By Ragan F., President of Old Salem

Last year, we introduced a new tradition at Old Salem Museums & Gardens: Saturdays with St. Nicholas. For several Saturdays leading up to Christmas, we invited kids and families to spend some time with St. Nicholas and take part in festive holiday activities. We had such fun each Saturday watching the kids interact with St. Nicholas that we have turned it into an annual event. This year, on Saturdays from November 30 through December 21, you can bring your children to the Frank L. Horton Museum Center at Old Salem for a memorable holiday experience.

St. Nicholas (Santa) is featured because he ties in with Moravian holiday traditions and, of course, as you no doubt know, Old Salem was founded by Moravians back in 1766.

You probably have memories of visits with St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus)—either your own recollections or remembrances of taking your children to see him. I know I do. I used to take my kids each year to visit Santa Claus at the big department store in downtown Cleveland. It was an important family tradition during the holiday season, and they’d look forward to meeting him with eager anticipation. It was a very special memory for our whole family and helped inspire Saturdays with St. Nicholas at Old Salem.

Seeing the hundreds of kids that came last year to Old Salem to meet St. Nicholas brought back all my memories of taking my kids to see Santa. It was wonderful to see the joy on their faces as they met St. Nicholas and took part in the activities. All of us at Old Salem were so thrilled to be part of creating holiday memories for a new generation. We are looking forward to doing it again this year!

Activities each Saturday will take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and include a souvenir photo with the jolly old man (photo included in ticket price). In addition, you and your children can watch a puppet show called Herr Kater’s Christmas and listen to a storytelling of Twas the Night Before Christmas. You also can enjoy a holiday snack from Winkler Bakery, and there will be an opportunity for kids to shop for family and friends in a special holiday children’s shopping area!

Tickets to Saturdays with St. Nicholas cost $7 per person ages two and up. Children under two are free. Tickets can only be purchased at the Frank L. Horton Museum Center at 924 South Main Street in Old Salem and at the Old Salem Visitor Center at 900 Old Salem Road on the day of the event. For more information, visit our website oldsalem.org, call 336-721-7300 or email info@oldsalem.org.

We look forward to seeing you and your family at Saturdays with St. Nicholas! We hope it becomes part of your family tradition!

Sponsored by Old Salem Museum and Gardens