Make holiday memories that last at historic Sauder Village

        Discover a new yearly tradition this winter season with Sauder Village’s holiday events: Merry and Bright Holiday Nights on Dec. 7 and 14 and Making Spirits Bright (for ages 21+) on Dec. 6, all from 6-9 p.m.
        Visitors can experience the walk-through-time Village decked out in festive lights and period-authentic decorations.
        “Our holiday events this year highlight the evolution of Christmas from the 1850s to the 1920s,” said Visitor Experience and Evaluation Manager, Sarah Rupp. “When you visit, you will experience how the traditions we celebrate today, from holiday decorations to gift giving to family gatherings, have changed over time.”
        Merry and Bright is a family-friendly, immersive holiday experience. Kids are invited to bring letters to Santa Claus and drop them in the special mailbox. “We’ll make sure they arrive at the North Pole on time,” Rupp said. Santa will also be on hand at a meet-and-greet.
        Take a horse-drawn trolley or hop on a train ride filled with Christmas carols and holiday trivia, then capture family photos at the festive selfie station and participate in an interactive reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
        For those 21 and over, Making Spirits Bright is a holiday party on Main Street.
        Stop in at the 1920s Speakeasy for Christmas cheer and camaraderie. Order appetizers and authentic cocktails, play traditional holiday games and tour the decorated Village by foot, trolley or train.
        Three of our Village homes will have samples of historical cocktails, included in the ticket purchase.
        While Merry and Bright is the ideal event for creating family memories, Making Spirits Bright is designed for a festive night out with a date or friends.
        Registration is suggested, but not required, for these events.
        Consider a stay at the Heritage Inn, now offering a holiday package for both events that includes a discount on a room, two adult tickets to the event, a discount on additional tickets and a $40 gift card to the Barn Restaurant.
        For rates, dates, hours, membership and ticket purchases, visit saudervillage.org, follow on Facebook or Instagram or call 1-800-590-9755.