Candlelight Evening, a regular holiday tradition now in its 30th year, will be held Sunday, December 20, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at The Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown. During the event the grounds of the Museum take on a magical appearance, decorated in greenery and illuminated by thousands of candles. Visitors can ride through the museum in wagons pulled by draft horses with full sets of harness bells. Complimentary wassail, warmed in kettles over open fires, is served throughout the afternoon and evening. Caroling is scheduled throughout the event. Visit with Saint Nicholas at the Filer’s Corners Schoolhouse from 4:30 to 5:00pm and again from 5:30 to 6:00 pm. Members of the Congregation of the Christ Episcopal Church will present “A Living Nativity,” with performances at 5:00, 5:20, 5:40 and 6:00 pm at the Morey Barn. (Seating is limited.)
An array of seasonal musical programs will take place at the Cornwallville Church including performances by the Catskill Chamber Singers, the Catskill Choral Society Girls’ Choir, and the Northern Comforts Men’s Quartet throughout the evening. Enjoy caroling with Ron Johnson in the More House. The Cooperstown Central School Band will perform on the porch of Bump Tavern and Leatherstocking Brass will entertain at the South End of the Main Barn.
At Filer’s Corners Schoolhouse, children will enjoy arts and crafts activities from 3:00 to 4:15 pm. The Empire State Carousel will be open for rides throughout the event. Todd’s General Store and The Farmers’ Museum Shop will be open with holiday-inspired merchandise.
Hearty, warm chili and soups, gingerbread cookies, brownies, and a variety of hot beverages will be on sale in the heated Louis C. Jones Center in the Museum’s Main Barn and also in the Williams Carriage House next to Bump Tavern.
Candlelight Evening visitors should dress warmly and wear boots. The use of the shuttle system system is encouraged, as parking is very limited on the museum grounds. There will be free shuttle service from The Otesaga Hotel on Route 80; the Elementary School parking lot; the Red Trolley Lot located off Route 28 (Glen Ave.); the Yellow Trolley Lot, on Lake Road, Route 80, above the Fenimore Art Museum; Doubleday Parking Lot, and a pick up point near the entrance to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, to The Farmers’ Museum throughout the evening.
Admission is $11 for adults; $9.50 for seniors; and $5.00 for children ages 7-12. Members and children under 6 years of age receive free admission.
Photo: Candles by Alan Lincourt; courtesy The Farmers’ Museum.
Leave a Reply