Main Street Gettysburg, in partnership with Artillery Ridge Campground, announces a new centerpiece attraction for this year’s A Gettysburg Christmas Festival on December 5, 6, and 7. Visitors are invited to step into history and experience how the holiday season provided hope and joy to our community.
A portion of Steinwehr Avenue and Artillery Ridge Campground will be transformed into “A Victorian Christmas,” bringing the mid-to-late 1800s, and specifically Gettysburg 1863, to life. Main Street Gettysburg is coordinating with Artillery Ridge Campground owner Gary Ott, Jr. and Activities Coordinator Amanda Zook Collins on development of this new partnership.
“We’re stepping back in time to the 18th century by bringing back A Victorian Christmas on Steinwehr Avenue as part of A Gettysburg Christmas Festival,” said Jill Sellers, President of Main Street Gettysburg. “We are excited to bring history to life during the holidays in Gettysburg.”
Along Steinwehr Avenue, military and civilian living historians will share period music, dance, demonstrations, and engaging presentations. Attendees can enjoy up-close conversations with experts and actors, plus family-friendly activities all day.
Highlights include:
• Authentic Civil War music
• Presentations from historic figures
• Santa & Mrs. Claus
• Free s’mores
• A chance to meet live reindeer
Living historians are welcome to join the experience.
Simultaneously, Artillery Ridge Campground will be open to the public for a weekend of family-focused, historically themed activities. Zook Collins noted, “As the closest campground to Gettysburg’s historic sites, we’re honored to be part of the Victorian Christmas experience. We want families to feel the warmth and hope that defined the holidays, even in difficult times.”
Artillery Ridge Campground invites guests to:
• Civil War encampment with soldiers on a holiday respite
• Civil War Santa and Mrs. Claus by a cozy pavilion fireplace
• Marshmallow toasting, hands-on crafts, and live nativity, and petting zoo
• Wagon rides featuring caroling and historical storytelling
• Seasonal souvenirs and handmade crafts at “The North Pole” pavilion
Transportation is being developed between the Steinwehr Avenue activities and the campground. Admission, hours, parking and other campground activities details are available at artilleryridge.com. For vendor inquiries, volunteer opportunities, and media requests, contact Amanda Zook Collins at 717-334-1288.
Visitors are encouraged to follow A Gettysburg Christmas Festival on Facebook and at agettysburgchristmasfestival.com.
Source: Main Street Gettysburg