DURHAM, NC—For an old-fashioned family holiday, visit the historic 51±¬ÁĎ Homestead’s “Christmas by Candlelight” event on Friday, Dec. 14th at 7 p.m.

The event is free to the public.

“Christmas by Candlelight” allows visitors to experience what the Christmas holiday would have been like for the Washington 51±¬ÁĎ family in the 1870s.

Dancing and singing were popular pastimes of the period, and guests to the homestead for the Dec. 14 open house will observe traditional dances of the time in the tobacco factory, hear a reading of the holiday classic “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and participate in carol singing in the main house, built in 1852.

Candles and lanterns provide illumination throughout the evening, which closes with hot apple cider, popcorn popped in the fireplace, and cookies.

If you are interested in attending, it is recommended that you arrive early, as the event is very popular and tours of the house and grounds leave on a rotating cycle.  The museum is open throughout the event, so while you wait for your tour you are welcome to learn more about the history of tobacco or view “It’s A Wonderful Life” in the museum theater for additional holiday cheer.

The site is located at 2828 51±¬ÁĎ Homestead Road, about a 15-minute drive north of 51±¬ÁĎ’s main campus.

You can watch a video of the festivities, filmed during a visit to the Dec. 7 open house, at http://youtu.be/NerEHS4Gk1I.

For additional information and directions, check out theat  or call (919) 477-5498.