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Explore Holiday Traditions at Midway Village T By Peggy Werner his holiday season, Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, will offer several opportunities for visitors to learn how the holidays were celebrated at the turn of the century. Alyssa McGhghy, special events coordinator, says she and other staff members are busy getting the village ready for several annual events plus new Lamplight Evening Tours. “We’re decorating every building in the village this year, which is something we haven’t done in the past,” she says. “We want every building to look and feel like the holidays as they were observed during the Victorian era.” Lamplight Tours will begin at 6 p.m., weather permitting, on Wednesdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18. History interpreters will guide the walking tours with a focus on life as it was during Victorian times in rural Northern Illinois.
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Smart Living Weekly
There aren’t many opportunities to see the village at night, so the lamplight tours will be special, says Midway Village Museum Educator Caitlin Treece. “It’s just a different way to showcase the village and see it lit up by candlelight and decorated for the holidays,” she says. “It will be an entirely different atmosphere, very quiet and peaceful, and will bring that old-time Christmas spirit back that will remind people of the simple pleasures of the season, not the frantic hustle and bustle we’ve grown used to in modern times.” Pre-registration is required and the deadline is 5 p.m. the Tuesday before each Lamplight tour date. Meet at Gate B. Tickets are $7/adults, $5/ages 3-17. Tickets are sold online or in gift shop. The Victorian era was a 63-year period from 1837 to 1901, marked by the reign of Great Britain’s Queen Victoria.
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One of the longest running traditions and most popular events at the museum is the annual Victorian Winter Tea, this year from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at the historic Chamberlain Hotel. Guests enjoy a three-course meal and endless tea before making gingerbread houses to take home. “Most guests dress to reflect the fashions of the time and come with friends and family just to be together and enjoy the relaxing and fun atmosphere of an old-fashioned tea,” says McGhghy. Registration deadline for the tea is Monday, Dec. 2. Call (815) 397-9112, ext. 104 or email specialevents@midwayvillage.com. Cost is $35/adults, $30/ members and $20/ ages 3-17. The Civil War is the theme for this year’s Victorian Holiday Celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Visitors will be immersed in Civil
