We often get caught up in the busy times of the Christmas season and never stop to enjoy it. For 25 days I am going to share 25 ideas of local holiday events and things to do with your family, that will help you create memories and celebrate the Christmas advent season — and all of them are local to Lancaster, Pennsylvania! Keep your eye out, because some will include giveaways!
Christmas at Cornwall House Tour
The 17th annual Christmas at Cornwall House Tour will offer a look at interesting historic properties on Saturday, December 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The annual event is sponsored by the Friends of Cornwall Iron Furnace and all proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the furnace and its programs. Nine special homes and businesses plus the Cornwall Iron Furnace are on the roster for this year’s tour.
Just across the street from the furnace is the Buckingham Mansion at Cornwall Manor, considered one of the most important landmarks in Lebanon County. The original home was built around 1773 by Curttis Grubb, the son of Peter Grubb, who founded the Cornwall Iron Furnace. Robert Coleman, gradually taking over the property from the Grubb heirs, remodeled the home extensively, adding rooms and amenities. In 1949 the estate was sold to Methodist clergy and laymen who developed the existing Cornwall Manor Retirement Community.
Today, after extensive renovations to the building in 1996, Buckingham Mansion includes a music and reading room, plus seven unique apartments containing modern conveniences while maintaining its historic and architectural integrity. The Cornwall Iron Furnace, where tickets may be purchased, is just across the street from the mansion. Ticket holders may tour the furnace, browse in the gift shop and indulge in free refreshments.
Advance tickets for the tour are available for $15 from the Cornwall Iron Furnace, Talk of the Town Hairstylists and at the Timeless Café. Tickets on tour day, December 1 are $20 and will only be available at the furnace.
Find all the ideas for celebrating Christmas in Lancaster this 2012 season in the 25 Days of Lancaster Christmas series!
