HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is hosting an early December weekend of historical Christmas events and demonstrations that bring to life the holidays in 1864 when the U.S. Army transformed the town into a major supply center.
The park is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. It includes the historic center of Harpers Ferry, notable as the scene of John Brown's failed abolitionist uprising. It contains the most visited historic site in West Virginia, John Brown's Fort.
According to park spokesperson Kristen Maxfield, unless otherwise noted, all holiday events and activities are included with a park entry pass.
Public parking in the park's Lower Town is minimal, so it's recommended that visitors park at the Harpers Ferry Visitor Center at 171 Shoreline Drive and board a park shuttle.
Friday, December 6
6:30-7 p.m. — Opening Ceremony
Visitors may enjoy period music and tales of holiday celebrations from the 1800s at the Tent-on-the-Green on Shenandoah Street in the Lower Town.
7-7:30 p.m. — Yule Log Fire
Participants can learn about the history of the “yule log,” hear stories of Civil War-era soldiers far from home over the holidays, and share holiday traditions from their families near John Brown’s Fort.
Saturday, December 7
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Visions of Sugar Plums
Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association, this noontime event invites participants to return to the 19th century and learn the yuletide trade of making treats. Under the guidance of historic foodways expert Carol Anderson, master the confectioner’s craft of making clear toy candy, a traditional treat. Registration is required for this $25 workshop.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association, experience the magic of an old-time holiday festival in Bolivar and Harpers Ferry, including wagon rides along historic streets. The interpretive rides are hosted by knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories of the past. Rides are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. They begin and end behind the Tent-on-the-Green on Shenandoah Street in the Lower Town.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Historical Exhibits
Volunteers and park rangers will bring a Civil War-era town to life through period-appropriate encampments and clothing throughout historic Lower Town.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Harpers Ferry’s Trains
View an electric model train demonstration to learn how the railroads were used in pre-Civil War times for the U.S. Armory industry, during the Civil War for moving troops and equipment, and for passenger travel. The exhibit will be located on the first floor of the John Brown Museum in the "Allies for Freedom" Room.
Noon to 3 p.m. — Decking the Halls: Ornaments for the Tree
Learn to make 19th-century decorations of tin—tinsel, tin stars, tin spirals, tin stars—and edible ornaments for your tree at home. It is located in the Tent-on-the-Green on Shenandoah Street in the Lower Town.
1 to 3 p.m. — Civil War Slippers for the Sick and Wounded
The outpouring of hand-made goods, funds, and care at Harpers Ferry was so vast that the relief effort was described as “an artery of the people’s love to the people’s army.” This sewing demonstration will tell the story of national and local civilian and military efforts to sustain the Union Army. Stop in to see how a historic pattern of slippers aimed at the sick and wounded soldiers was made by women all across the country. To be held in the Ready-Made Clothing Store.
1 to 4 p.m. – Visions of Sugar Plums
Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association, this noontime event invites participants to return to the 19th century and learn the yuletide trade of making treats. Under the guidance of historic foodways expert Carol Anderson, master the confectioner’s craft of making clear toy candy, a traditional treat. Registration is required for this $25 workshop.
2 p.m. – Holidays at War
Amidst all the evergreens, presents, and parties, many soldiers sensed in 1864 that the war was almost won, though they weren't done yet. Even during the holidays, army life continued. Join a ranger and living history volunteers to witness the daily drill these soldiers performed, including loading and firing their weapons. (Expect loud noises and prepare dogs and children.)
3 to 5 p.m. – A Grand Military and Citizens’ Ball
Join the 34th Massachusetts officers and their wives as they host a Victorian dance. The Victorian Dance Ensemble will provide instruction, and the dance will feature period music by Wheaton's Parlor Orchestra. It is located in the Tent-on-the-Green on Shenandoah Street in the Lower Town.
Sunday, December 8
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Visions of Sugar Plums
Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association, this noontime event invites participants to return to the 19th century and learn the yuletide trade of making treats. Under the guidance of historic foodways expert Carol Anderson, master the confectioner’s craft of making clear toy candy, a traditional treat. Registration is required for this $25 workshop.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association, experience the magic of an old-time holiday festival in Bolivar and Harpers Ferry, including wagon rides along historic streets. The interpretive rides are hosted by knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories of the past. Rides are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. They begin and end behind the Tent-on-the-Green on Shenandoah Street in the Lower Town
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Historical Exhibits
Volunteers and park rangers will bring a Civil War-era town to life through period-appropriate encampments and clothing throughout historic Lower Town.
Noon to 2 p.m. — Harpers Ferry’s Trains
View an electric model train demonstration to learn how the railroads were used in pre-Civil War times for the U.S. Armory industry, during the Civil War for moving troops and equipment, and for passenger travel. The exhibit will be located on the first floor of the John Brown Museum in the Allies for Freedom room.
1 to 3 p.m. — Civil War Slippers for the Sick and Wounded
The outpouring of hand-made goods, funds, and care at Harpers Ferry was so vast that the relief effort was described as “an artery of the people’s love to the people’s army.” This sewing demonstration will tell the story of national and local civilian and military efforts to sustain the Union Army. See how women all across the country made a historic pattern of slippers aimed at the sick and wounded soldiers. This will be held at the Ready-Made Clothing Store.
1 to 4 p.m. – Visions of Sugar Plums
Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association, this noontime event invites participants to return to the 19th century and learn the yuletide trade of making treats. Under the guidance of historic foodways expert Carol Anderson, master the confectioner’s craft of making clear toy candy, a traditional treat. Registration is required for this $25 workshop.
2 p.m. – Holidays at War
Amidst all the evergreens, presents, and parties, many soldiers sensed in 1864 that the war was almost won, though they weren't done yet. Even during the holidays, army life continued. Join a ranger and living history volunteers to witness the daily drill these soldiers performed, including loading and firing their weapons. (Expect loud noises and prepare dogs and children.)
3 to 4 p.m. – Harpers Ferry’s Trains
View an electric model train demonstration to learn how the railroads were used in pre-Civil War times for the U.S. Armory industry, during the Civil War for moving troops and equipment, and for passenger travel. The exhibit will be located on the first floor of the John Brown Museum in the Allies for Freedom room.
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