Yuletide event sees nearly 600 visitors

Historic Smithfield welcomed nearly 600 attendees for its annual Yuletide celebration on Sat., December 13, a free community event that brought holiday cheer and colonial traditions to life.

Visitors toured the festively decorated house while enjoying live music from a harpist, followed later in the afternoon by the Misfits, a clarinet ensemble from the Blacksburg Community Band. Families delighted in visiting Santa in the historic cellar, where children shared their Christmas wishes and posed for memorable family photos.

Activity continued throughout the grounds, particularly at the Pavilion, where the Floyd Historical Dancers invited guests to participate in English Country dancing. Onlookers warmed up with a colonial-inspired tea service featuring tea, hot chocolate, and baked treats made from period recipes. Demonstrators showcased traditional skills including blacksmithing, spinning wool, and explaining daily life in a colonial militia.

The home was beautifully adorned with natural greenery created by the Blacksburg Southside Garden Club, adding festive elegance to the historic setting. Guests also enjoyed hearty fare from the 1218 Ventures food truck, which served barbecue and burgers throughout the day.

Historic Smithfield is now closed for the winter season, except for private tours and school group visits. The site looks forward to reopening to the public in April. Those interested in arranging a private tour may contact jnehrt@historicsmithfield.org.