If you are seeking ideas for an inspired Christmas holiday, look no further than award-winning photographer Peter Guttman’s collection of photographs in his book Christmas in America. ( Skyhorse Publishing, 2007) In 188 pages, his images and descriptions honor the way we celebrate the season across the country.
Here are a few of his favorites:
Washington Crossing, PA . Each year families witness the recreation of Washington Crossing the Delaware River and reflect on the historic activities of 1776. “On Christmas Day, a sea of tricorn hats fill flat-bottomed Durham boats that make their way across the tricky currents of the Delaware River, which separates Pennsylvania and New Jersey,” observes Guttman. Activities for this event are sponsored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Contact: www.ushistory.org/WashingtonCrossing/reenactment/index.htm; 215-493-4076.
New Paltz, NY. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the Victorian-style 265 room Mohonk Mountain House is magically transformed for the holidays. Expect swags and wreaths, “kissing globes,” Victorian chair skaters, colorfully adorned trees and flickering fireplaces as the heart-warming backdrop for family-focused music and entertainment. Contact: http://www.mohonk.com/; 1.800.772.6646.
New York, NY. There is something magical about Christmas in New York. Lace your skates, circle the rink and enjoy the nearby glow of the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree that has delighted guests since 1933. Adds Guttman: “Five miles of electrical wiring are required to bring the celebrated tree to life.” Contact: www.rockefellercenter.com/; 212.332.7654.
New Orleans, LA. “Blazing Christmas Eve infernos rage on both sides of the Mississippi River”, explains Guttman as he describes the longtime Cajun tradition of lighting more than 100 bonfires along the riverbank to serve as landing lights for “Papa Noel” and he heads into bayou country. Take part on your own or join a tour. Contact: www.neworleansonline.com/christmas/; www.graylineneworleans.com/holiday_bonfireadventure.shtml; 800-535-7786.
Yosemite National Park, CA. Each year since 1927, on a hand full of evenings in December, an elegant and artistic four-hour pageant of music, ritual, and entertainment, amid a celebratory feast, takes place within the transformed Ahwahnee Lodge. The Bracebridge Dinner is a yuletide ceremony of grand proportions, inspired by Washington Irving’s Sketchbook that described Squire Bracebridge and the English traditions of the period. According to Guttman, famed photographer Ansel Adams was among the founders and a long time participant. Contact: (801) 559-4884; www.yosemitepark.com/specialeventspackages_specialevents_bracebridgedinners.aspx.
Here are a few of his favorites:
Washington Crossing, PA . Each year families witness the recreation of Washington Crossing the Delaware River and reflect on the historic activities of 1776. “On Christmas Day, a sea of tricorn hats fill flat-bottomed Durham boats that make their way across the tricky currents of the Delaware River, which separates Pennsylvania and New Jersey,” observes Guttman. Activities for this event are sponsored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Contact: www.ushistory.org/WashingtonCrossing/reenactment/index.htm; 215-493-4076.
New Paltz, NY. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the Victorian-style 265 room Mohonk Mountain House is magically transformed for the holidays. Expect swags and wreaths, “kissing globes,” Victorian chair skaters, colorfully adorned trees and flickering fireplaces as the heart-warming backdrop for family-focused music and entertainment. Contact: http://www.mohonk.com/; 1.800.772.6646.
New York, NY. There is something magical about Christmas in New York. Lace your skates, circle the rink and enjoy the nearby glow of the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree that has delighted guests since 1933. Adds Guttman: “Five miles of electrical wiring are required to bring the celebrated tree to life.” Contact: www.rockefellercenter.com/; 212.332.7654.
New Orleans, LA. “Blazing Christmas Eve infernos rage on both sides of the Mississippi River”, explains Guttman as he describes the longtime Cajun tradition of lighting more than 100 bonfires along the riverbank to serve as landing lights for “Papa Noel” and he heads into bayou country. Take part on your own or join a tour. Contact: www.neworleansonline.com/christmas/; www.graylineneworleans.com/holiday_bonfireadventure.shtml; 800-535-7786.
Yosemite National Park, CA. Each year since 1927, on a hand full of evenings in December, an elegant and artistic four-hour pageant of music, ritual, and entertainment, amid a celebratory feast, takes place within the transformed Ahwahnee Lodge. The Bracebridge Dinner is a yuletide ceremony of grand proportions, inspired by Washington Irving’s Sketchbook that described Squire Bracebridge and the English traditions of the period. According to Guttman, famed photographer Ansel Adams was among the founders and a long time participant. Contact: (801) 559-4884; www.yosemitepark.com/specialeventspackages_specialevents_bracebridgedinners.aspx.
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