Victorian Christmas Dec. 5, 2026

Experience the magic of a Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm State Historic Site, where holiday traditions from 1877 come to life. Join us Friday and Saturday evenings, December 4–5, 11–12, and 18–19, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. for an enchanting journey into a Christmas celebration unlike any other.

Step inside the beautifully decorated mansion and become a guest at the Nichols family's annual Christmas gathering at West End, the original name of Hardman Farm, named for its location on the western edge of the picturesque Nacoochee Valley. Interpreters dresse in their Victorian finest portray Captain James Nichols, his wife Kate, their daughter Anna Ruby—namesake of nearby Anna Ruby Falls—Kate's mother Augusta Latimer, and an array of family and friends. As you wander through the home, you'll discover the customs, traditions, and stories that made a Victorian Christmas so memorable. Throughout the evening, local musicians fill the mansion with the joyful sounds of the season.

Follow the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies to the historic kitchen, where bakers prepare warm sorghum ginger cookies each evening using sorghum grown, pressed, and bottled right here at Hardman Farm. It's a delicious holiday tradition that guests look forward to year after year.

Outside, Santa Claus welcomes visitors in the historic carriage house, while horse-drawn wagon rides travel along the old Unicoi Turnpike, once an important Native American trading route through the valley. Gather around the fire for s'mores, then stop by the Visitor Center to browse unique holiday gifts handcrafted by local artists and artisans.

Whether you're continuing a family tradition or visiting for the first time, a Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm is the perfect way to celebrate the season, make lasting memories, and experience the warmth, wonder, and hospitality of Christmas as it was celebrated nearly 150 years ago.