Five Christmases at the Shriver House Candlelight Tour

One of the wealthiest families in Gettysburg in 1860, the first Christmas George and Hettie, along with their two daughters, Sadie (5) and Mollie (3), celebrated in their new home was one full of joy and delight. Just four months later the Civil War began. By their second Christmas George was away fighting in the war which made it a challenge for Hettie to celebrate the holidays with the girls while their father was away.

Guided tours of the Shrivers’ home illustrate how Christmas was celebrated in the mid-19th century. The 4’ tall candle-laden Christmas tree sits in its place of honor on the parlor table as a fire roars in the fireplace of the handsome room decorated with holiday greenery. After hanging their stockings on the mantle, Sadie and Mollie set out clear toy candy and springerle cookies in anticipation of a visit from Santa Claus and his reindeer on that magical night. The smell of pine and popcorn fills the house bringing memories of Christmases past.

Last tour of the holiday season will take place on New Year’s Eve.

Click Five Christmases to see our tour times and make a reservation.