COS COB, Conn. – Families and people of all ages who delight in classic holiday celebrations will experience joy and merriment at the Historical Society’s annual Holiday Festival on Saturday, December 9 from 4–7pm. The festively illuminated Cos Cob campus sets the stage for cherished traditions including a candlelight tour of historic Bush-Holley House decorated for a 19th century Christmas, gingerbread decorating and crafts in Santa’s workshop, a memorable performance by the Connecticut Yuletide Carolers, tasty treats to warm by the fire with s’mores and hot cocoa, while watching sculpture Bill Bywater carve a wintry marvel from giant blocks of ice.
“For over three decades this event has attracted people throughout the region who appreciate activities that brought them joy as children,” says Stephanie Barnett, Historical Society’s Associate Director of Public Programs & Community Outreach. “The festival and all Historical Society events leading up to the holidays are about strengthening connections to the community and our past in a memorable and meaningful way.”
Historic Bush-Holley House Tours
In addition to the candlelight tour on the day of the festival, guided tours of Bush-Holley House will take place on other Saturdays in December, including December 2nd, 16th 23rd and 30th for those wishing to experience the early American holiday traditions of the Bush household and those of the Holley family and their artist friends from the Cos Cob Art Colony. The 45-minute tours are scheduled at noon, 1:30pm, and 3pm and are appropriate for adults and families with children ages five or older. Reservations are required.
For more information about Bush-Holley House Tours: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/holiday-tour-2023-1/
Photos: Provided with permission, courtesy of Greenwich Historical Society