December Brings Old-Fashioned Holiday Cheer to Billings Farm & Museum
Billings Farm & Museum will bring old-fashioned cheer to Woodstock, Vermont with family-friendly festivities throughout the holiday season. Experience a holiday wonderland as the historic farm is transformed by the twinkling lights along the pasture fences and the cheerful glow of decorated trees. Inside the cozy Visitor Center and restored 19th century barn, the beams, walls, and windows are adorned by evergreen swags, bows, and natural wreaths. Steeped in holiday charm, December brings Wassail traditions, a peek at Victorian Christmas past, horse-drawn rides, gingerbread houses, and more to Billings Farm & Museum.
Wassail Weekend, December 9 – 11, 10:00AM – 4:00PM
As the town of Woodstock celebrates its annual Wassail Weekend, Billings Farm & Museum will feature 1890s holiday spirit. Guests can step into the past, learn about Wassail and Victorian Christmas traditions, and view the authentically decorated farmhouse parlor. There will be candle dipping in the historic barn and a chance to make mince hand pies to savor. Families can warm up by an outdoor fire, purchase a cup of Wassail punch, roast delicious s’mores, and take photos amidst the festive holiday decorations. Voting for the best staff-made gingerbread house will begin on December 9. Billingsfarm.org/events/wassail-weekend-2022/2022-12-09/
Christmas at the Farm, December 3-4, December 17 – January 1, 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Throughout December, guests can step into a Victorian Christmas past, and see the site transformed by beautiful lights and natural décor. Traditional nineteenth century decorations will adorn the 1890 Farm Manager’s House where visitors can take a self-guided tour. Families can dip candles and take-home farm recipes, or step outside into the snow-covered landscape for a light snowshoe or ski along the Ottauquechee River, weather permitting. Warmed by the crackling outdoor fire, guests can enjoy roasted s’mores and hot cocoa, available for purchase. On select days, there will be old-fashioned horse-drawn wagon or sleigh rides through the beautiful farmstead, conditions permitting. For unique, local, and Vermont-made holiday gifts for family and loved ones, guests can peruse the Museum Gift Shop. Billingsfarm.org/events/christmas-at-the-farm-7/2022-12-17/
Woodstock Vermont Film Series Screening of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Saturday, December 31 & Sunday, January 1, 3:00PM
The tiny humor of this stop-motion animated mockumentary will bring big joy to the Billings Farm & Museum Visitor Center Theater. Get to know Marcel, a beloved character in this hilarious and heartwarming story about finding connections in the smallest corners. The Hollywood Reporter called this film “a total delight. It’s impossible not to see the world differently after meeting him.”
The Woodstock Vermont Film Series is produced by Billings Farm & Museum and is dedicated to sharing place-based stories of people near and far, engaging our audiences, and inspiring conversations that increase connections with each other and our world. Billingsfarm.org/filmseries/
Holiday Shopping in the Billings Farm & Museum Gift Shop
There is something for everyone this holiday season at the Billings Farm & Museum Gift Shop. Featuring local, Vermont products and unique treasures, gifts for all ages can be found in the welcoming shop in the Visitor Center Lobby. From adorable, plush stuffies made from recyclable material and beautifully crafted cow-stamped pottery by local artisan Laura White, to delicious and shippable Billings Farm cheddars, the Gift Shop features a great selection. Admission is not required to enjoy this delightful shopping experience. Select items, including cheeses, are also available online at billingsfarm.org/museum-shop-farmhouse-cafe/.
Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides
Guests can enjoy an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride through the beautiful farmstead in winter on select days December – February. Public sleigh rides are included with admission, donations are welcome. Private sleigh rides are available for booking December – March. For information on horse-drawn sleigh rides, visit billingsfarm.org/horse-drawn-rides/.
Admission to Billings Farm & Museum includes the Animal Barns, Vermont Farm Life Exhibits, and the 1890 Farm Manager’s House featuring the creamery, the kitchen, and in-home innovations that were considered state-of-the-art for the time. Visitors can meet the farm’s cows, draft horses, sheep, goats, and chickens cozy in the barns. Families can enjoy the Story Walk as page by page, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost unfolds along the pasture fence. Guests can walk, snowshoe or ski along the Ottauquechee River with views of Woodstock, the East End Park, and the farmstead.
Billings Farm & Museum is closed on December 24th and December 25th.
