The Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site’s annual Christmas in Camp program returns this Saturday, offering a glimpse into Civil War-era holiday celebrations.
The event includes historical reenactors interacting across the museum’s decorated winter camp settings, according to the Office of Historic Alexandria. The educational program lasts from noon to 4 p.m. at the museum — one of the Union Army’s best-preserved forts in the Defenses of Washington — located at 4301 W. Braddock Road.
“Reenactors will interpret army life in winter camps that are decorated for the season, and celebrate by opening Christmas boxes from home and singing carols of the period around the campfire,” according to the Office of Historic Alexandria.
A Union-themed Santa Claus, inspired by an 1863 cover of Harper’s Weekly designed by Thomas Nast, will be there to greet guests and welcome kids to the site, which will be adorned with “festive greenery and a Victorian parlor tree,” according to OHA.
Kids are also welcome to create a holiday card or ornament during the program, and the museum shop will offer a selection of Civil War books and other “stocking stuffers.”
The museums asks guests for a suggested donation of $2 per person and $5 for families.
