The Holidays are a very special time in The Historic Village at Allaire. It is, as Charles Dickens wrote, "a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time...in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely..." It is a time when acquaintances are renewed and friends and family gather. We would like, therefore, to invite you and your family to join our family in the Historic Village at Allaire to come and celebrate the Old World Holiday Traditions during Christmas at Allaire.

During the time James P. Allaire operated the Howell Iron Works Company it was a melting pot of nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. Village residents, no doubt, continued to practice their Old World Customs in celebration of the season, all contributing to the developing American culture. Period attired Historic Interpreters recreate those traditional holiday customs and activities in the historic buildings of the Village during this very special event. Christmas at Allaire also offers visitors the opportunity to wander the streets of the Historic Village, meet the people of the Howell Works Company and enjoy the Dickensonian atmosphere of a 19th Century community decked out in holiday splendor.

Throughout the weekend long event there will be carolers wandering the streets of the Historic Village, setting the proper holiday mood, while special programs at the Historic Christ Church will feature period music, both vocal and instrumental. Visitors to the Historic Village can go to see our annual display of Christmas Trees Through the Ages featuring a Tree of Paradise, a Pyramid Tree and many more. Exhibits are held at the at the Enameling Building Exhibition Hall and a $1.00 minimum donation is suggested.

Other special programs throughout the weekend include Mummer Plays, Hearth Cooking, and Apple Drying and Stringing. A special feature of this event is the annual re-opening of the Allaire Station Post Office in the General Store Museum Gift Shoppe. Visitors may bring their stamped holiday cards for mailing. Each item mailed will be hand post-marked with the latest US Postal Service Allaire Christmas Cache Cancellation Stamp. Designed by Wall Twp. artist and Auxiliary member Janice Collinson, these stamps have become a holiday tradition for many families. While at the General Store feel free to browse the aisles where you can find that perfect Holiday Gift. Be sure to see the latest editions of our Christmas Collectible Ornaments while there.

Of course the Village Craftsmen will be out demonstrating their skills in the arts of Blacksmithing, Carpentry, Tinsmithery and Wheelwrighting. A stop at the home of Howell Works Company Manager, James Parshal Smith, is always in order on events such as this, when the kitchen is filled with the delicious aromas of exotic spices as the ladies of the Village Food Ways Guild demonstrate the art of 19th Century Hearth Cooking. Stop by the Bakery for a cup of hot mulled cider while our bakers make delicious Holiday treats in the restored 19th Century Beehive Oven. 

For that authentic Currier and Ives feeling, visitors may want to take a ride in a horse drawn wagon complete with jingle bells as they tour the woods surrounding the Village. You may even get the chance to see St. Nick greeting children and giving them a treat, but only if they have been good.

The Christmas at Allaire Weekend Event is open to the General Public.  Tickets are available at the gate, by mail or phone by calling (732) 919 - 3500. Due to the popularity of our events, all ticket sales are final.