The Holiday Getaway You Don’t Have On Your Calendar – But Should

Photo credit: Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area

When December rolls around and the Christmas crowds rally to their ice skating rinks and tree lightings, opt for the road less traveled. Step back in time with these Heritage Area events perfect for a historical holiday weekend – and start a tradition for years to come.

• Kick off the festivities with the Civil War Encampment. Living historians will camp on the grounds of the Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster to recreate how troops celebrated holidays during the war. Highlights include a pay muster, mail call, infantry drill and skirmish, while children are invited to make ornaments onsite to decorate the camp Christmas tree.

• Devoid of the neon bells and whistles that accompany most Christmas light displays, the Antietam National Battlefield memorial illumination is a beautifully haunting tribute. Volunteers place more than 23,000 candles on the battlefield to represent each casualty from the battle on September 17, 1862. Visitors can dedicate individual luminary bags at the Newcomer House for their own loved ones serving in the military.

• Check out the Traditional Village Christmas in Catoctin Furnace. Enjoy hot mulled wine, apple cider and heirloom-recipe baked goods to keep you warm in the chilly weather. The kids can enjoy decorating wreaths and making ornaments – and don’t miss Kris Kringling, the costumed yuletide tradition of dancing, singing and eating!

• After enjoying 19^th century Christmas celebrations in Maryland, cross the Potomac River to find a host of holiday events including Christmas in Shepherdstown. The celebration will include a parade, living history reenactments, children’s activities and programs held at Ferry Hill Plantation. Nearby, Old Tyme Christmas in Harpers Ferry will be outfitted with live entertainment and children’s activities including a Victorian candy-making workshop and the exciting reenactment “Captain Flagg’s US Quartermaster City, 1864: Prospects of Peace.”

Become a part of a history and plan your visit to Heritage area for the first weekend in December! For more information or to find a hotel package, visit http://www.heartofthecivilwar.org/holiday.