Farm animals lend an authentic touch to the Live Nativity at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm near Stroudsburg.
Submitted photo
30th annual event set for Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13
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A volunteer places old-fashioned ornaments on a tree at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm.
Submitted photo
Christmas at Quiet Valley will be quieter than usual this holiday season.
You won’t encounter the Belsnickel, for example, that sterner, not-so-jolly version of Santa Claus.
And you won’t be accompanied by tour guides as you make your way around the 18th-century living history farm outside of Stroudsburg.
But if you attend the farm’s 30th annual Old Time Christmas on either of the next two Saturdays or Sundays, Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13, you can take a self-guided tour between 2 and 8 p.m. to admire the decorations, including the Christmas “putz,” or miniature village; candles and luminaries and many festive trees.
One highlight of the event will be a live Nativity scene in which the Holy Family will be surrounded by some of the same kinds of creatures who may have lived in the Bethlehem stable so long ago.
“We have sheep, horses, goats; we don’t have a cow this year, but we have our standard farm animals,” Quiet Valley staffer Ed Weinhofer confirmed in a telephone interview.
Because of this year’s COVID-19 concerns, Weinhofer said, “Everything is outside.”
You’ll be able to warm yourself near a bonfire where a storyteller will spin a tale or two, see costumed re-enactors working on old-fashioned crafts and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.
Visits typically last about 90 minutes, and before you leave you’ll have a chance to vote for your favorite decorated tree, sponsored by area families and businesses, in the “Christmas Tree Forest.” Visitors are advised to dress warmly, and masks are required.
Admission this year has been reduced to $5 per person, with children younger than 3 admitted free. The last entrance to the farm will be at 7 p.m. each day. No pets or smoking, please. Tickets may be purchased in advace at quiet-valley.ticketleap.com or by calling the farm at 570-992-6161.
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is a non-profit,educational corporation dedicated to the preservation and presentation of 19th century agricultural history. It is located 3 ½ miles south of Stroudsburg, off Business Route 209.