McFarland House, which has been closed to the public this season due to Parks Canada staff shortages, is opening for a brief time to celebrate the holiday season.
As is tradition, Niagara Parks’ oldest heritage property has been lovingly decorated by the Garden Club of Niagara, inside and out, inviting visitors to step back in time to experience an authentic Victorian Christmas.
Located at 15927 Niagara Parkway, McFarland House has stood for over two centuries as a monument to the impeccable demeanour, good taste and gracious living that epitomizes the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, says a news release from Niagara Parks. Built at the turn of the 19th century by Scotsman John McFarland, the home was used as a military hospital during the War of 1812 by both the Americans and the British.
For the next two weekends, Dec. 2 to 4 and Dec. 10 to 11, McFarland House will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It is a prominent stop along the annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour, which is sold out, while also hosting its own Heritage Christmas open house. The house is decorated with handmade period decor, with ornaments crafted out of natural materials by garden club members.
As well, original recipe mulled cider or hot chocolate and homemade Christmas cookies are available for purchase.
General admission applies; reservations not required. For more information, please visit www.niagaraparks.com/mcfarland.
The outdoor gardens at McFarland House are not forgotten for the holidays.
Each room at McFarland House has a theme, with the garden club members working over the past few months to create decorations, made as much as possible out of natural materials, suitable to each room
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