Celebrate the joy of Christmas through the seasonal traditions of 1864 at the Hale Farm Holiday Lantern Tour. This is a must-see attraction in NE Ohio for the entire family. You’ll be transported through time to a village with historic houses decorated in the era’s seasonal decorations. Meet with friendly folks who are preparing for Christmas with their hearts and concerns for their family and friends fighting the Civil War. It gives a whole new perspective to the meaning of Christmas compared to the hustle and bustle of today’s Christmas.
I received tickets to facilitate this post.
Holiday Lantern Tour at Hale Farm and Village
You can reserve your Holiday Lantern Tour at Hale Farm and Village all weekend long and into next week, December 19-23, 2014. Tours depart every 20 minutes, starting at 6pm. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early to listen to live Christmas carols and walk through the gift shop.
This year, we were not allowed to take photos of the tour, so my images are from their website and from past years. Be sure to read our reviews from previous Holiday Lantern Tours at Hale Farm too. Each year, there is a different theme. We all agree that this year is the best yet! The actors are flawless, the storyline is festive, and there is more audience participation.
We started our journey on Christmas Eve, 1862. A wounded solider from the previous year recalls how special it was to receive goodies from home during Christmas. He also recalls that some soldiers weren’t fortunate enough to have family sending gifts, so he is calling upon us to help gather small gifts through the village for those still in the War.
At each home, we were able to see how they decorated back in 1862 as well as how they celebrated – in a much more simpler, yet meaningful way with plenty of family time. 
Our favorite part was at the Meeting House or Church. Our group of 12 or so were mistaken for those coming to practice for the Christmas pageant! Everyone got right to work to retell the Twas The Night Before Christmas Poem. My husband make a fabulous – hilarious sugar plum fairy! ha! The Santa from our group played the part in a comedic way as well. We were all in stitches! About 1/2 of us were on stage while the other 1/2 enjoyed the show!
From there, we went to more homes. The evening was filled with good news of joy of proposals and more!
We even met up with Santa at the end for hot chocolate and snicker-doodle cookies! My kids enjoyed this new addition to the tour!
We had a lovely evening. Going to Hale Farm & Village for their Holiday Lantern Tours every Winter has become a Christmas tradition in our family. It is always a fun evening out and we come home a little more appreciative of Christmas. My kids have even learned how new traditions started and have recalled them since the tour – like the pickle decorations on Christmas trees!
Shop Hale Farm & Village Gift Shop
After the Holiday Lantern Tour, be sure to stop by the Hale Farm & Village Gift Shop for unique and creative gifts for the entire family. Many gifts are created on site with their artisans and craftsmen. They have a great assortment of quality gifts for kids and adults, and even some toys and items that could have been found in the 1800’s! We purchased gifts for each other as well as family and friends while there. They are quit affordable as well. Hale Farm & Village Gift Shop offers plenty of unique stocking stuffer items that Santa might want to use for stocking as well!
Make Reservations for Holiday Lantern Tour at Hale Farm and Village
Reservations are required for the Holiday Lantern Tour at Hale Farm and Village by calling 330.666.3711 ext. 1720 or halereservations@wrhs.org. Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members, $12 for kids ages 3-12. Be sure to dress warm as you will be walking outdoors throughout the village during this 90 minute tour.
Holiday Lantern Tour at Hale Farm and Village 2012 Dates
December 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 2014. 90 minute tours depart every 20 minutes from 6 – 8:20pm.
Hale Farm and Village
2686 Oak Hill Road
Bath, OH
