Yuletide at Wheatland
Visitors take a guided tour through both floors of the historic Wheatland mansion to discover holiday traditions popular during James Buchanan's residency from 1848 to 1868. Guides share stories of mid-19th-century celebrations ranging from tabletop trees to festive holiday meals. Admission also includes self-guided access to the museum exhibitions at the LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center.
What to Expect
Explore mid-19th-century Christmas traditions at President James Buchanan's historic home.
Event Details
Duration
The tour is approximately one hour long. Visitors are recommended to allow at least two hours for the entire visit.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
LancasterHistory
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
History-minded holiday visitors
Vibe
Historic and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: LancasterHistory members: free. Adults 18+: $20 per person. Seniors 65+: $18 per person. Students 11–17 or with College ID: $10 per person. Children 10 and under: free with the admission of a paying adult. Tickets include the guided Yuletide at Wheatland tour and admission to the self-guided museum exhibitions. Group tours for organized groups of at least 15 are available at a discounted rate NARM members receive the member admission rate. Lancaster County Family Museum passes are accepted for a tour, but cannot be used to book in advance and may only be redeemable at the door. – Get tickets
- Hours: Tours are offered on the half hour, from 10:30am (first tour of the day) through 3:30pm (last tour of the day).
- Parking: Use the North President Avenue entrance; the Wheatland driveway off Marietta Avenue is closed to cars.
- Accessibility: Tours involve standing for up to an hour and navigating stairs, with alternative accommodations available upon request.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets in advance, because Yuletide tours do sell out and walk-in tickets aren't guaranteed.
- Ignore any GPS route through the Wheatland driveway on Marietta Avenue and use the North President Avenue entrance instead.
- Check in at Visitor Services in the museum building first, then walk over to the mansion when your tour time comes.
- Allow at least two hours so you can see the self-guided museum exhibitions included with your ticket, before or after the tour.
- Wear comfortable shoes, because the tour covers both floors by stairs and keeps you on your feet for up to an hour.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: LancasterHistory members visit Yuletide at Wheatland free
- Lancaster County Family Museum passes are accepted this year, at the door only
- NARM members get the member rate (phone booking only) plus a Museum Store discount
- Group tours for 15 or more at a discounted rate, booked at least 4 weeks ahead
- Year-round discounts apply to Yuletide tours this year
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What will we see on the tour?
A guide takes you through both floors of Buchanan's Wheatland mansion. They share Christmas traditions that caught on in the mid-19th century, from the Christmas turkey to the tabletop tree, and how Buchanan spent Christmases at home and abroad.
How long should we allow?
The guided tour runs about an hour. With the self-guided museum exhibitions you can see before or after, allow at least two hours.
Where do we check in?
At Visitor Services in the LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center, the modern brick building with the sloped roof. At your tour time, you walk over to the mansion to meet your guide.
Is the tour accessible?
The tour involves stairs and up to an hour of standing. Alternative accommodations are available if you let Visitor Services know ahead of time or when you arrive.
Can I take photos?
Yes, noncommercial still photography is allowed unless a sign says otherwise. Flash, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks and video aren't permitted.
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