Victorian Christmas Events
We LOVE these horses and carolers!
The Victorian Christmas festivities officially kick-off on FRIDAY, November 30 at 6 pm with the annual parade in downtown capped-off by the arrival of Father Christmas. This traditional family event is then followed by the annual tree lighting at the Beekman Bank on the corner of California & 3rd Streets.
Kids can meet Father Christmas and have photos taken at the North Pole for three weekends in December from 11 am – 4 pm at the Masonic Lodge on the corner of California and Oregon Streets. (NOTE: Father Christmas has a new location this year!)
On the weekends of December 1 & 2, 8 & 9, and 15& 16, Jacksonville is the place to take a horse-drawn wagon ride, listen to carolers, meet the Town Crier, take-in beautifully decorated historic buildings, enjoy great dining, wonderful shopping and much, much more festive fun.
Celebrate Victorian Christmas at Jacksonville’s
Historic Beekman House!
Learn how holiday traditions have changed! For three weekends in December, you’re invited to tour the home of Jacksonville’s wealthiest pioneer family and experience a Victorian Christmas. Join costumed docents between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 1-2, 8-9, and 15-16, at the 1873 C.C. Beekman House, located at 470 E. California Street in Jacksonville, for a look at how Christmas was celebrated in the late 1800s.
The Beekman House
Find the good luck German pickle ornament on the Christmas tree. Sing a Christmas carol. Steal a kiss under the mistletoe. Hear about presents the Beekmans exchanged. Sample one of Mrs. Beekman’s sugar cookies.
Then visit Mrs. Beekman’s Christmas Bazaar for toys, crafts, collectibles, holiday items, and popular gifts of the late 1800s. Do you remember popguns? Chinese hand cuffs? Pick up sticks? You’ll find all these and more thanks to generous community members willing to share their talents and treasures.
Jean Ayers (“Mrs. Beekman”) has knitted and felted hats and purses. Vi Davis has crocheted scarves and pot holders. Ron Parker has created wooden replicas of early cars and trucks. Luane Vidak has donated beautiful lacework crocheted in the early 1900s by her Austrian grandmother, Nike Jano. Metal artist, Cheryl Garcia, has used her blowtorch to create tin can lanterns. And that’s just a sampling!
Tour admission is $4, Adults; $2, Seniors (65+) and Children (6-12). Bazaar admission is free! All proceeds from house tours and bazaar go to the Beekman House Preservation and Restoration Project.
Sorry to ask this though the city’s website under city happenings says the parade starts at 5:30 though here it says 6:00…which time is correct and the reason I ask is my kids really enjoy this parade and we do not want to miss it.
The Parade Actually starts at 6pm – always smart to get there early though because of parking and to get a good spot on the Parade Route!
All I can say is beautiful! Thank you.
Oh the excitement was great last night! Thanks for this review as we all look forward to J’ville’s grand Christmas festivities.