2025 Shaker Christmas by Candlelight

Did you know that the Shakers were some of the first Protestant Christians in America to celebrate Christmas? For nearly 200 years, the Shakers have observed Christmas as a day of great spiritual importance. Many of their traditions have evolved over time - from fasting and prayers in the 1700s to festive decorations and scrumptious feasts in the 1900s.

Join us for a candlelit tour through several of our historic buildings while they are festively decorated for the holidays. Together we'll trace the progression of the Shakers' beliefs and practices, gaining a deeper understanding of the history of Christmas in America.

This program will traverse approximately 0.5 mile of graveled, level terrain and will climb and descend several flights of stairs. Participants should be comfortable walking and navigating stairs in low light/semi-dark conditions. The program will proceed rain or shine, although the route may be modified in case of inclement weather.