A historic Christmas

Places to go and things to do with the kids

As our preoccupation grows with Santa Claus or tracking down the latest gadget or video game, Historic Stagville will offer reminders this weekend of what old-time holidays were like.

Stagville's Open House and Artisan Faire is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The free, family-friendly event features crafts, demonstrations, games and wagon rides.

Historic Stagville is the remnant of one of the largest plantations of the pre-Civil War South. Owned by the Bennehan-Cameron family, it was once home to 900 slaves.

The event is spread out at two of the site's venues -- Horton Grove, which includes four of the original two-story homes for the slaves, and the Bennehan House.

Horton Grove will feature the crafts and games of slaves from around 1850. Kids can make a cowrie shell necklace or natural decorations with supplies such as pine cones and ribbon.

The Bennehan House will feature activities the children there would have played around 1800. Kids can make a tin punch decoration and potpourri sachets. There's also a working apple press.

Craftspeople, including a blacksmith, silversmith and spinner will be at both sites demonstrating their work.

A free shuttle will take visitors between the two sites. Parking is at Horton Grove.

The Stagville event is one of a handful of opportunities to learn more about old-fashioned Christmases. Here are three more:

Historic Oak View County Park's Sleigh Rides and Cider: A Winter Night at Oak View is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The event includes horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas carols, hot apple cider, stories and a visit with Santa. It's free. Historic Oak View is at 4028 Carya Drive, Raleigh. Call 250-1013 for details.

Duke Homestead will open its doors for Christmas by Candlelight from 7 to 9 p.m. today and Dec. 12. The free event features tours through the site, which will be lit by candlelight. There's also mule-drawn wagon rides, a showing of the movie "It's a Wonderful Life," and Christmas crafts. Contact the Duke Homestead, 2828 Duke Homestead Road, Durham, at 477-5498 or go to www.dukehomestead.nchistoricsites.org for details.

Mordecai Historic Park's Open House is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13. The collection of historic buildings at 1 Mimosa St. near downtown Raleigh will be decorated for the holidays. It's free and open to the public. Late-night tours of the Mordecai House and grounds are offered from 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 13 but can sell out, so get tickets in advance. The park also offers trolley rides with Santa starting Saturday. Reservations are required for those. For details about Mordecai's events, call 857-4364.

What: Open House and Artisan Faire at Stagville

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday

Where: Historic Stagville, 5828 Old Oxford Highway, Durham

Who goes: All ages

For more information, call 620-0120 or go to historicstagville.google pages.com.