Seasonal Traditions from Yesteryear Come to Life at Toronto’s
Premier Living History Museum
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
Remembered,’ a favourite annual event for many visitors to the Village,
runs from November 22 through December 31, offering a wonderful
opportunity to experience the origins of many of the holiday customs
we still see today.
The whole Village is decorated with wreathes, ribbons, Christmas
trees, and festive spreads - all historic traditions which have
continued into the present. On weekdays a full slate of programming
and activities are available, including guided tours, the ‘PastPort
to the Past’ for children, and more. Christmas Remembered is also
very popular with school groups.
The weekends offer expanded programming including the perennial
favourite ‘Tour of Traditions’ at 11:30 a.m. which ends with a lively
round of ‘snapdragon.’ A favourite Christmas game, snapdragon started
with raisins in a bowl with brandy poured over the top. The brandy
was then lit, giving off a ghostly blue flame and participants took
turns reaching into the flames grabbing raisins to eat. Surprisingly
it doesn’t hurt at all - if you do it quickly! Another presentation,
‘Christmas Feasts and Flaming Puddings’ at 3:30 p.m. is also very
popular and includes tastings. Other treats from original 1800s
recipes are available for sampling and visitors can buy warm apple
cider and mincemeat tarts.
As he does every year, Father Christmas will stroll around the Village
chatting with visitors and telling the story of how he came to be
- and how he evolved into the Santa Claus we know today.
"I love the atmosphere of the Village at Christmas," said Wendy
Rowney, Coordinator of Historic Programs at Black Creek. "In the
age of shopping malls and gift certificates, this comes a lot closer
to the way many people would like to enjoy Christmas." By the 1860’s,
the period represented at Black Creek, many of the seasonal customs
we have today were beginning to take shape, such as Christmas trees,
Santa Claus, the Christmas dinner. According to Rowney: "these were
above all family traditions, rather than religious ones. Christmas
Remembered at Black Creek Pioneer Village is a wonderful opportunity
for Canadians of all backgrounds to discover and enjoy a charming
piece of local history."
Wagon rides are offered from noon until close every Sunday during
Christmas Remembered. "It’s a great way to get a tour of the Village,"
said Viola McPhee, Head of Livestock at Black Creek. "People
enjoy the sound of the horses and feeling the cold air. It’s so
different from the ways we travel today. I recommend that people
start off with a wagon ride. Afterwards they can walk around visiting
the places that looked interesting."
‘Christmas Remembered’ runs from November 22 to December 31, 2008.
On weekdays the Village is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; on weekends
from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to Christmas Remembered is included
with the price of general admission: $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, 2008, except December 25 and
26. The Halfway House Restaurant is open daily through December
during the lunchtime.
During December, Black Creek Pioneer Village is also presenting
two special ticket events: Christmas by Lamplight (Saturdays - December
6, 13, 20) and Sunday Christmas Dinners (December 7, 14, 21). 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.
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). To learn more about Christmas events at
Black Creek Pioneer Village visit
www.blackcreek.ca/whatson.
About Black Creek Pioneer Village
Black Creek Pioneer Village is Toronto’s premier outdoor living
history museum. Visitors can explore 40 heritage homes, shops and
buildings restored to re-create an 1860s Ontario village. Historic
interpreters in period dress demonstrate how villagers lived, worked
and played. The Village hosts learning programs and special events
that highlight local heritage and culture. The tranquil setting,
rural landscapes, heritage gardens and period farm animal breeds
make Black Creek Pioneer Village the perfect place to break out
of the modern world and journey into the past. Located in north
Toronto, Black Creek Pioneer Village is owned and operated by Toronto
and Region Conservation (TRCA). For more information please visit
www.blackcreek.ca.
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