Longfellow Holiday Open House
December 12 @ 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Free and open to all, no reservations needed
Plan Ahead: Before entering the historic house, you will be required to store all purses, backpacks, and other bags (including small ones) at our bag check. To skip the line, we recommend leaving these at home!
Special stories, including books and oral traditions, have long brought families together around the holidays. In 1864, Longfellow would add his own words to the catalog of treasured Christmas stories with his 1864 poem “Christmas Bells,” a call for “peace on Earth & goodwill to men” during the American Civil War. Join us on December 12 to celebrate the power of stories to bring us together at the holidays.
This beloved annual tradition welcomes guests of all ages to enjoy the spirit of the season amid the beautifully decorated historic halls of Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy’s President’s House. Complete event details can be found here.
1:00–4:00 PM: Early bird open house at 105 Brattle Street
Skip the crowds and enjoy the Longfellow House, decorated in period style with special seasonal objects from the site’s museum collection, during the afternoon hours. Last early bird entrance to the Longfellow House is at 3:45 PM.
4:15 PM: Sunset reading of “Christmas Bells” in front of 105 Brattle Street (outside)
Gather for a sunset reading of Longfellow’s beloved 1864 poem “Christmas Bells” in front of the Longfellow House (outside).
4:00–8:00 PM: Family fun and refreshments at 115 Brattle Street
Make your way to the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy’s President’s House at 115 Brattle Street—known as “the other big yellow house”—for festive family fun including holiday Victorian carolers on the porch, puppet shows at the top of each hour (4:00, 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 PM), “take-and-make” crafts, and treats for all ages. Cookies and hot beverages will be served.
5:00–8:00 PM: Evening open house at 105 Brattle Street
Enjoy a luminaria display on the grounds and stroll the halls of the Longfellow House, decorated in period style with special seasonal objects from the site’s museum collection. Live harp music will enliven the carriage house. Last entrance to the Longfellow House is at 7:45 PM. Free; no reservations required. Event concludes at 8:00 PM
