Christmas at Fort Hunter
Christmas at Fort Hunter 2026
Fort Hunter Park
This month-long celebration begins with the Mansion decorated with artfully arranged fresh greens by the Garden Club of Harrisburg. The Fort Hunter Mansion is open for tours Tuesday-Sunday with reservations preferred and prioritized. Admission is just $8.00 per person. Learn more & register.
Weekends include a popular toy train exhibit in the Centennial Barn, decorated Christmas trees exhibited in the Tavern House, Fort Couture where dress forms are transformed into imaginative holiday decorations, and the kids-only holiday shop. Consider joining the fun at one of the special events such as a visit with Santa's Reindeer or the Victorian Tea!
Title Sponsorship:
Event Sponsorship:
Friends of Fort Hunter
Greens Sale
Now through Monday, November 23, 2026
Click Here to Purchase
The Friends of Fort Hunter are happy to announce that the 2026 Friends of Fort Hunter Holiday Greens Sale is now online for the season! All orders must be placed in advance. Orders must be placed by Monday, November 23 – or until we sell out. Please consider placing your order early, as items do sell out.
Purchased items can be picked up at the Fort Hunter Centennial Barn (5395 N. Front Street, Harrisburg) on Wednesday, December 2nd and Thursday, December 3rd from 3:00 - 6:00 pm.
Supporting Sponsor:
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Special Weekend Exhibits Saturdays & Sundays from 12:30 - 4:30PM
Toy Train Exhibit
Saturdays & Sundays ONLY
November 28 - December 20
12:30 - 4:30 PM
Free admission
All aboard! The magical HO gauge model trains start rolling Presented by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society. This magical HO gauge model train set incorporates many interactive elements and a walk-around setup.
This a must-see attraction for the whole family!
Old and new trains will be displayed each week, and for the annual visitor, exciting new additions are made each year.
Thanks to the Friends of Fort Hunter
for underwriting this popular attraction.
Annual Festival of Trees
Saturdays & Sundays ONLY
November 28 - December 20
12:30 - 4:30 PM
Free Admission
Get in the holiday spirit!
Co-sponsored by the Harrisburg Area Civic Garden Center, six themed Christmas trees are exhibited for viewing.
Beautifully decorated with handmade ornaments and trimmed by local garden clubs the trees are available for raffle. A selection of handmade ornaments will be available for purchase.
Fort Couture
Saturdays & Sundays ONLY
December 5 - 20
12:30 - 4:30 PM
Free Admission
Adorned in the holiday spirit, these dress forms decorated like a Christmas tree are a
twist on holiday decoration.
Displayed in the Stone Stable, these festive wonders are created by volunteers, Friends of Fort Hunter, and local businesses. Using fresh greens and other natural and imaginative materials, Fort Couture will amaze
and inspire your holiday season.
Kids Only Holiday Shop
Saturdays & Sundays ONLY
December 5 - 20
12:30 - 4:30 PM
Kids aged 12 and under can shop for family and friends with the help of Fort Hunter elves. All gifts are under $15 with items for all ages, including grandparents.
Children will shop with the guidance of Santa’s helpers who will assist youngsters in picking out tasteful and unique items from the Museum Shop at Fort Hunter. Parents provide spending money and a gift list.
The gifts will be wrapped and tagged by helper elves, and children will emerge with smiles on their faces and secrets in their gift sacks.
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Special Holiday Events
Victorian Tea
December 6, 2026 | 11:30 - 3:30 PM | Tickets $23 (Member price $18)
Fort Hunter Mansion
Sample sweet and savory treats as you sip cups of spiced tea and enjoy the Mansion adorned for the holidays with fresh greens and natural trimmings.
- View a demonstration of making clear toy candy.
- Enjoy the sound of holiday music with Becky Boone
- The Museum Shop is well stocked for unique holiday gift ideas!
Guests begin their visit with a self-guided tour of the holiday decorations by the Civic Committee of the Harrisburg Garden Club and conclude with tea in the dining room. Tea features the Friends of Fort Hunter spiced tea, ham and chicken finger sandwiches (egg salad available upon request while supplies last), and homemade cookies.
Guided Mansion tours will not be offered on this date.
Tickets must be purchased in advance for this event. Purchase tickets here: Victorian Tea Ticket Link
Clear Toy Candy Demonstration
December 6, 2026 | 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Fort Hunter Mansion Summer Kitchen | Free Admission
- One of the great traditions of Christmas in the 1800s was receiving a piece of three-dimensional clear toy candy. Stop by the Mansion summer kitchen to visit with candy makers George Kopp and Gina Napoli and view the methods of creating this Pennsylvania-German tradition that dates back to the 1700s. Candies will be available for purchase.
Open Hearth Cooking Demonstration
December 6, 2026 | 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Tavern House Summer Kitchen | Free Admission
Pop in the Tavern House summer kitchen to see and smell the fire burning in the hearth and chat with the cook, Audrey Trussell, as she prepares holiday treats over the open fire, using recipes (called receipts) from the 1800s.
St. Thomas Dulcimer Society in Concert
December 9, 2026 | 6:30 PM
Centennial Barn | Free Admission
Enjoy a collection of holiday and seasonal tunes played on mountain dulcimers, Baritone dulcimers, Bass dulcimer, banhammer (plays like a Dulcimer sounds like a banjo), harps, and hammer dulcimer.
A holiday sing-along will conclude the concert and the Toy Train Exhibit will be open for a visit during a brief intermission. Seating is limited. FREE
Meet Santa's Reindeer & Visit with Mrs. Claus
ONE DAY ONLY!
December 13, 2026 | 12:30 - 2:15 PM
Centennial Barn | Free Admission
Visit in person, take photographs with Santa’s reindeer, and stop by to meet Mrs. Claus. Refreshments are available by donation. The line to see the reindeer will close at 2:15 PM. No registration is required.
Special thanks to Marilyn and Don Koones for underwriting this event.
Sponsored by:
Candlelight Mansion Tours
December 19, 2026 | 4:30, 5:30 & 6:30 PM
Fort Hunter Mansion | $9 per Adult, $8 per Senior, $5.50 per Child
Experience the Fort Hunter Mansion by candlelight this December and see the halls decked for the holidays and hear what traditions were celebrated in years past.
Purchase tickets here: Candlelight Mansion Tours
Brass Triumphant Concert
December 20, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Centennial Barn | Free Admission
Enjoy a free concert of Christmas music! Join the 8-member Mechanicsburg area brass group as they play familiar holiday tunes and Christmas songs in an informal concert setting. No registration is required.
Thanks to Rich and Barb Leitzel for underwriting this event.
ELF ACADEMY WORKSHOPS
Step into the magic of the holiday season at Elf Academy! Join us for a festive series of hands-on workshops where you’ll become one of Santa’s little helpers and create thoughtful, handmade holiday gifts to share with family and friends. From crafting a felted wool cardinal and embossed metal ornaments to mixing friendship soup and assembling holiday simmer jars, each workshop offers a fun and creative way to make something truly special. Whether you are a seasoned crafter or just discovering your inner elf, you will learn new skills, spread holiday cheer, and create one-of-a-kind gifts made with love. Leave the holiday shopping hustle behind and let your creativity shine at Elf Academy, where the best gifts are the ones you make! Pre-registration is encouraged, walk ups are available as space is available. Classes benefit the Friends of Fort Hunter.
Friendship Soup
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 9:00am – 10:30am | Fort Hunter Centennial Barn | $20
Gather with your friends and create Friendship Soup. Each participant will get to make and take home two, one-quart jars of Friendship soup to give to friends. We have all the supplies, just bring yourself! Ingredients: Pasta, Split Peas, Lentils, Rice, Minced Onion, Pearl Barley, Beef Broth Base, Bay Leaves, and Italian Seasoning
Ticket Link: Friendship Soup Tickets
Needle Felted Cardinal Ornament
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 11:00am – 12:30pm | Fort Hunter Centennial Barn | $28
Join us for a cozy, creative class with Mallory from Moon Shadow Studio! Learn the art of needle felting as you sculpt soft wool into a charming red cardinal ornament to treasure for years to come. Whether you're a beginner or an expert marker, you are sure to enjoy this relaxing, hands-on experience and leave with a handmade keepsake perfect for your own holiday tree or to give as a heartfelt gift.
Ticket Link: Needled Felt Cardinal Ornament Workshop Tickets
Embossed Metal Ornament Set
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | Fort Hunter Centennial Barn | $28
Add a little handmade magic to your holiday season! Join us for a cozy, creative workshop where you'll learn the art of metal embossing to create a beautiful set of for heirloom ornaments. Featuring celestital moons, stars, and nature-inspired designs, these timeless treasures are perfect for adorning your home or gifting to someone special.
Ticket Link: Embossed Metal Ornament Workshop Tickets
Simmer Pot Jars
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 3:00am – 4:30am | Fort Hunter Centennial Barn | $20
Gather with your friends and create simmer pot jars to usher in the holiday season. We will provide all of the ingredients. Each participant will take home two, one-pint jars.
Ticket Link: Simmer Pot Jars Workshop Tickets
Wooden Ornament Workshop
Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 12:00pm – 1:30pm | Fort Hunter Centennial Barn | $22
Come join us paint Christmas ornaments. You chose two from the four provided. Ornaments are approximately 4.5 inches in height. We will provide all of the paint and glue needed to successfully complete your project. Bring your creativity and leave with 2 ornaments that you can proudly hang on your tree or gift to a friend. Open to all ages, 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Wear appropriate clothing, as you might get paint on them!
Ticket Link: Wooden Ornament Workshop Tickets
Fused Glass Snowman Ornament
Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm | Fort Hunter Centennial Barn | $17
Each participant will make a fused glass snowman ornament. The base shape will be precut. You can decorate the ornament by choosing from a variety of glass accessories including hats, scarves, buttons, eyes, and hair. You will need to pick up your ornament after it is fired (approx. 1 week).
Ticket Link: Fused Glass Snowman Ornament Workshop Tickets
