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A Victorian Christmas at the Ramsey House

A Victorian Christmas awaits at St. Paul’s historic Ramsey House! Rewind the clock to an era of decadence and nostalgia and experience what the holidays were like in 1875. Be dazzled by twinkling lights and cheerful decor, sample fresh baked cookies from the Ramsey House’s wood burning stove, tap your toes to tunes played on the family’s classic Steinway piano, and admire original ornaments and Christmas gifts from days of yore. Learn a bit of history as costumed guides re-enact how the household prepared for the holidays, then stop into the carriage house to pick up replica Victorian ornaments and other holiday gift items.

Dec 1 – Jan 1 / 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, noon-3 p.m. Sundays

Fee: $11 adults, $9 seniors and college students, $7 ages 6-17; $3 discount for MHS members.

Reservations: recommended, call 651-296-8760 /  Click HERE for details

Alexander Ramsey House / 265 S. Exchange St. / St. Paul, MN 55102

A Christmas Memory

Add some old-timey theatrics to your holiday season as local actors Linda Sue Anderson and Sam Landman bring to life Truman Capote’s heartfelt holiday tale revolving around a boy coming of age during the Great Depression. The 1 hour program will include musical accompaniment by Minneapolis singer-guitarist Dan Hylton, performing holiday songs. Stick around after the show for light refreshments and guided tours of the famed manse.

Dec 1st & 2nd / Dec 8th & 9th / 7:30 p.m.

Fee: $12/$10 MHS Members, No credit cards accepted

Reservations: recommended, call 651-297-2555 / Click HERE for details

James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave, St. Paul 55102

Hill House Holidays

The fanciful holiday cheer of James J. Hill and his prestigious family is brought to life at the impeccably preserved historic Summit Avenue property. Indulge in a Gilded Age Christmas as you’re entertained by costumed actors that dramatically portray life as servants during the holiday season in first decade of the 20th century. The one-hour program will tak you through the gorgeous halls and even into the basement servant work areas. And it’s all legit–the script is based on letters and oral histories of people who actually worked for the family.

Bonus: On Dec 11th and 18th at 6pm be charmed by Victorian Christmas Stories a la Charles Dickens and Mark Twain!

Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 / 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., tours begin every 30 minutes

Fee: $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $6 children ages 6-17; $2 discount for MHS members.

Reservations: recommended, call 651-297-2555 / Click HERE for more details

James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave, St. Paul 55102