Sunday, December 1 – Atlantic County
WINTER IN THE PINES, BATSTO’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY EVENT -- 12 P.M. - 4 P.M.
BATSTO VILLAGE - Come celebrate the holidays with a glimpse of the past at the annual “Winter in the Pines” event hosted by the Batsto Citizens Committee Inc. (BCCI) on Sunday, December 1, 2019, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Centered within the heart of the historic Pinelands village, the afternoon-long event will feature music, carriage rides, holiday treats and special tours of some of Batsto’s original 18th and 19th-century buildings.
The South Jersey Carriage Company will offer rides aboard their beautiful Victorian designed carriages, which will wind throughout Batsto’s upper village from 12 noon to 3:45 p.m. There is a $3 per person charge for the rides. Two carriages will be operated simultaneously because the rides have become so popular during the holiday event.
Throughout the afternoon, the Aurora Choir of St. Nicholas Church, from Egg Harbor City, will spread good cheer with their strolling entertainment. Dressed in period costumes made of velvet, satin, and other materials, the carolers will present songs of the season and may even inspire a sing-along or two among visitors.
Famous among philatelic's - people who collect stamps - the circa 1852 Batsto Post Office will be open to hand-cancel holiday mail. The decades-long tradition of mailing that day has become so popular among stamp collectors since Batsto’s postmark cancellation requires no zip code - a long-held anomaly - because of the historical significance of the village.
Light refreshments and treats will be served to guests by BCCI in the Exhibit Room adjacent to the Post Office, where several displays will interest both adults and children.
In the auditorium of the Batsto Visitors Center, guests may view a display of local artwork and photography. The center’s museum will be open for self-guided tours and center’s Museum Shop may be the perfect place to do some holiday shopping for Pinelands books, Jersey Devil t-shirts, local pottery, ornaments, and other Batsto-related gift items.
The centerpiece of the day may be a special tour of the stately Batsto Mansion, which will be decorated in high style for the holidays. Tour tickets are $3 per person and may be obtained at the Visitor’s Center.
Other Batsto landmarks such as the Blacksmith, Gristmill, and Woodworking shops will also be open to visitors.
