A Pennsylvania German Christmas in Historic Trappe
Christmas Tours and Holiday Shopping
November 28 to January 4
Fridays and Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm
Sundays 12 to 4 pm
Celebrate the magic of the season at Historic Trappe’s Dewees Tavern and the Muhlenberg House, beautifully decorated for Christmas!
Both historic sites will be decked out in festive 18th-century style. At the Dewees Tavern, explore intricate German Erzgebirge woodcarvings, a towering Moravian Christmas pyramid, whimsical Noah’s arks, and enchanting holiday displays that capture the spirit of a Pennsylvania German Christmas.
Before you leave, stop by our museum stores — perfect for holiday shopping! Find springerle cookies, redware pottery, fraktur, handcrafted ornaments, and many other unique gifts inspired by local traditions.
German Woodcarvings at the Dewees Tavern
Marvel at the tiny wonderland of vintage woodcarvings from the famous Erzgebirge region of Germany displayed throughout the Dewees Tavern's Center for Pennsylvania German Studies.
Included with admission
Trappe Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 3, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Join us for a festive, family friendly evening including a community sing-a-long, visit from Santa, cookies and hot cocoa, and the annual Trappe Tree Lighting!
We will also be collecting donations for the Daily Bread Community Food Pantry.
Held at the Speaker's House, 151 W. Main Street, Trappe, PA 19426.
FREE
Candlelight Tours
Saturday, December 6, 3 to 9 pm
Sunday, December 7, 12 to 4 pm
Admission includes a timed ticket for the Candlelight Tours of the Muhlenberg House plus entrance to the Dewees Tavern and Speaker's House.
Savor the sights, sounds, and smells of a Pennsylvania German Christmas as you travel back in time at the Muhlenberg House for a candlelight tour, where interpreters in authentic period clothing will share stories from the Muhlenberg family in each room. Chat with Pastor Muhlenberg in his office and then step into the dining room, where a festive meal awaits. Don't miss the Speaker's House, where you can warm yourself by the fire and see what our hearth cook is preparing in the newly-restored kitchen wing. You will also get a sneak peek at the ongoing restoration work in the main house.
Parking is at St. Luke's Church, 200 W. Main Street.
A Colonial Christmas at the Hiester House (near Sumneytown, PA)
Saturday, December 13, 10 am, 12 pm, and 3:30 pm
Sunday, December 14, 12 pm and 2 pm
This holiday season, step inside the Hiester House—built in 1757—and experience the warmth and charm of Christmas past. The home retains nearly all of its original features, including five fireplaces and beautifully crafted wrought-iron hardware. From cellar to attic, each room is adorned with festive decorations that capture the spirit and traditions of a colonial Christmas. Discover the timeless beauty of this cherished landmark and enjoy a memorable journey through history as you get in the holiday spirit.
Cost: $50 per person (all proceeds to benefit Historic Trappe's educational programs)
Admission is by timed ticket only. No walk-ins!
Address and parking instructions will be emailed to ticket holders prior to the event.
*The Hiester House has limited accessibility. For additional information or assistance, please contact us directly at 610-489-7560 or email programs@historictrappe.org.
Christmas Tea at Sumneytown Hotel and Tour of the Hiester House
Saturday, December 13, 1 to 3 pm
Celebrate the magic of the season with a festive afternoon tea at the historic Sumneytown Hotel, beautifully decorated for Christmas! Enjoy fine teas, savory sandwiches, and sweet treats in a cozy holiday setting. Then, step back in time with an exclusive tour of the nearby Hiester House—built in 1757 and decorated in the spirit of Christmas past. Explore the home from cellar to attic — the perfect way to celebrate the season with history, charm, and holiday cheer!
Sumneytown Hotel is located at 3188 Main Street, Green Lane, PA 18054. Address and parking instructions for the Hiester House tour will be emailed to ticket holders prior to the event.
Cost: $100/person includes tea and tour (all proceeds to benefit Historic Trappe's educational programs)
*The Hiester House has limited accessibility. For additional information or assistance, please contact us directly at 610-489-7560 or email programs@historictrappe.org.
A Colonial Christmas Tour and Cocktail Party at the Hiester House
Sunday, December 14, 4:30 to 7:30 pm
Kick off the holiday season with an exclusive tour and festive cocktail party at the historic Hiester House! Built in 1757, this charming colonial home still boasts its original fireplaces, beautifully crafted wrought-iron hardware, and centuries of holiday spirit. From cellar to attic, every room shines with decorations inspired by the traditions of Christmas past. After exploring the house, raise a glass at our holiday reception featuring seasonal cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and plenty of good cheer. Celebrate the season in true colonial style—and make history part of your holiday fun!
Cost: $100/person, includes a full tour plus an exclusive cocktail party with drinks and appetizers (all proceeds to benefit Historic Trappe's educational programs)
Admission is by advanced ticket purchase only. No walk-ins!
Address and parking instructions will be emailed to ticket holders prior to the event.
*The Hiester House has limited accessibility. For additional information or assistance, please contact us directly at 610-489-7560 or email programs@historictrappe.org.