Calling all homeschool families!
Two tour sessions: 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., & 12:30 - 3 p.m.
Participate in hands-on, immersive learning to experience how 19th century families celebrated winter holidays with gift-giving, storytelling, games, food, music, decorations, and more! Learn about how holiday celebrations continue to evolve today and incorporate new traditions.
Discover holiday traditions celebrated around the world and right here in Rochester!
Homeschool families will be divided into groups as they arrive. During this guided tour, you will:
- Help prepare a traditional holiday dish while learning how the Erie Canal brought international ingredients to Rochester.
- Hear from Haudenosaunee educators to understand how families endured the long winter months celebrating with stories.
- Learn how Christmas became the huge celebration we know it as today.
- Move your feet to West African drumming to learn how holiday traditions evolve, as well as how communities around the world come together with music during holidays.
- Experience Jewish traditions in the 19th century and learn how they may have celebrated in the winter.
Ticket Information
FAQs
Yes! This is a guided tour and outside of our regular season, so Museum Members do need to purchase tickets to attend.
No. This is a guided, reservation-only tour and tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Parking is free and plentiful! Park in any of the main lots at the front of the Museum. Please leave the first two bays available for handicapped parking.
Check-in will be through the Admissions tunnel at the front of the Museum.
Yes, please feel free to bring a bag lunch (please no glass containers or outside alcohol)! Because this event falls outside of our regular season, the Depot Restaurant and Freight House Pub are closed. We will have a lunch space available from 11:30 – 1:30. Plan enough time to eat before or after your tour.
We will be checking you in by name for this event. However, we do recommend either printing out OR taking a screenshot of your invoice or ticket(s) as backup.
Yes! This event is rain or shine. The Museum will only cancel in case of a severe weather emergency.
Please dress for the predicted weather conditions and wear comfortable footwear for walking. Paths through the Historic Village are made of crushed gravel or bricks and can be uneven.
Yes, this is a guided tour.
Yes! Leashed service animals are welcome with proper identification.
We’re sorry to hear that you’re not able to attend! Tickets may be refunded only up to 7 days prior to the event date and are strictly non-transferable by date, entry time, or program.
