It’s Like Christmas in a Time Machine

Since way back in the aughts, there is one place I’ve always wanted to visit for my birthday. I’m sure some ladies would choose a spa weekend, or maybe somewhere glamourous with a beach. But if you know me at all, you know that I love history – thanks to my pop. I can be VERY nostalgic – thanks to my mom. And that I was born in December – thanks to both! So when the commercial for Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village came on the radio last year, I couldn’t help but say outloud, “I’ve ALWAYS wanted to do that. It’s like Christmas in a Time Machine!!” And even though Stephen is NOT one to spend hours outside in the cold, I FINALLY got to go. So join us this week for an evening stroll through some seriously decked halls.

Street lit by Christmas lights, leading to a clock tower — Greenfield Village – ready for the holidays

Look at the Glockenspiel and what is that??

After the first moments walking from the parking lot to the Christmas village, we were entertained by the mechanical musicians of the glockenspiel. And then we noticed the very unusually attired man starting at us. We, of course, decided to get a closer look.

Glockenspiel with a man standing in front of it, who is wearing colonial attire and a eagle mask — The Glockenspiel and…?

Close up of a man wearing colonial era attire and an eagle mask — The Glockenspiel and…?

Turns out, this man is dressed as a mummer – a costumed actor who performed pantomimes to celebrate winter holidays in the UK like Christmas and New Years Eve. Mummers would go door to door to perform and get gifts from home owners, just like children do on Halloween.

Music and Car Rides

The center of town was lively. There was a brass bands performing in front of the Christmas Tree shop. People gathered around bon fires to stay warm, while sipping cider. And lots of people taking rides on horseless carriage.

Brass band, performing in woolen coats, in front of a Christmas Tree stand — The Brass Band – thanks to Ralerson Girls Travel for the Pic!

Wood paneled wagon, taking people past a lighted stand. — For Dashing through the Snow

Woman standing next to car with running boards — For Dashing through the Snow

Shopping for Hats and Bicycles Along Main Street

The crowds thinned as we made our way down mainstreet to check out the shops, that were full of period goods.

Brick home with a covered porch and a sign on it that reads Mrs Cohen Millinery — Mrs Cohen’s fancy goods

Window with paper garland that reads “Happy New Year” — Mrs Cohen’s fancy goods

Wright Brother’s Cycle Shop

Front window of the Wright Cycle Shop — Wilber and Orville’s place

Wooden shelves full of bicycle parts, with bicycles and wheels above it — Wilber and Orville’s place

Visiting Homes Decorated for the Holidays

Although families celebrated Christmas, New Year’s Eve was by far a bigger deal – where elaborate meals were prepared to share with friends and neighbors. Young women prepared Wassail, a spiced punch, and took cups to neighbors in return for gifts – hence the tradition of going “Wassailing”.

Christmas tree strung with pop corns with presents beneath it — At Ford House

Two children sitting on a chair in front of a fireplace with a Christmas tree to their right. It has a large bow on top — At Ford House

White home with two chimneys. The front facing windows are lit and there is a wreath on the door. — Noah Webster’s House

Three panels, showing reading lessons created by Noah Webster and above it is a quote that reads “Who taught millions to read but not one to sin.” — Noah Webster’s House

Carolers Along the Way

Around every corner were groups wishing us a Merry Christmas and bringing Joy to the World.

Three people in Victorian era clothing, caroling in a white gazebo that is strung with greenery and bows — At the Gazebo

Carolers standing in front of the village hall, a white building with 4 marble columns, wound with greenery — At the Gazebo

Other Sites to Behold

Covered bridge, strung with multi-colored lights — Ackley Bridge, all decked out for the season

Large windmill, sitting in a field with trees nearby that are free of leaves — Ackley Bridge, all decked out for the season

Jack Frost Nipping at Your Nose

Along with the other sites to behold, how about this guys spending hours walking around outside, in the dark, in December with me.

Man wearing a winter coat, wool hat and gloves in front of a millindar shop — One. Cold. Husband.

And Lastly, Chestnuts Roasting by an Open Fire

On our way back to car we passed a stand selling hot cider and chestnuts roasted on an open fire. The scent was HEAVENLY! The cider was lovely and the chestnuts were…interesting. I can’t say they’re something I’d ever order again, but I’m so glad I got to try them once.

Sign above a stand that reads “Roasted Chestnuts” — Roasted chestnuts

Woman in snow pants, winter coat and hat, holding a cup of chestnuts and a cup of cider — Roasted chestnuts

You Can be a Time Traveller Too

Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village kicks off Thursday December 5th and runs through the 28th. Tickets cost between $36 and $42, depending on when you go and include:

FREE carousel rides
FREE ice skating and skate rental
FREE historic Model T rides
FREE horse-drawn wagon rides with live music
Decorated homes and shops
Carolers and live musical performances
Holiday cooking demonstrations
Christmas trees and greens sale
Fireworks finale and sing-along

If you’re looking for a boost of Christmas spirit, this may well be your thing. I KNOW it was mine!

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