Christmas at the Fort

The holiday season will be in full swing during the village-wide Christmas in Schoharie event on Saturday, Dec. 7 sponsored by the Schoharie Fire Department. The Old Stone Fort Museum will be taking part in the festivities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a holiday market, craft demonstration, live music, traditional Dutch and American snacks, mulled cider and a visit from Sinterklaas himself!

During the event, children and their families will be able to hear stories told by Sinterklaas, learn about the traditional Dutch holiday, St. Nicholas Day, see the customary art of German paper cutting known as scherenschnitte and discover the similarities and differences between Sinterklaas, Santa, St. Nicholas Day and Christmas.

Observed annually on Dec. 6 throughout the Netherlands, Belgium and France, St. Nicholas Day, or the Feast of St. Nicholas, celebrates the third-century saint who dedicated his life to serving the sick and suffering.

Sinterklaas is a legendary figure based on St. Nicholas who is depicted as an elderly, stately and serious man with white hair and a long, full beard. He wears a long red cape and holds a gold ceremonial shepherd’s staff and large red book in which is written lists of children who have been good or naughty throughout the past year.

In addition to meeting Sinterklaas and learning about St. Nicholas Day, visitors will also be able to enjoy homemade snacks and cider while browsing unique, local and historically themed gifts in the museum store. Store highlights include Dutch and German themed Christmas decorations and gifts, local honey and maple products, regional history books, wooden and traditional toys, natural stone jewelry and other unique gifts perfect for the history enthusiasts on your list!

Traditional holiday music from the 18th and 19th centuries will also fill the fort as it is performed live by Uncle Billy’s Balladeers with Rural Felicity!