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The Fifes and Drums of York Town play Christmas music for crowds gathered at the Yorktown waterfront.
Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press
The Fifes and Drums of York Town play Christmas music for crowds gathered at the Yorktown waterfront.
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Downtown Yorktown is trying something new this year with “Now is the Season of Mirth,” a Christmas-themed event at the Nelson House and along Main Street Friday evening.

“People can experience a recreation of what it would have been like to celebrate Christmastime in the 18th century,” said Paul Carson, the chief of interpretation and education for the Colonial National Historical Park.

The Nelson House serves as center stage for the evening, as dancers plan to recreate dancing authentic to the time period while live musicians provide ambience. Visitors will also have the chance to try the dances themselves and enjoy card games.

“It will feel like you stepped back 250-some years,” Carson said, and that extends to many of the night’s other festivities.

Grace Episcopal Church will host host caroling alongside a serving of cookies and cider. The Daughters of the American Revolution will open the doors to the historic Custom House, showcasing an array of antique Christmas ornaments and other decorations.

The Museum on Main will exhibit Civil War photographs while On the Hill Gallery displays the works of local artists. Throughout the evening, the Fifes and Drums of York Town will also perform Christmas tunes.

“A lot of people don’t really know what we have,” Carson said of Yorktown. “You get an opportunity to see a lot of things. Hopefully people will just have a good time.”

Want to go?

“Now is the Season of Mirth” celebrates 6-9 p.m. Friday at the Nelson House, 200 Nelson St., and along Main Street in Yorktown. The Custom House and Museum on Main will open until 8 p.m. Parking is available in the Grace Street and York Hall parking lots. Free.