With the holidays just around the corner, experience the season at a local historic treasure. Historic Johnson Farm will be hosting a number of Christmas tours throughout December.
Candlelight Christmas tours will be held December 2 and 3. Five tours will be offered each evening, at 5:00, 5:45, 6:30, 7:15 and 8:00 PM. Visitors will take part in a guided tour of the decorated 1880 farm house, visit with the Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists, listen to live music by local students, and partake in hot cocoa and cookies.
Reservations and advance payment are required for the Candlelight Christmas evenings as space is limited. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors (65 and over), and free for those under 5.
Additionally, during the weeks of December 5-9 and 12-16, the farm will host daytime Christmas tours. Guided tours are at 10:30 AM each day. While drop-ins are allowed, those with reservations take priority, so please consider making a reservation. Guided daytime tours are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (65 and over), and free for those under 5. Each day, the farm house will be open for self-guided tours from 1-3 PM. Reservations are not needed for self-guided tours, and tickets cost $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors (65 and over), and free for those under 5.
Time traveler baskets are also available for purchase during the holiday season. These baskets make great holiday gifts and are full of activities for children that they can do from anywhere. Junior baskets are suitable for those ages 4-7 while youth baskets are geared towards ages 8-11. Baskets are $30 each.
New this year, the farm will sell gift baskets geared to adults for a great holiday present. Baskets include a Johnson Farm mug, ornament, bottle of honey from the farm’s beehives, and a gift certificate for 2 farm guided tours for $50. If you need a gift for someone out of town, you can purchase the mug, honey, and ornament without the gift certificate for $30. Looking for a stocking stuffer? Purchase a mug, ornament, magnet, or stickers with the farm’s animals!
The farmhouse was built by hand from 1876-1880. It is believed to be the oldest standing brick home in Henderson County. The Christmas season was a special time for Johnson family members, who were known for their generosity. Their home was among the first in our county to get electricity. For many Christmas seasons, they placed their tree decorated with colorful lights on the front porch. Travelers enjoyed the glow of the display to and from town in the evenings. Throughout the year and especially at holidays, Sallie Johnson was known for her delicious cakes. The farm grounds were plush with greenery that was gathered to decorate their home. The celebration of Christmas was much simpler then.
The Christmas tours are important for the non-profit foundation that operates a heritage education center as part of Henderson County Public Schools. Events like this provide a significant portion of the farm’s operating expenses and educational experiences.
The farm was a gift to the schoolchildren and the community by the late Vernon and Leander Johnson. It is owned by Henderson County Public Schools, and is managed by an Executive Director and the Historic Johnson Farm Foundation, Inc. It was designated a NC Cultural Treasure. The farm is located at 3346 Haywood Road in Hendersonville, NC. 28739
For more information, call the farm foundation office at 828-891-6585. Or visit www.historicjohnsonfarm.org or www.facebook.com/HistoricJohnsonFarm or email jfarm@hcpsnc.org
