Historic homes adding something extra for Christmas on the River
Editor’s Note: This article continues a series by The West Alabama Watchman on the annual Demopolis holiday event known as Christmas on the River.
Historic homes in Demopolis play a major part in the annual Christmas on the River celebration, and for its 50th anniversary, organizers have special events on tap.
Gaineswood, a National Historic Landmark, and the Marengo County Historical Society’s Bluff Hall will open on Friday, Dec. 3, from 5:30-8 p.m., but for the 50th year festivities, they are preparing something new to entice visitors.
The MCHS is adding a little something extra to its popular Christmas in the Canebrake, a fixture of COTR since 1973. Christmas in the Canebrake: Parlors & Trees invites guests to Bluff Hall and four additional private homes within walking distance. Homeowners in one of Demopolis’ oldest residential districts will welcome visitors into their parlors to view their Christmas trees.
Bluff Hall, built in 1832, will be decorated in period fashion with fresh cedar, pine, smilax, berries, cane and other native naturals. Guests can enjoy hot spiced cider and homemade sweets prepared by Society volunteers.
The First United Methodist Church Children’s Choirs, Dr. Bonnie Rice playing her cello, the Dickens Carolers of Thomasville, Margie and Ashford Jackson and Sons and Rosalyn Waldrop’s piano students will bring the sounds of the Christmas season as visitors tour the home.
Santa Claus also will be on hand to pose for pictures with one and all. During the event, the streets will be lined with luminaries by the Gritney Greens. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased on Eventbrite or at the Canebrake Craft Corner next to Bluff Hall. No tickets will be sold at private homes.
If visitors wish to tour Bluff Hall only, admission is $5 for adults and $3 for ages 6-18. Children under 6 are admitted free. Bluff Hall will also be open for self-guided tours on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 1-5 p.m. Masks are optional.
The candielight visit to Gaineswood on Friday also includes a photo opportunity, but the home is adding a special event on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children of all ages will be able to create a Gaineswood ornament or paint the Southern symbol of hospitality – a pineapple. Admission both days is $5 for adults and $3 for students 6-18. Children under 6 are free.
The home also will be open to tours and photo opportunities on Saturday. Gaineswood will continue to be open Tuesdays through Saturdays, Nov. 30 through Dec. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.