Homes for the Holidays Family Event
Tours: 11am - 4pm on-the-hour
Admission: A “give what you can” food donation per family, per location.
Embrace the magic of the holidays with a heartwarming day of history, culture, and community at two beloved heritage sites—Chiefswood Park and Ruthven Park. This unique seasonal event invites you to explore Victorian-era holiday traditions, family stories, enjoy festive activities for all ages, and support local families in need through a “give what you can” food donation.
Experience Highlights:
● Chiefswood Park: Explore the 1850s home of the Johnson family, beautifully adorned in authentic Victorian holiday décor. Enjoy guided tours rich with stories of life along the Grand River and the legacy of celebrated Mohawk poetess E. Pauline Johnson. Children can join festive activities and enjoy sugar cookies and seasonal beverages in this riverside home “Where Cultures Meet.”
● Ruthven Park: Discover the Thompson family's Christmas traditions inside a grand Greek Revival mansion. The main floor glows with generations of holiday décor, while the Victorian Parlour Exhibit showcases historical games and seasonal pastimes. Cozy refreshments and cheerful children’s activities await in the historic Coach House.
Your ticket includes:
● Guided tours of both historic homes, on-the-hour 11am to 4pm.
● Engaging children’s activities at each location
● Seasonal treats: sugar cookies and beverages at Chiefswood, hot chocolate at Ruthven
● Leisurely exploration of both sites throughout the day
Celebrate history, culture, and community in one joyful day—where every visit helps support local families in need.
Pre-registration is for the entire day. Please register for your preferred date below, and you may schedule your preferred tour time on site as you reach each location.
Admission is collected by non-perishable food donation per family, at each location. All Donations collected will be presented to both the Cayuga and Six Nations foodbanks.
Homes for the Holidays Family Event
Tours: 11am - 4pm on-the-hour
Admission: A “give what you can” food donation per family, per location.
Embrace the magic of the holidays with a heartwarming day of history, culture, and community at two beloved heritage sites—Chiefswood Park and Ruthven Park. This unique seasonal event invites you to explore Victorian-era holiday traditions, family stories, enjoy festive activities for all ages, and support local families in need through a “give what you can” food donation.
Experience Highlights:
● Chiefswood Park: Explore the 1850s home of the Johnson family, beautifully adorned in authentic Victorian holiday décor. Enjoy guided tours rich with stories of life along the Grand River and the legacy of celebrated Mohawk poetess E. Pauline Johnson. Children can join festive activities and enjoy sugar cookies and seasonal beverages in this riverside home “Where Cultures Meet.”
● Ruthven Park: Discover the Thompson family's Christmas traditions inside a grand Greek Revival mansion. The main floor glows with generations of holiday décor, while the Victorian Parlour Exhibit showcases historical games and seasonal pastimes. Cozy refreshments and cheerful children’s activities await in the historic Coach House.
Your ticket includes:
● Guided tours of both historic homes, on-the-hour 11am to 4pm.
● Engaging children’s activities at each location
● Seasonal treats: sugar cookies and beverages at Chiefswood, hot chocolate at Ruthven
● Leisurely exploration of both sites throughout the day
Celebrate history, culture, and community in one joyful day—where every visit helps support local families in need.
Pre-registration is for the entire day. Please register for your preferred date below, and you may schedule your preferred tour time on site as you reach each location.
Admission is collected by non-perishable food donation per family, at each location. All Donations collected will be presented to both the Cayuga and Six Nations foodbanks.
