December 10 & 11, 17 & 18
Step back through time to experience the holiday pleasures of centuries past. Evening tours illuminated by candlelight showcase more than three hundred years of yuletide on Staten Island, where culture and foodways from many countries combine to create something that is uniquely New York.
Visitors will discover how Americans decorated their homes with early industrial wares in the Tinsmith Shop. Groups will gather around the candle-lit Christmas tree in the Stephens House, where a 19th century family prepares for the excitement of the holidays. The smell of fresh gingerbread leads to the Guyon-Lake-Tysen House, where treats are baked in the open hearth. In the Guyon Tavern, a lively celebration can be heard in the songs of early 19th century America, and warm beverages are served. After the tour’s conclusion, enjoy a drink of Wassail, a traditional 18th-Century drink, in the 3rd County Courthouse.
TOUR INFORMATION:
TOUR TIMES: 5:30pm / 6:00pm / 6:30pm / 7:00pm / 7:30pm / 8:00pm
TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour.
CAPACITY: 20 people per tour
PRICE: $25 each per person | $23 Members | Kids 5 and under FREE
All ticket holders should check in at the Third County Courthouse and Visitor Center, located at the main campus of Historic Richmond Town, at 441 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Tours will be held in the event of rain or snow. NO REFUNDS will be provided for bad weather. Tickets are limited and are only transferable if there is space available. In the event of extreme weather conditions or snowfall and tours will be need to canceled for safety reasons, full refunds will be issued.
TOUR STOPS:
The Stephens-Black House - Step into the home of an 1860s Staten Island family in the midst of preparations for the Christmas holiday.
The General Store - In 19th century America, Christmas became a commercialized tradition with mass production of goods. An 1860s Staten Island store clerk greets visitors and shows the finest wares available.
The Bennett House - In 1940s Richmondtown, the Hollender family invites visitors to learn the history of the Jewish tradition of Hannukah.
The Guyon-Lake-Tysen House - In the early American republic of the 1820s, yuletide traditions in a Staten Island farmhouse blend Dutch and English traditions, including special treats made in the hearth and parlor games.
The Tavern - Join in the jolly and raucous holiday merriment of 1820s New York in a Staten Island Tavern with music and a convivial atmosphere.
The Courthouse - Following the tour, sip warm Wassail in the decorated Courtroom, and enjoy English Country Dance and live music.