Lots of Holiday Activities in Cecil County This Weekend

As the holidays near, there are lots of great events in the county and beyond for the upcoming weekend.  Mt. Harmon and Elk Landing, two old house museums, have special festive events, there’s a holiday tour,  and the traveler’s Christmas tree lighting will take place.   Here are some details.

 Holiday Open House at Historic Elk Landing

The Historic Elk Landing Foundation will open its doors to celebrate the holiday season on Friday December 3rd and Saturday December 4th and you are invited to attend. This year’s festive event will feature late 18th century holiday decorations in the Hollingsworth House using greens, holly, nuts, apples and other natural items that would have been available in Cecil County two centuries ago, just as our ancient forefathers and mothers would have done. The only concession to modern times will be a Christmas tree which will be decorated with gingerbread cookies, popcorn, cranberries, and twisted tin strips, again, just as in holidays gone by.

Step back in time with us as we leave the madness of the 21st century to celebrate a calmer, gentler holiday season. Costumed guides will answer any questions you may have about the house, the decorations, or the holiday celebration. Children may also join in on the holiday spirit with homespun decorations they can make and take with them for their own 18th century celebration. Refreshments will be provided along with music of the times.

There is no charge to take part in this year’s Elk Landing Holiday celebration. We only ask that you bring non-perishable food items for donation to the Cecil County Help Center’s Food Bank. What better way to celebrate the holiday season?

Friday evening’s Holiday Open House begins at 7 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. Saturday the Hollingsworth House will be open between noon and 5 p.m. See our web site at www.elklanding.org for directions.

Yuletide Manor House Tours at Mt. Hamron.

Get into the holiday spirit with Mount Harmon’s Yuletide Manor House Tour. The elegant brick Georgian Manor House at Mount Harmon is decorated for the holidays with festive wreaths and decorative arrangements, in the style of Colonial Williamsburg. The Greenfingers Garden Club makes the holiday decorations using greens from Mount Harmon’s grounds, including boxwood, magnolia, pine, holly, and other seasonal favorites. A holiday decorations and greens sale is featured, with hand-made Williamsburg-style decorations and greens from the plantation available for sale.

Also featured are Children’s Holiday Craft Activities in the Education & Discovery Center and hearth-cooking demonstrations in the Plantation out-kitchen. Visitors will delight in sampling freshly made gingerbread cooked on the hearth and Mount Harmon’s special Wassail Punch. Proceeds benefit Mount Harmon Plantation.

Tickets: $10 per person, FOMH Members $5, Children 12 & under free, Purchase Upon Entry

Historic Christmas Tour

After a visit to the welcome center in the Principio Methodist Church Hall, the tour will take you from the Principio Furnace Ironmaster’s Mansion to the Perry Point Mansion with stops along the way to see six other beautifully decorated landmarks, churches, and a unique home.  Event takes place on December 5th from 1 to 6 p.m.  and tour starts at the church hall, 1511 Principio Furnace Road., Perryville.  Donation of $10 per person.

Holly Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Holly Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place Saturday December 4^th from 4 to 6 p.m.  Santa will be at the traveler’s tree Saturday December 2 from r to 8 -.m.  As always, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be free along with hot chocolate, cider and toys provide by Ray of Hope.