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Saturday
December 2nd

Traditional Village Christmas 

Saturday, December 2nd

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Outdoor, European style Holiday market. Decorate a fresh wreath with bows, balls, bells, pinecones, holly, icicles and ornaments or let our volunteers do it for you! Select unique handmade gifts for the holidays. Watch a blacksmith at work! 

Enjoy hot apple cider and heirloom-recipe baked goods. Children can make a craft and enjoy a visit with Belsnickel. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Christmas in Catoctin Furnace included a visit from Belsnickel to the homes of German immigrants.  During this visit, which took place two weeks before Christmas, Belsnickel rewarded good children with treats but carried a switch to punish naughty ones. 

2023 Traditional Village Christmas Schedule
(All events 10-4 unless otherwise noted)
 
Blacksmithing Demonstrations, museum tours, gift shop sales (including special North County Christmas gift baskets): The Museum of the Ironworker, next to The Blacksmith Shop
Sauced Savage BBQ Food Truck: Blacksmith Shop parking lot, next to The Museum of the Ironworker
– Breakfast items available 10-11 a.m. before switching to lunch
– Hot Chocolate and coffee available all day
CFHS Holiday Bake Sale and Cider: Collier’s Log House
Hot Mulled Wine (21 and older only): Collier’s Log House
(noon – 4)
– ID required, first floor
Artists and Maker Market: F.W. Fraley Store
Live Music: Collier’s Log House
– Second floor of the Collier’s Log House 12-3 p.m.
Wreath and roping decoration and sales: Collier’s Log House
– If you pre-ordered wreaths and roping go to Collier’s Log House for pickup and customization.
Tours of Historic Harriet Chapel: 10-3 p.m.
– In the chapel
Children’s Activities and Crafts: Collier’s Log House
– First floor, small room to the left
Belsnickel Visits the Village
– Belsnickel will make stops at the Museum of the Ironworker and the Collier’s Log House and yard throughout the day.
 
Did you know we a new trail that just opened?
From the museum area, walk the African American Cemetery Interpretive Trail. After passing the furnace ruins, hike the newly minted Iron Trail which leads over Route 15 to the Cunningham Falls State Park Manor area.
Click here to pre-order wreaths and roping
Saturday
December 9th

Museums by Candlelight

Saturday, December 9th

Once a year, Frederick County’s numerous historic sites and museums are open at night for various programs. More information coming soon regarding our event at Catoctin Furnace!

Tuesday
December 12th

December CFHS Meeting

Tuesday, December 12th,  12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

By tradition we do not hold an August meeting.

Monthly meetings will require participants to register in advance. You may join us in person at the Museum of the Ironworker or on Zoom. If you plan to join us via Zoom, you can join on your computer or telephone. 

If you experience any issues, please call 240-288-7396 and we will help you register. 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Click here to register to attend our monthly meeting
Saturday & Sunday
May 18th & 19th

2024 Maryland Iron Festival

Saturday & Sunday, May 18th & 19th 

More information to come regarding the sixth annual Maryland Iron Festival.