Fort New Salem invites you to the 51st annual “Spirit of Christmas in the Mountains,” a nationally recognized celebration of the historic and cultural traditions of the Scotch-Irish, English, and German settlers of West(ern)
Virginia. This event blends seasonal customs into a vibrant showcase of music, food, heritage skills, and diverse holiday traditions.
Event Dates:
Saturday, November 29
Sunday, November 30
Saturday, December 6
Sunday, December 7
Festivities begin daily at 12 noon.
Highlights Include:
Traditional Christmas Tree Lighting at sundown, featuring a candlelit procession and performances by local choirs. Caroling starts at 5 PM with the tree lighting at 5:30 PM
Appearances by Der Belsnickel and mummers, celebrating a unique German tradition of our pioneer settlers.
Live music, caroling, and heritage demonstrations in blacksmithing, tinsmithing, paper marbling, pottery,
and open-hearth cooking.
Children’s activities: puppet shows, Appalachian toys, storytelling, corn shelling, and candle dipping.
Food and refreshments: Wassail, co ee, hot chocolate, fireplace-friedoption), maple cotton candy, soup beans with cornbread, and chili.
donuts, cookies (with decorating
Chestnuts roasted on an open fire.
Local crafts and modern interpretations of heritage skills are available for purchase.
A complimentary, handicapped-accessible shuttle bus will run between the Salem University parking lot and the event gate.
Admission:
General admission is $8; children 10 and under are free.
General admission includes access to all activities. Onsite vendors and food items are cash only. Credit cards are welcomed for general admission and gift shop purchases.
For more information, www.fortnewsalemfoundation.org
304-695-2220
Sponsored by Fort New Salem Foundation, Harrison County Commission,
Salem Ace Hardware, and the West Virginia Department of Culture and History
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