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Have Yourself a Merry Victorian Christmas: Six Ways to Enjoy a 19th Century Holiday with NYC Kids
[UPDATED: NOVEMBER 12, 2012]
I was born and bred across the pond, as you Americans say. I try to expose my child to bits of British culture year-round, but when the holidays roll around, I really find myself longing for good old-fashioned Victorian Christmas celebrations, like the ones I used to enjoy growing up.
The Victorian period covers the reign of England's Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901—and that’s where this history lesson ends. I'm more interested in sharing fun ways for families to enjoy vintage holiday fun that evokes this era. So don't be a Scrooge: From Christmas caroling to Charles Dickens to enjoying high tea, here are six ways to have yourself a merry Victorian Christmas in New York City.
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Go Christmas Caroling
They don't just sing Christmas tunes on the streets of London. We rounded up several Christmas carol gatherings right here in NYC. They're all free and open to the public, so you and your kids can join right in. For the most Victorian experience, we recommend the West Village Chorale's Greenwich Village Caroling Walk on Saturday, December 22 at 4pm. Meet at the Judson Memorial Church on Washington Square South and then parade through the neighborhood's historic streets singing Christmas favorites. For added effect, dress in your best 19th century garb. Light refreshments will be served at the church after the event.
See A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, first published in 1843, was an immediate success and helped to revive classic English Christmas traditions. The Victorian novella relates the story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge whose life is transformed by the spirit of Christmas. Bringing the kids to a stage production of this wonderful tale is a great holiday tradition. And fortunately for New Yorkers, there are many kid-friendly performances playing around town this time of year.
Visit The Morgan Library & Museum
It doesn't get any more Victorian than this gorgeous cultural institution on Madison Avenue. In addition to marveling at Pierpont Morgan's stunning 19th century complex of buildings, you can celebrate A Christmas Carol at the Morgan's annual Winter Family Day on Sunday, December 2 from 2-5pm. They will also host Christmas caroling concerts featuring singers from Mannes College The New School for Music on Fridays, December 14 and 21 from 6:30-8:30pm. All programs are free with admission: $15 for adults, $10 for children under 16, free for children under 12.
Hear 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Dickens certainly doesn’t corner the market on everything Victorian. The American poet Clement Clarke Moore is also a well-known literary figure of the era. On Sunday, December 23 at 4pm, the Church of the Intercession on 155th Street hosts its annual reading of his iconic Christmas poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. This year NBC New York's Pat Battle will recite the well-known words. Afterward, there will be a candlelight procession to visit Moore's tomb at Trinity Church Cemetery, followed by Christmas carols and refreshments. This event is free.
Eat Christmas Pudding and Drink High Tea
Food is a big part of how families celebrate the holidays. For a taste of Victorian-style grub, head to traditional English grocery Myers of Keswick on Hudson Street in the West Village. Everything sold here is quintessentially British, including Christmas pudding and mince pies, which are baked fresh daily. You can find a complete list of available Christmas items, including the much-maligned fruitcake, on the store's website. If you prefer a sit-down dining experience, Lady Mendl's Tea Salon at the Inn at Irving Place boasts British cuisine and beautiful Victorian-style architecture. The eatery offers a five-course afternoon tea for $55 per person plus tax Wednesday to Sunday. We went a few years back and absolutely adored it. Be sure to make a reservation in advance on the website as this is high tea season.
Explore Historic Parts of Our City
NYC Discovery Walking Tours offers a "Victorian Christmas: Origins of Christmas Traditions" amble that takes you through Gramercy Park and Chelsea. Famous stops include where O. Henry wrote Gift of the Magi and where Clement Clarke Moore authored 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Families will also learn how NYC helped shape the modern-day character of Santa. Tours take place the weekends of November 24 & 25, December 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23, and 29 & 30. Cost is $20 per person. To make a reservation, call 212-465-3331. Your family can also take a DIY Victorian walking tour by strolling among period brownstones in Brooklyn Heights and crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, which always transports my family to a bygone era.
Check out our Holiday Guide for lots of other ways to celebrate the season in NYC and find great gift ideas in our NYC Shopping Local Gift Guide.
