Tours and Fenimore Farm’s Glimmer Nights offer diverse ways for the community to enjoy the holiday season,” Aborn explained.

While Glimmer Nights provides a vibrant outdoor spectacle, Hyde Hall’s tours offer a historically rich, immersive experience that adds another layer of joy to this festive time of year, Aborn said.

“As partners in our cultural community, we’re adding to the fun things families can do to enjoy this festive season both indoors and outdoors,” said Jonathan Maney, Hyde Hall executive director. “We’re confident visitors will leave with a magical and memorable impression of Hyde Hall during the holidays.”

For tour times and tickets, visit Hydehall.org or call (607) 547-5098.