News Release

Children's Christmas Program at Shiloh

Santa Claus by Thomas Nast ca. 1881

News Release Date: November 20, 2021 “Shiloh National Military Park is inviting children to participate in a Civil War Christmas program on Saturday, December 11, at 2:00 pm”, Superintendent Allen Etheridge announced today. “We are excited to present this fun filled, yet educational opportunity to area children. This unique hour-long program will introduce young people to how Christmas was celebrated during the Civil War time period,” stated Superintendent Etheridge.

Children will gain insight into the different ways soldiers and their families celebrated the holiday in camp, and on the home front. During the Civil War Christmas trees were small and were placed on top of tables. They were decorated with home-made ornaments, edible treats, like popcorn strings and peanuts wrapped in paper, and items found in nature, such as pinecones. Each child will construct a Victorian Christmas ornament to take home. 

If your child is interested in attending the Civil War Christmas program, please register by contacting the park visitor center at 731-689-5696. The program is free and open to kids of all ages.