A visit to Harpers Ferry is a trip back in time, and, during the first two weekends in December, visitors will have an extraordinary glimpse of an 1860s Christmas. The town will be transformed, through traditional decorations of pine boughs, paper lanterns, red ribbons, and greenery, into an idyllic Christmas village. With the backdrop of Maryland Heights, the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, and the train tunnel, it is simply stunning. The old homes, shops, and streets engage all the senses, and you can’t help but find yourself filled with holiday spirit.

This December, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will reenact Yuletide 1864, the last holiday season of the Civil War. It was a time filled with hope for Union soldiers stationed in Harpers Ferry, who believed the war was coming to a close and that they would soon be returning to their loved ones.

“Not many happy occasions were documented here during the war so this might be one of the few where people stopped for a moment to try to recreate a small sample of home, where every soldier would rather be,” said Melinda Day, lead park ranger for Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

One of the most memorable events of the holiday season of 1864 was a ball given by the officers of the 34th Massachusetts Regiment, in what is known as The Lockwood House on Fillmore Street. Soldiers were sent out to cut pine boughs to cover the charcoal graffiti made by Union and Confederate soldiers on the building. The best-looking muskets were arranged as a chandelier and hung in the great hall.

“The house was superbly fitted up and ornamented for the occasion.  Festoons of evergreen were gracefully and fantastically entwined about every pillar and projection of the architecture . . . High above the entrance to the hall the American Eagle might be seen, every feather of which was ingeniously wrought of the native arbor vitae, and whose bald head and hooked beak stretching down toward the gay scene below, was the handiwork of some inventive Yankee of the 34th, for which a patent should be issued at once,” the regiment’s Charles Moulton, stationed in Harpers Ferry, 1863–1865.

One hundred fifty-five re-enactors will stage the festivities of 1864. Programs and activities feature citizens and soldiers preparing for the Yuletide. Visitors may watch a Civil War-style Santa Claus give presents to the soldiers and also attend a Victorian cotillion. Yuletide confections will delight children and adults. For more information on the park’s program go to www.nps.gov/hafe/.

Olde Tyme, Too

In concert with the National Park Service the town of Harpers Ferry celebrates the 37th annual Olde Tyme Christmas starting November 30. The event kicks off with a Yule Log Celebration on Shenandoah Street and then a procession of caroling up High Street. The Archangelus Choir sings at St. Peter’s Church. After the concert the town tree will be lit and there will be a reading of the poem Pickets Christmas. Shops will stay open until 9 pm Friday and Saturday and until 6pm on Sunday. Park at the Cavalier Heights satellite parking area and catch a shuttle bus.

The Harpers Ferry Merchants Association, the group responsible for the festivities, designs two full weekends of music, puppet shows, reenactment, and crafts. Even the worst Scrooge can’t resist the town’s charm as children and shoppers roam happily around town. Visit the recently remodeled Train Station to view taffy pulling demonstrations by Aunt Irene’s on Saturdays and Sundays.

Olde Tyme Christmas is a great opportunity to shop locally for your gifts. Unique gifts range from beautiful silver jewelry at the Vintage Lady, unique bottles of wine at Secret Six Sundries, outdoor gear at the Harpers Ferry Outfitter, collectors, books from several of the town’s bookstores, and beautiful pottery. For those in your family with a sweet tooth there are several shops selling fudge and unique candies.

Musical groups include National Tuba Christmas, Tabby Finch Dulcimer, The Rolling Coyotes, O Be Joyful, Mary Daily & Caruthers singing old time mountain tunes, Sior-Og, and several choirs. For information on the festivities, see www.historicharpersferry.com

Friendship Fire Company and the town of Bolivar host the town’s fourth annual holiday parade beginning at 1:30 pm on December 8. The parade will begin at Harpers Ferry Middle School and end at the Harpers Ferry Town Hall. Lots of community groups participate in the parade and throw candy to the crowd. Everyone is invited to the fire hall to visit Santa, enjoy refreshments, sing carols, and win door prizes.

On any given night during the holiday season a walk or drive through both towns is recommended. From the base of High Street in downtown Harpers Ferry, and on up the hill as it turns into Washington Street, you can see the changing of holiday traditions. Be sure to see Bob Stewart’s display on Washington Street. Every year he adds something new to his menagerie of manger scenes, Santas, elves, candy canes, and lights.