Christmas in Gettysburg

The Eisenhower home is decorated for the holidays in the Eisenhower tradition with a Williamsburg-style Della Robbia wreath to welcome visitors at the front door. Inside the Eisenhower home, Mamie Eisenhower’s love of Christmas decorating is evident with mistletoe, wreaths, and poinsettias, while a candy cane-covered Christmas tree surrounded by presents brightens the living room. A life size Santa enlivens the casual atmosphere of the Eisenhowers’ porch and gifts of sugar cookies and plum pudding arrayed in the kitchen await the arrival of the Eisenhower grandchildren.

Christmas gift prints of the President’s paintings as well as the Eisenhowers’ specially designed White House Christmas cards are on exhibit. Some original decorations including a 1950s Christmas shadow box handmade for the Eisenhowers are also displayed. The dining room table set for Christmas dinner and the Eisenhowers’ Christmas records playing in the background add to the holiday atmosphere. Park interpreters are on hand to share Eisenhower family recollections of Christmas in Gettysburg.

Tuba Fest, Wise Men’s Walk, Live Nativity and Christmas Dance

The spirit of Christmas will come alive in Gettysburg, as old and new traditions take place throughout the town. A Tuba Fest, Wise Men Walk and Live Nativity are scheduled for Dec. 14 beginning at 7 p.m. A Christmas Dance will take place Dec. 15 at 8 pm. All events are open to the public.

The annual Community Tuba Fest takes place on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. on the front steps of the Gettysburg Hotel. Anyone who is interested in performing at the Tuba Fest should register at 5:30 p.m. at the Prince of Peace Episcopal Church. Practice will begin at 6 p.m. with the performance at the hotel beginning promptly at 7 p.m.

Immediately following the Tuba Fest, the Wise Men Walk will commence. The processional, which was a Gettysburg tradition that took place in the mid-1980s, will begin at the Gettysburg Hotel at 7:30 p.m. and proceed down Baltimore Street to Steinwehr Avenue. Candles and light sticks (for children) will be available; however, those participating are welcomed to bring their own candles. Christmas caroling will take place during the walk. The procession will conclude at the American Civil War Wax Museum.

The Gettysburg United Methodist Church will host a Live Nativity at the American Civil War Wax Museum following the Wise Men Walk. The Live Nativity is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., lasting approximately 25 minutes. Times may vary depending on how long the Wise Men Walk takes.

A Christmas Dance will take place the following evening at the 1863 Inn at Gettysburg, located on Baltimore Street. Music will be provided by the Gettysburg Big Band from 8-11 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress up in military or civilian attire from any era, however modern attire is fine. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the following locations: The Home Front General Store (39 Queen St.), Arsenals of the Alleghenys (141 Steinwehr Ave.), The Jewelers Daughter (49 Steinwehr Ave.), and The American Civil War Wax Museum (297 Steinwehr Ave.).

The community is encouraged to participate in these festive events throughout Gettysburg. All events are open to the public and are suitable for all ages. For additional information, contact the American Civil War Wax Museum at (717) 334-6245 or Gettysburg United Methodist Church at (717) 334-3032. For additional information about the Christmas Dance, contact Kirk Davis at (717) 338-1776.