by Noella Noelophile®
Chestnuts will be roasted and waiting. Visitors will get to craft nineteenth-century ornaments. And Santa–or, rather, Father Christmas–will be making an appearance–by stagecoach!
It’s all happening in Columbia, this Saturday and Sunday, December 18th and 19th, during “A Miner’s Christmas”.
This free celebration takes visitors back to the 1850s, to celebrate Christmas during the California Gold Rush. But the real “gold” is to be had in the experience.
Columbia, located in Columbia State Historic Park, is a historic gold rush town. You’ll find the largest existing collection of existing gold-rush era structures in the state.
And you’ll also find a unique, historic “California Christmas” celebration, from noon to three pm, both days. during “A Miner’s Christmas”.
Don’t be surprised if miners offer you a hot cup of coffee or cider, around an open fire. They’re almost certain to ask if you’d like some roasted chestnuts to go along with that, as they share stories of their adventures in nineteenth-century California.
And, weather permitting, children can create crafts from the 1850s–including rope wreaths, shiny snowflakes and quilt ornaments.
The younger “prospectors” can also write their letters to Santa. And you’ll want to have your camera handy.
On both Saturday and Sunday, the celebration begins at noon, when a certain gentleman in a red robe is due to arrive by stagecoach! He’ll be distributing candy canes to good little girls and boys.
And after you’ve experienced “A Miner’s Christmas”, be sure to stay and browse. As mentioned on their website, Columbia is a real town, with unique shops and a working blacksmith. It never closes. So if you’re out and about, be sure to observe all the COVID protocols, stay safe and have a great time!