Take a wholesome trip to an 1880s Christmas in the Valley

Delight in the magic of Christmas with a historical twist at Christmas in the Valley!

Schaumburg Park District's Christmas in the Valley is set for noon-4 p.m., Dec. 7 and 8 at Spring Valley's Heritage Farm and Merkle Cabin, 201 S. Plum Grove Road.

"This event is a hands-on live history experience of an authentic 19th century German-American Christmas in Schaumburg," said Patricia Kennedy Green, farm program supervisor. "Families will enjoy a break from the rush of the holidays and be able to choose from many activities!"

Demonstrations will include:

• Traditional German-American holiday dinner preparation at the farmhouse

• Historic toy making at the farmhouse

• Leather working at the farmhouse

• Traditional holiday carols and decorations at the farmhouse

• Wood chopping at the smokehouse

• Meat smoking at the smokehouse

• Blacksmithing at the toolhouse

• Historic band performance at the Farm Visitor Center

Activities will include:

• Reindeer food preparation at the Farm Visitor Center

• Roasting marshmallows at the firepit

• Holiday crafts at Merkle Cabin

• Visit with livestock at the barn

• Visit with Father Christmas/St. Nick at Merkle Cabin

Ticket sales will be available at the Farm Visitor Center and Merkle Cabin. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase at Merkle Cabin.

Cost is $3 per person and $12 per family. Children 3 and younger are free. Parking is available at the Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. A wagon shuttle will transport attendees from the Nature Center to Merkle Cabin.

For information, call 847-985-2100 or visit parkfun.com.