“Cultures of Candlelight,” the theme of the 46th annual Candlelight celebration, will highlight the many cultures of 19th century families featured at Dallas Heritage Village. This annual holiday event, the largest public fundraiser for Dallas Heritage Village, features carriage and hay wagon rides, holiday storytelling, Victorian carolers, musical entertainment, crafts, St. Nicholas, hand-weaving, blacksmithing, and many other festive activities such as the American Flyer model train exhibit in the Depot.

New this year in Browder Springs Hall will be a “Santas of the World” exhibit, including figurines and a selection of Victorian postcard interpretations of Santa. A variety of historic buildings, circa 1840 to 1910, will be decorated for the holidays, and festive foods will be available for purchase from food trucks as well as a bake sale, traditional kettle korn, nuts and more.

The Village’s popular fall exhibit “Neighborhoods We Called Home” is also available to tour and will remain open through the end of December. A collaborative effort with the Dallas Jewish Historical Society, the Dallas Mexican American Historical League, and Remembering Black Dallas, Inc., the exhibit explores the historic neighborhoods of Dallas that served as strong, supportive communities for Jewish, Hispanic, and African-American Dallasites from the early 1900s and beyond.

During Candlelight, pioneer and Victorian Texas is brought to life with costumed interpreters. At the 1860s Farmstead, attendees may see how early Dallas pioneers enjoyed a modest Christmas as the country approached the Civil War. At the bonfire, Cowboys tell tales, and at the Alamo Saloon, root beer and games of dominoes are available. The candlelit paths provide a perfect opportunity to take a stroll and experience the many Cultures of Candlelight along the way. At the Depot, kids may tell St. Nicholas their Christmas wishes and see the American Flyer model train exhibit, operated by the Lone Star Flyer Model Train Club. Village Donkeys Nip and Tuck will be posing for pictures, and our newest Mammoth Jack donkey team Willie and Waylon will offer guests carriage rides on the candlelit paths. Hayrides, pulled by a vintage tractor, are also available.  Local musicians, dancers, bands, choirs, and storytellers will entertain at the Renner School (circa 1888), on the Main Street (circa 1900) stage, in the Pilot Grove Church (circa 1890).

All proceeds benefit museum programs at Dallas Heritage Village.