Delight in Victorian holiday cheer with Merry & Bright event Dec. 14 at Downers Grove Museum
Delight in the spirit of the holidays at "Merry & Bright: A Victorian Christmas" from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Downers Grove Museum campus. This free family event features historic sights and sounds of Victorian Christmas traditions. Activities take place both indoors and outdoors at the Downers Grove Museum campus, 831 Maple Ave.
Learn about Christmas traditions of the past as you explore the holiday-decorated Victorian Blodgett House. Decorated by The Questers of Downers Grove, the house features trees and trimmings that reflect the 1890s Victorian era.
Felicia Camacho, recreation supervisor at the Downers Grove Museum, is excited to expand the celebration this season.
"Each year, the Victorian Blodgett House is beautifully adorned for the holidays. 'Merry & Bright' provides the opportunity to share this gem with the community and bring families together to create their own holiday traditions. We have added some new activities this year that visitors are sure to enjoy," Camacho said.
New this year is a Tree Decorating Contest open to resident groups and local businesses. Trees are judged online by Downers Grove Museum Facebook followers and are on display during "Merry & Bright" where the winner of each division will be announced.
Kids can spend some time with Santa Claus in the cozy parlor from 3 to 5 p.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Parents, don't forget to bring your cameras!
Warm up near a campfire while you toast marshmallows and stroll the park on a luminary walk.
Hands-on activities will be available indoors and include a card-writing station, Christmas crafts and a scavenger hunt. Holiday snacks and beverages available for purchase from Wells Street Popcorn and the Questers Cookie Sale.
Throughout the museum campus, hear Victorian-era carols by the Canterbury Carollers from 3 to 5 p.m. Attired in authentic period costume, the ensemble is a live tableau of Victorian carolers.
Downers Grove North High School choir will perform throughout the campus from 5 to 6 p.m.
Victorians were not only known for their enjoyment of Christmas food and festivities, but also for their generosity.
"We wanted to continue the Victorian tradition of giving by bringing cheer to others in our community this holiday season," Camacho said.
Consider making a charitable donation to the giving tree located in the Montrew Dunham History Center through Dec. 21. Donations will be accepted for the West Suburban Humane Society and DuPage PADS.
"Merry & Bright: A Victorian Christmas" is sponsored by Cut Above Landscaping.
For more information about the Downers Grove Museum, programs and exhibits, visit www.dgparks.org/downers-grove-museum or call (630) 963-1309.
The mission of the Downers Grove Museum is to provide educational and leisure opportunities for the community by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting materials that explain and document the history of Downers Grove and its relationship to local, state, regional, national and global history.
The Downers Grove Park District is dedicated to providing a wide variety of year-round recreation programs, facilities, parks, open space and natural areas that respond to the articulated needs and desires of residents. For more information, call (630) 963-1300 or visit www.dgparks.org.