JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 22, 2021 – Interpreters at Deutschheim State Historic Site invite the public to celebrate a traditional 19th century German Christmas during the first two weekends in December, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4, Sunday, Dec. 5, Saturday Dec. 11 and Sunday, Dec. 12.
A free open house will be held at the 1840 Pommer-Gentner House, which will be decorated with Christmas trees adorned with authentic German ornaments. Visitors can sample traditional German Christmas springerle cookies and learn how the Christmas customs of the German immigrants became American traditions still celebrated today.
Depending on the weather, there may be a cart with a small outdoor "Weihnachtsmarkt," or "Christmas market," in the garden behind the visitor center. Items for sale will include springerle cookie molds and rolling pins, recipe books, imported German pop-up cards, children's books and ornaments for your seasonal gift giving.
On Saturday, Dec. 4, bring the whole family to experience making traditional German crafts outdoors in the Pommer Garden area. There will be a German American woodcarver demonstration and a springerle cooking demonstration. Visitors 12 and older can make their own German Christmas stars, while younger children can make other crafts. Craft activities and demonstrations may be moved indoors if there is inclement weather.
For advisories due to capacity or winter weather, visit the Park and Site Status Map at mostateparks.com.
The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others.
The Deutschheim State Historic Site visitor center is located at 101 W. Second St. in Hermann. For more information about the event, call Deutschheim State Historic Site at 573-486-2200.
For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.