News Release

Celebrate the Holidays and “Special Stories” on Brattle Street

NPS Photo

News Release Date: November 21, 2025 Cambridge, MA – On Friday, December 12, from 1:00 to 8:00 PM, Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, and the Friends of the Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters invite the community to a festive, free Holiday Open House.

This beloved annual tradition welcomes guests of all ages to enjoy the spirit of the season amid the beautifully decorated historic halls of Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy’s President’s House.Visitors are also invited to return to the Longfellow House on Saturday, December 13, for free, 30-minute guided tours of the first floor, specially adorned for the holidays. Complete event details can be found here.

Longfellow Holiday Traditions on Brattle Street

In the 19th century, 105 Brattle Street was home to the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, his wife Fanny, and their children. Letters, gifts, and cherished family objects preserved in the site’s museum collection reveal how the Longfellows treasured the days between Christmas and New Year’s as a time of celebration, storytelling, and gathering.

Stories—whether shared through books or passed down orally—have long played a central role in holiday traditions. The Longfellow family especially enjoyed the tales (and the occasional company) of Charles Dickens during the season. In 1864, Henry Longfellow added his own words to the canon of beloved Christmas literature with his poem “Christmas Bells,” a poignant call for “peace on Earth & goodwill to men” during the American Civil War.

The next generation of Longfellows continued the festive spirit. The Longfellow daughters Edith and Anne Allegra, who later owned the houses at 113 and 115 Brattle Street, hosted family performances and gatherings there in the early 20th century. Today, these homes serve as the headquarters of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

Holiday Open House

Friday, December 12
1:00–4:00 PM: Early bird open house at 105 Brattle Street
Skip the crowds and enjoy the Longfellow House, decorated in period style with special seasonal objects from the site's museum collection, during the afternoon hours. Last early bird entrance to the Longfellow House is at 3:45 PM.

4:15 PM: Sunset reading of “Christmas Bells” in front of 105 Brattle Street (outside)
Gather for a sunset reading of Longfellow’s beloved 1864 poem “Christmas Bells” in front of the Longfellow House (outside).

4:00–8:00 PM: Family fun and refreshments at 115 Brattle Street
Make your way to the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy’s President’s House at 115 Brattle Street—known as “the other big yellow house”—for festive family fun including holiday Victorian carolers on the porch, puppet shows at the top of each hour (4:00, 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 PM), “take-and-make” crafts, and treats for all ages. Cookies and hot beverages will be served.

5:00–8:00 PM: Evening open house at 105 Brattle Street
Enjoy a luminaria display on the grounds and stroll the halls of the Longfellow House, decorated in period style with special seasonal objects from the site's museum collection. Live harp music will enliven the carriage house. Last entrance to the Longfellow House is at 7:45 PM.Free; no reservations required. Event concludes at 8:00 PM.

Holiday House Tours

Saturday, December 13
11:30 AM–2:30 PM at 105 Brattle Street
Enjoy a free, 30-minute guided tour of the Longfellow House first floor, beautifully decorated for the holidays. Space is limited; advance reservations are required. Click here to register.