December is a special time at Genesee Country Village & Museum, offering visitors a chance to make lasting holiday memories with loved ones. Guests can experience festive programs in the Historic Village and explore seasonal traditions throughout the month. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s happening at GCV&M in December:
Yuletide in the Country Tours & Dinners:
December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20
This year, Yuletide in the Country Tours brings the magic of Christmas Eve, 1870, to life. Stroll through the candlelit Village in the company of Joy Nichols, a young servant making her rounds on a winter’s night. Step inside homes, taverns, shops, and churches filled with warmth and music, and experience moments of celebration and reflection, from a Hanukkah kitchen to a Hogmanay celebration. Pair your tour with a Yuletide Dinner for a sumptuous buffet featuring seasonal dishes, and relax by the fire in the festive Meeting Center Lounge.
Breakfast with St. Nick:
December 7 & 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season alongside family and friends with a hearty breakfast in GCV&M’s festively decorated Meeting Center. Meet St. Nick himself, write letters to the North Pole, and pose for a family photo.
Holiday Open House: December 7 & 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Experience the magic of the season in the Historic Village, where fires crackle in hearths and holiday decorations fill each room with warmth and light. Stroll from home to home and see how 19th-century families celebrated the holidays through festive baking, storytelling, and music. Meet St. Nicholas, enjoy traditional tunes, and sample sweet and savory treats prepared by GCV&M’s historical cooks.
Holiday Afternoon Teas:
December 10, 11, 16, 17, & 18, 1 to 3 p.m.
Spend an afternoon in the cozy, fire-lit lounge decorated for the holidays. Guests will enjoy a selection of fine teas, delicate finger sandwiches, and handmade pastries while learning about 19th-century holiday traditions from GCV&M experts. The atmosphere is warm and festive, perfect for gathering with friends or treating yourself to a quiet, seasonal outing.
Holiday Shopping at GCV&M
Find something special for everyone on your list at the Flint Hill Store. Browse handcrafted goods made in the Historic Village, locally made products, holiday decor, sweets, and more. For a gift that lasts all year, consider a GCV&M Membership, which includes free general admission, discounts on programs, and exclusive perks. New memberships and gift memberships are both 10% off through December 31, making it the perfect time to share the Museum this season.
Home for the Holidays Homeschool Day:
Friday, December 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Homeschool families are invited to spend the day exploring how 19th-century New Yorkers celebrated the winter holidays through food, music, storytelling, and cultural traditions. During this guided experience, families will prepare a festive dish in a historic kitchen, hear winter stories shared by Haudenosaunee educators, and learn how Christmas evolved into the celebration we know today.
Winter Workshops
GCV&M has a timeless skill for every interest. Museum experts guide participants in exploring new hobbies and skills, offering a glimpse into life in the 19th century.
Wool Spinning Workshop – Saturday, December 6
For tickets or more information on any of these events, visit https://www.gcv.org/. Please note that tickets for Yuletide in the Country Tours & Dinners, Breakfast with St. Nick, and Holiday Afternoon Tea must be purchased in advance.
