Season’s Greetings From The 1890 House

37 Tompkins St, Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 756-7551
the1890house.org

Festival of Trees 2020

December 2020 will usher in a new and exciting feature to The 1890 House with the Festival of Trees.  Previously, we have displayed 10 Christmas trees. This year will feature up to 30 trees. 

Businesses and individuals are invited to sponsor a tree, choose a theme and decorate their tree accordingly. The theme may promote the business, be a special holiday theme or be of a special passion or interest of the sponsor.  Sponsorship is $125 which, if needed, includes a tree. Additionally, our Christmas advisor can work with a sponsor to select a theme and assist with decorations.  Sponsors may decorate their own tree or be assisted by museum volunteers. Note: only artificial trees will be used for this event.

Themes will be grouped by size (4 feet and under and 4 ½ feet and taller) and by category (business, holiday, other). The public, when either touring The Museum or attending a December event, will receive a ballot to vote on their selection for Best of Category and Best Over-all. The Public’s Choices will be announced at The New Year’s Eve High Tea.

Trees may be set-up beginning November 24th, with balloting to begin on Thursday, December 3.

To sponsor a tree, please complete the Festival of Trees Sponsor Application and return it to The 1890 House with a $125 check payable to The 1890 House. Deadline is November 28. Please deliver or mail to The 1890 House Museum

DECEMBER 2020 EVENTS

December is a busy and beautiful time at The 1890 House. This year, The House will host three Teas, a Victorian Breakfast with Father Christmas and the new Festival of Trees.

The new Festival of Trees will be during the month of December and enhance The House with an additional 20 trees. A new tea has been added to the schedule as well. The calendar for December begins and ends with a tea. (Due to the governor’s COVID-19 restrictions, our popular Wassail has been canceled.)

The Festival of Trees will run from Thursday, December 3rd until January 3rd. Cost will be regular admission and include a ballot to vote for your favorite tree in each category.

On Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th, we will host the Victorian Morning Tea. This tea will have seatings at 8:30 and 11 am. Tickets will be $24 for adults, $14 for children under 10 and no charge for children 5 and under.

On Saturday, December 12th, we will host the Father Christmas Breakfast. This event will be held 8:30 to 11 am. Tickets will be $25 for adults, $14 for children under 10 and no charge for children 5 and under.

On Saturday, December 19th and Sunday, December 20th, we will host a new Christmas Tea. Tickets will be $28 for adults, $16 for children under 10 and no charge for children 5 and under. Seatings will be at 11 am and 1:30 pm.

On Tuesday, December 29th and Wednesday, December 30th, we will host our New Year’s High Tea with seatings at 11 am and 2 pm. Tickets will be $31 for adults,  $10 for children under 10 and no charge for children 5 and under. The Festival of Trees winners will be announced at this event.

Proper protocol for all events will include wearing a mask upon entering as well as whenever leaving the table. Please follow the 6 feet social distancing guidelines and sign in to the event upon arrival. We will be served events, including selections from the dessert cart. Additionally, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will be limiting the number of attendees at each event and there will be no sitting on Father Christmas’ lap.

Victorian Morning Tea is a great way to launch the holiday season. Uplifting and an escape from all the negative news we hear daily. Pamper yourself and others with fresh baked scones with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and jams. Selection of true loose leaf brewed teas, Darjeeling , English Breakfast, Ginger Peach tea, hot chocolate, bagels, cream cheese with smoked salmon and capers. Selection of tea sandwiches. Fresh fruit, individual fajita, and a slice of flourless chocolate cake.

Father Christmas Breakfast. Features a Victorian Father Christmas who delivers a Christmas ornament gift to every youngster. Father Christmas will do a story reading to entertain young, older, and oldest. Enjoy a breakfast with scrambled eggs, pancakes with a syrup selection, bacon, French toast, English muffins, jams, hot chocolate with whip cream, cider and cookies.

All members of the table party will receive a ballot to vote on a Tree of choice from the Festival of Trees.    

Christmas Tea is new to our tea, offerings and makes for a delightful Christmas gift or small family get-to-gather (table size restrictions). Enjoy the beauty of The 1890 House, decorate for Christmas as never before. Participate in voting for your favorite tree from the Festival Of Trees offerings. Enjoy fresh baked scones with Devon cream, lemon curd and jams. Selection of fresh brewed loose teas, Darjeeling, English Breakfast, Ginger Peach and Caramel Vanilla, decaf available. Hot chocolate. Bagels cream cheese with smoked salmon. Tea sandwiches- cucumber, egg salad, chicken salad, pineapple and cream cheese, watercress. Pork loin roast on a mini roll, and a succulent dessert table. If you need a christmas cookie delivery for your loved one, check out Chocolate Shipped Cookies delicious homemade cookies.   

As the festivities unfold, each member at the table receives a ballot to cast their vote for a favorite tree from the enchanting Festival of Trees. Adding a touch of whimsy to this holiday experience, consider enhancing the joy with a unique and personalized touch. Picture a delightful surprise under the tree—a pair of custom photo socks from My Photo Socks. These cozy, customizable socks serve as a memorable and heartwarming Christmas gift, elevating the joy of the season.

New Year’s High Tea. Enjoy the elegance of a special experience in a unique setting with once a year decorations of the holidays like none other in the area. Relax to the music of Anne Habermehl on the Celtic harp. Begin with fresh baked current and cinnamon scones, Devon cream, lemon curd and jams. Teas are a selection of freshly made from loose tea, served with honey and lemon, coffee, mulled cider, choice of juice. Decaf coffee available. Bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon. Tea sandwiches- cucumber, pineapple and cream cheese, watercress, egg salad, chicken salad. Pork loin roast on a mini roll. Fruit, cheese and smoked meat platter. A dessert table to challenge the serious dessert taster.