Celebrate the holidays in Dauphin County with special displays, exhibits and holiday programs at Fort Hunter!
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Christmas at Fort Hunter Mansion – Appreciate the many details of Fort Hunter Mansion decked out with holiday décor while you tour! Traditional seasonal adornments are done by the Civic Committee of the Harrisburg Garden Club. Learn about the lives of the families that lived there and explore the current featured exhibit “The Gilded Age of Fashion” featuring period dresses from the Fort Hunter collection. Thanks to Ashley Leitzel-Reichenbach, the Fort Hunter exhibit has professional wigs that truly reflect the hairstyles of the late 1800s high society and bring the exhibit to life. Ashley just finished the season as Head Hair Design for the TV show “Bull” and currently works on the HBO show “The Gilded Age.”
An added feature of interest – a prominent figure in the HBO show is Ward McAllister, played by Nathan Lane. Ward was a real-life person who was the arbiter of good taste in New York society, advisor to Lady Astor. In real life, Ward McAllister was a great, great nephew of Fort Hunter’s builder, Archibald McAllister.
The Fort Hunter Mansion is open for tours Tuesday – Sunday through December 23. Admission fee charged. Purchase your tickets at: https://www.forthunter.org
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Toy Train Display– All aboard! See the trains start rolling along! Presented and operated by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society this is a magical wonderland of HO gauge trains, along with dozens of miniature scenes. There are plenty of interactive elements and the walk-around set up lets you enjoy all there is to see from different angles!
Saturday & Sunday from 12:30 – 4:30 PM | November 26- December 18. This is a free attraction.
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Annual Festival of Trees – Appreciate beautifully decorated Christmas trees trimmed by local garden clubs. A selection of handmade ornaments is available to purchase for your tree or as a fun gift.
On view every Saturday & Sunday from 12:30 – 4:30 PM| November 26 – December 18. This is a free attraction.
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Fort Couture – Tucked away in the stone stable on the grounds you can take in all the creativity of dress forms turned holiday decoration! these imaginative displays are created using fresh greens, imitation greens and other materials.
Fort Couture is available to experience on Saturdays and Sundays from December 4-19 |12:30 – 4:30 PM. This is a free attraction.
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Victorian Tea – Cooler temperatures are making us anxious for this year’s Victorian Tea at Fort Hunter Mansion! Begin your afternoon with a self-guided tour of the holiday decorations at Fort Hunter Mansion and conclude with tea in the dining room. View a demonstration of making clear toy candy and enjoy the sound of holiday music with Becky Boone on her flute.
The Museum Shop is well stocked with unique holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list. The tea features the Friends of Fort Hunter spiced tea, ham and chicken finger sandwiches (egg salad available upon request), and homemade cookies.
December 4 | 12:00 – 4:00PM. $20 for non-members, $15 for members. Advance tickets required, register ONLINE HERE.
Craft Reunion – It’s back! Explore handcrafted, affordable pottery, jewelry, candles, metal sculpture, woodcraft, glass, fine art, photography, herbal soaps, photography, ornaments, and more are offered for sale by members of the former Third Street Pottery. This annual open house was missed the last two years and is eagerly anticipated by visitors who value the opportunity to meet the makers of the fine crafts they offer. Buy Local from the best of central Pennsylvania’s artisans.
Free admission. Friday, December 2 | 12:00 – 9:00 PM; Saturday, December 3 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sunday, December 4 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
St. Thomas Dulcimer Society in Concert - Enjoy a collection of holiday and seasonal tunes played on mountain dulcimers, Baritone dulcimers, Bass dulcimer, banhammer (plays like a Dulcimer sounds like a banjo), harps, and hammer dulcimer. A holiday sing-along will conclude the concert and the Toy Train Exhibit will be open for a visit during a brief intermission. Seating is limited.
December 7 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM. This is a free concert.
Meet Santa’s Reindeer & Hear stories read by Mrs. Santa – Join us for this unique holiday tradition on Saturday, December 11 from 12:30 – 2:30 PM. Visit in person and take photographs with Santa’s reindeer then stop by for a story with Mrs. Santa. Individually wrapped refreshments are available by donation from The Friends of Fort Hunter. Individually wrapped refreshments are available by donation. The line to see the reindeer will close at 2:15 PM. This is a free activity.
Brass Triumphant in Concert – Delight in a free concert of Christmas music. Join the 8-member, Mechanicsburg area brass group as they play familiar holiday tunes and Christmas songs in an informal concert setting.
December 18 | 2:00 - 2:45 PM. This is a free concert.
Unique Shopping Options – From kid’s gifts to holiday greens, there’s something to fit everyone on your list!
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The Fort Hunter Museum Shop has unique gift items for everyone on your holiday list. Browse their selection of handmade items, books, memorabilia and more. Enjoy the shop following a mansion tour or just visit to shop!
No admission fee is charged to visit the shop.
Kids Only Shop - Kids aged 12 and under can shop for family and friends with the help of Fort Hunter elves. All gifts are under $15 with items for all ages, including grandparents. Children will shop with the guidance of Santa’s helpers who will assist youngsters in picking out tasteful and unique items from the Museum Shop at Fort Hunter. Parents provide spending money and a gift list. The gifts will be wrapped and tagged by helper elves and children will emerge with smiles on their faces and secrets in their gift sacks.
December 3 - 18 | Saturdays and Sundays only | 12:30 – 4:30
We look forward to having you experience all the holiday activities at Fort Hunter Mansion & Park to make new holiday memories this year!
Fort Hunter Mansion & Park
5300 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-599-5751 | FortHunter.org
