Christmas Candlelight Tours

A beloved holiday tradition, Christmas Candlelight Tours, returns for the season Dec. 12, 13, and 14 from 3-9 p.m. each evening at Historic Brattonsville.

Stroll the candlelit paths of 1841, led by historically dressed tour guides as you experience the story and legacy of Catharine Ladd, who began teaching Dr. Bratton’s daughters in 1840. Ladd not only taught sewing, needlepoint and painting, but also reading, writing and arithmetic, empowering the Bratton girls with knowledge and skills that were rare for young women of the time. Beyond teaching,  Ladd was also known as a poet, author and entrepreneur, leaving a lasting mark on the Brattonsville community. Visitors will get a sneak peek inside the restored Brattonsville Female Seminary where Ladd taught during the tours. (The building will not be open to the public until spring 2026).

Along with guided tours, guests enjoy a variety of festive family activities. Try your hand at candle-dipping, making a cornhusk doll (additional $1 charge applies on Saturday and Sunday) and coloring a keepsake Christmas greeting card. Father Christmas strolls the grounds as cheerful sounds of a live brass band waft through the crisp evening air. Browse holiday gifts in the gift shop and from featured regional artisans, including Glassblower Phil Gilson and Sweetgrass Basket Weaver, Deadra Johnson. Warm up with seasonal refreshments available for purchase on the lawn.

The weekend starts with a special members-only evening on Friday, just for Culture & Heritage Museums members. Members who wish to bring guests, can upgrade to a Donor Membership Level, which includes guest passes. At Member’s Night, everyone can enjoy complimentary concessions including, toasty grilled cheese, warm tomato soup, hoop cheese and crackers, fresh popcorn, hot cocoa and toppings, s’mores and creamy fudge. Members and their guests will also get a 2025 keepsake coloring ornament and visit with Father Christmas in a cozy, country setting. Members are also welcome to visit on Saturday and Sunday Dec. 13-14. On Saturday and Sunday, members who wish to bring guests can either buy tickets for their guests or use their guest passes.

Christmas Candlelight Tours are timed and pre-registration is strongly encouraged as tickets sell out quickly.

Purchase tickets

Visitors should arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tour time.