Christmas at Joanna
Guests can explore the historic iron plantation along luminary-lit pathways, visit the ironmaster's decorated mansion parlor, and join in Victorian dancing. Attractions include traditional wagon rides, a 3,200-square-foot hillside light maze, an antique train display, and living history demonstrations in historic work buildings. Visitors can also shop a juried craft market, watch a live nativity reenactment, and gather around a roaring bonfire for music and stories.
What to Expect
Victorian holiday celebration across a historic 26-acre iron plantation.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Hay Creek Valley Historical Association
Food & Drink
Food and drinks available to purchase include sausage sandwiches, pork and sauerkraut, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, burgers, fries, soup, chili, soda, water, coffee, hot chocolate, mulled cider, and kettle corn; food is bought with tickets from ticket booths.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and history enthusiasts
Vibe
Historic and festive
Energy Level
High
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adult Admission: $10; Children 12 and under Free.
- Hours: Friday 5 to 9 pm; Saturday & Sunday 4 to 9 pm.
- Parking: Parking is available on the Historic Joanna Furnace grounds and along Furnace Road.
- Accessibility: The historic grounds are hilly with gravel pathways; comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
- Pets: Pets are not permitted.
Tips & Advice
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, because the 26-acre Joanna Furnace grounds are hilly and the luminary-lined pathways are gravel.
- Buy food tickets at the ticket booths before you get in line for food. Credit cards are accepted at the booths and the admission gate.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, and warm up by the bonfire or in the heated tent where the Victorian dancing happens.
- Stop by the newly built Wheelwright Shop on the walking tour, where costumed interpreters explain iron-worker life at Christmas.
- Look for the First Aid Station near the Town Square Stage if anyone in your group needs help during the evening.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: the newly built Wheelwright Shop joins the walking-tour stops.
- Gift Basket Raffle tickets are sold separately in the Christmas Market, with baskets donated by area businesses.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it good for kids?
Yes, it's for all ages. Kids can meet Belsnickel, a 19th-century Christmas spirit, walk the hillside light maze and see the antique and vintage train display. Good children get a sweet treat at the bonfire.
What food is available and how do I pay for it?
Volunteers serve sausage sandwiches, pork and sauerkraut, mac and cheese, hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, soup, chili, coffee, hot chocolate and hot mulled cider. Kettle corn is popped nightly in the market. Buy food tickets at the ticket booths, where credit cards are accepted.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable walking shoes. The grounds are hilly with gravel paths, and it's an evening event outdoors.
Can guests join the Victorian dancing?
Yes. The Hay Creek Trio plays Civil War-era music while the Hay Creek Dancers perform in a large heated tent, and guests are invited onto the dance floor.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In bad weather, hours may change or a day may be cancelled.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.