Toronto... Black Creek Pioneer Village will once again be dressed up in its seasonal best, offering visitors the opportunity to experience authentic Christmas traditions of 19th century Ontario.

"Christmas by Lamplight" will take place on December 8, 15, 21, and 22. On these special evenings the site’s historic buildings will be lit with two hundred artifact lamps placed throughout the Village, along with candles, and in some homes a roaring hearth. Bathed in warm, natural light, visitors of all ages can share in the magic of Christmas past.

One of the most popular special ticket events at the Pioneer Village, Christmas by Lamplight offers a full evening program. Fiddlers will be playing in various buildings, there will be carolling, story telling, Victorian games, and Father Christmas himself will stroll around the Village mingling with visitors and answering their questions. Guests can sample traditional treats such as roasted chestnuts, mulled apple cider, mincemeat tarts, and real sugarplums.

"People love traditions and we have many visitors who come with their whole families year after year," said Geri Smith, Marketing Supervisor for Special Events at Black Creek Pioneer Village. "There is no venue like this in the city for immersing yourself in the charm and beauty of the past and few better times than Christmas to do it."

Visitors to Christmas by Lamplight can enjoy the evening program on its own, or with a Christmas Dinner at the Half Way House Restaurant or in the Canada West Room. "The preparation of special meals in those days would have been mind-boggling," said Roy Williams, Executive Chef at Black Creek, whose work includes researching and testing historical recipes. "I can see why they would have spent two days just getting the feast ready." The Christmas Dinner is a highlight for many. "This food brings back happy memories for a lot of people," adds Williams. "They don’t even have to say it: you can tell from the look on their faces."

Christmas by Lamplight runs from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. on December 8, 15, 21, and 22. Tickets cost $30 per person for the evening program on its own. With Christmas Dinner admission is $75 for adults and $55 for children under 12.

Advance purchase is required. Christmas Dinners are also offered on three

Sundays: December 9, 16, and 23. To purchase tickets for Christmas by Lamplight, or to make Sunday Christmas Dinner reservations, call Black Creek Pioneer Village at 416-736-1733 ext. 5331.

General day-time admission to Black Creek Pioneer Village is $13 for adults,

$12 for seniors and students, and $9 for children 5-14. The Village is open to the public every day until December 31, 2007, except December 25 and 26.

Black Creek Pioneer Village is located at 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto (one block east of Jane St., south off Steeles Avenue, right next to York University).

About Black Creek Pioneer Village