2012 Christmas Candlelight Tours 
Thurs & Fri, December 6 & 7, 6:00–8:00 PM
Saturday, December 8, 5:00–8:30 PM

Ring in the holidays with music, stories and treats at the oldest house in Lancaster County.

Adults: $8
Children 7 - 12: $4
Children 6 and under: Free

Advance tickets strongly suggested. To reserve, call 717-464-4438 or email infohansherr.org.

About the Tours

“Living Off the Land” was the focus of the Christmas Candlelight Tours at the 1719 Hans Herr House in December 2011.

Guides in traditional Pennsylvania German dress described how 18th-century fruits, vegetables, herbs and grains were used for food, drink, medicine and even home repair.

The timed-entry tours started in the cellar of the 1719 House, where a guide described making whiskey, wine and hard cider.

“Apple cider was the most popular drink in colonial times,” said tour guide Donnalee Mylin. “Most farmers believed that drinking water induced malaria and other diseases.”  

Tours continued upstairs in the Küche, or kitchen. Visitors heard about recipes using seasonal foods like turnips, kohlrabi, cabbage and dried currants and were able to taste some of the ingredients.

The attic was the stage for a role-play. Children lying in bed complained about being sick and adults suggested both Native American and European remedies.

In the Kammer, or bedroom, guides described how rye straw could be used for bedding, baskets, insulation and roof repair.

The tour ended with a Hans Herr House tradition: hearing the biblical Christmas story in German and singing Silent Night in German in a room once used for Mennonite church meetings.

Before and after the tour, guests enjoyed caroling around a bonfire, sipping hot cider and watching a blacksmith, shoemaker and other craftspeople stationed around the grounds.

The museum store was open with music and holiday gifts.

Enter to Win Free Tickets

Win two free tickets to the Christmas Candlelight Tours. Winners will be notified two weeks before the event and will be able to choose the date they want to attend.