It’s a holiday scene from a much simpler time. White lights, a horse drawn wagon, carollers singing and telegraph messages to Santa are just some of what the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum has to offer at Christmas.

So Close, and Yet So Far

My family and I attended the Illumination Ceremony at the Vintage Village of Lights last week. It was my first time to the quaint village, and I was pleasantly surprised. First of all, it was a pain getting there. I live on the westside of Ottawa, and of course we decided to drive through rush hour traffic to the eastside of Ottawa, which doubled the usual travel time. But all the kids (and my husband’s) whining stopped when we finally caught sight of beautifully illuminated town.

The Price is Right

I was surprised at how much room there was in the parking lot. And sure enough, there was no line up at all at the entrance. We just paid, and walked right in. It was quite a nice change from so many other holiday attractions! And the price of admission is hard to beat. Children under 5 years old are free. Adults are $7.15. A family (two adults and two children) will cost $18.40.

A Wagon Full of Laughs

The first thing we did was hop on the horse drawn wagon ride. Two lovely clydesdale horses pull the brightly lit wagon all the way around the village. The driver of the wagon provided a running commentary throughout the ride. It was a big hit with my kids, although I’m pretty sure they didn’t actually understand any of the jokes, they were laughing along. Myself, I probably would have preferred a more peaceful ride. And if you’re a Habs or Leafs hockey fan get prepared to be the butt of many a laugh.

Snow Makes All the Difference

There are 30 thousand lights decorating the museum, all of them white. What really made this a nice evening was the lights against the backdrop of the recent snowfall. Honestly, I don’t think it would have been the same at all had there not been snow. Talking with the directors of the museum, they said last year attendance was down due to the lack of snow. So for their sake, I hope we continue to have even a smattering of the white stuff throughout this season.

Back to the Activities

After the wagon ride we explored the village on foot. We got to listen to The Dickens Carolers at the sweet little chapel. Then my kids were dead set on visiting Santa. We found a lovely, bilingual Santa and Mrs.Claus waiting for us in one of the many heritage buildings. There was no line up, we just walked right up, got to hang a decoration on Santa’s tree and then have a tete a tete with the big guy in red. After having a good chat with Lucas, and getting plenty of wary side eye from Rowan, we sat down to make a craft with one of Santa’s elves.

My Cookie Monsters

The call of the cookie was too much for my children to deny, and so the old schoolhouse was our next stop. The inside of the school house gave me truly ‘Little House on the Prairie” vibes (a childhood favourite show). Kids were seated at a desk and given a gingerbread cookie, along with icing and sprinkles. My kids needed a bit of monitoring so they would’t dump all the sprinkles on the floor, but some of the older kids there seemed to be holding their own.

Santa Messages Go Old School

At the postoffice building kids can write a letter to Santa, and then the post office master will help the kids use a telegraph to send their messages via morse code. Luke managed to type out “TRANSFORMERS” in morse code, and then pick up a message back from Santa later at the front desk. Pretty unique.

In addition to these activities there is also a search for “The Twelve Days of Christmas” throughout the village. There is also a bonfire to warm yourselves beside, and kids can enjoy outdoor sports such as broom ball and street hockey (we didn’t partake this time around.) Hot drinks and snacks are apparently also for sale at the canteen, but somehow we missed this building (perhaps the first time every I have missed a snack stop.)

Worth Checking Out

This vintage holiday evening struck the right cord with me. The snow was key, and the fact it wasn’t busy certainly helped. I recommend making this a stop on your Christmas to-do list. The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, November 25 to December 18, from 3 pm to 8 pm. For more info check out the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cumberlandmuseum/?fref=ts

A Few Other Lesser Known Ottawa Christmas Activities

Some of Ottawa’s museums and historic sites offer other Christmas activities too…hoping to check out some of these as well.

Nepean Museum: A Nepean Christmas

Sunday, December 11 from 10 am to 4 pm

Head to the museum with kids in tow to have fun learning about old-fashioned Christmas traditions.  Take home a gingerbread house and a Christmas card, and maybe even meet St. Nick himself!

Cost: $6.15/individual, $10.20/pair, $16.35/family

Billings Estate National Historic Site: Christmas Tea

Sunday, December 11 and 18, from 11 am to 4 pm

Take some time to sit down and catch up with friends and family during this busy holiday season by enjoying a hot cup of tea and some scones and sandwiches.  Learn about the history of Christmas literary classics like ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and A Christmas Carol while taking in the sounds of Victorian carollers in the traditionally decorated historic house.

Cost: $20/person.  Reservations are required.  Registration opens November 7 at 10 am.

Billings Estate National Historic Site: Elves of the Estate

Saturday, December 17, from 10 am to 4 pm

At the Elves of the Estate event, kids can dress up like elves, visit with Santa and take a look around his workshop, enjoy milk and cookies while reading stories with Mrs. Claus, and make their parents a secret gift!

Cost: $6.15/person, $10.20/pair, $16.35/family

Fairfield Heritage House: Victorian Christmas

Sunday, December 18 from 5 pm to 8 pm

Stop in this evening to see what Christmas was like in a 19^th-century Ontario home.  Enjoy sampling traditional Christmas treats and listening to Victorian Christmas carols.  Guided tours will explore the Bell family’s history and Christmas traditions.

Cost: $6.15/individual, $10.20/pair, $16.35/family