News Release

Christmas at Connemara

NPS

News Release Date: November 29, 2023

Contact: Park Contact, 828-693-4178

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site will celebrate “Christmas at Connemara” with free programs on the first three Saturdays of December, from 10am to 1pm. Programs will take place in the House Garage, next to the Sandburg Home. 

Each Saturday will have a different topic and craft. Come join us:   

  Saturday, December 2, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm: Wings and Whimsey fairies will delight audiences with reading of Carl Sandburg’s story “Corn Fairies” at 10am, 11am, and 12pm.  Zephyr the fairy is coming to tell a very special tale of the Corn Fairies by Carl Sandburg! Who better to tell fairy tales than a fairy? Stick around to make a corn fairy doll ornament.  

• Saturday, December 9, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm: Chimney Rock State Park staff will present a live animal show with Birds of Prey and other critters at 10am, 11am, and 12pm.  Afterwards, enjoy making a holiday bird feeder to hang! 
• Saturday, December 16, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm: Ronnie Pepper will inspire audiences with storytelling about heritage and holidays at 10am, 11am, and 12pm. Then, make a globe ornament filled with special finds for the tree. 

Christmas at Connemara is supported by the National Park Service; the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara; Eastern National, the non-profit partner that operates the park store; and the North Carolina Arts Council. 

In addition, tours of the Sandburg Home will feature holiday decorations in the simple style of the Sandburg family, with greenery, a Christmas tree, and poinsettias. The Sandburg Home will be decorated for the season through January 6, 2024. House tour tickets can be reserved at www.recreation.gov . Tours are at 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00. Due to the tour’s popularity, advanced reservations are strongly recommended. 

A free park shuttle runs from the main parking lot on Little River Road to the farm area, Sandburg Home, and grounds. Allow at least 20 minutes to walk or shuttle to any park program or building. The shuttle operates on the days and times the Park Store/Visitor Center and Sandburg Home are open: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. These are also the only days that America the Beautiful and other nationwide park passes are sold in the visitor center. Otherwise, visit Recreational Passes | USGS Store   

Visitors with mobility concerns are strongly urged to visit when the shuttle is running. For limited accessibility options on other days, visit Parking - Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site.  

Access to the goat farm is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.  

 Access to grounds, trails, and the farm is free. Leashed pets are allowed on trails and grounds. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For park updates and all parking options visit www.nps.gov/carl or follow the park on Facebook.