Every December the Atlanta History Center is transformed into a candlelit wonderland as part of their Candelight Nights program. Guests are invited to stroll through the forested grounds and visit three historic homesteads along trails lit by torches and candles. Open this year on Friday, December 13 and Friday, December 20, visitors of all ages will love this experience!
Your visit begins in the main atrium of the History Center where you can buy tickets, visit with Santa Claus for photos and sharing Christmas wish lists, and check out the Holiday Market offering local crafts, artist creations, and vintage holiday decorations.
There are cash bars for adult beverages and hot cider for the kids. The path leads into the forest and through the beautiful gardens linking several fun destinations and activities. The darkness of night adds beauty and excitement illuminated by glittering decorations, torches and candles.
View holiday traditions from the Civil War era, the 1930s, and pioneer days at the Center’s historic houses while interpreters bring historic characters to life. Souper Jenny will be serving up famous soups and salads, and you’ll find several cash bars for visitors, bringing even more fun to this beloved holiday tradition.
The program is $20 for adults, $15 for members, and $10 for children, learn more and buy tickets on the Atlanta History Center website.
Smith Family Farm Highlights
Built in the 1840s, the Smith Family Farm is Atlanta’s oldest surviving farmhouse. Initially belonging to Robert Hiram Smith, a hog farmer with 800 acres to his name. There’s a farmhouse and a separate kitchen out back, as well as a dairy, blacksmith shop, smokehouse, corncrib, chicken coop, barn, outhouse, and gardens.
Caroling and 1861 Christmas Tree lighting in the front yard at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm.Open hearth holiday cooking demonstrations at the Smith Farm Kitchen at 7:15pm, 8:15pm, and 9:15pm.Gather around and hear stories and songs by the fire about enslaved peoples’ experiences during the holidays and hopes for the end of slavery.
Watch the performance of Stephen, an enslaved woodworker, as he tells a tale of tough decisions he must make for his family, 6:45pm, 7:45pm, and 8:45pm
Guests can make popcorn garlands, salt-dough ornaments, dip candles, and watch blacksmithing and open-hearth cooking demonstrations.
Swan House Highlights
Constructed in 1928 at the end of the Jazz age, it was the home of the Inman family who built the home for entertaining. Mansion views of the Swan House Lawn, classic cars, and beautiful decor throughout transport you back in time. Designed by architect Philip Trammel Schutze and decorated by Ruby Ross Wood, the home is one of the most iconic properties in Buckhead.
Classic jazzy Christmas tunes by the Joe Gransden Trio at the Swan House, December 14 and December 21 at 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm.
Crafts at the Swan House include DIY 1930s Holiday Postcards and custom headbands
Wood Family Farm Highlights
When the first white settlers arrived to the high ridges of Atlanta they began building log cabin houses. Elias Wood and his family occupied this cabin not too far from the spot where Peachtree Creek and Chattahoochee River meet and spent many years there, reshaping and reforming the cabin multiple times.
Grab a s’more and a cider while you listen to the Atlanta Sacred Harp Singers perform a collection of hymns from The Sacred Harp at the Wood Family Cabin, performing nightly at 7pm and 8pm
Museum Highlights
Founded in 1926, the Atlanta History Museum is one of the Southeast’s largest history museums. In addition to several showcase spaces, guests can partake in food by Souper Jenny and beverages from Brash Coffee. Stop by the gift shop to browse books, unique gifts, and local goods.
Learn more by visiting the Atlanta History Center website or calling them directly at (404) 814-4000.
