Click here for more!

The evenings of December 5-7, visitors to Joanna Furnace will be whisked away from the anticipation of their own Christmas season—back to the joyous celebration of the Christmas of 1875. Whether families come for unique holiday shopping, wonderful holiday treats, to experience the candlelit 200-year-old furnace complex, to hear Christmas music, or even have the kids encounter the Belsnickel . . . everyone is charmed by the transformation of Joanna Furnace into a 19th-century-holiday experience.

Christmas 1875 was a grand time for the Smith ironmaster’s family and the residents of the Joanna Furnace community. They celebrated the Holiday and gave thanks that the furnace was busy providing income to so many families. Plus, the ironmaster and his wife just welcomed their third child into their growing family. Nationally, Alexander Bell and his assistant Thomas Watson invented the telephone in 1875 and Johns Hopkins University opened. Visitors of all ages will be able to experience that long-ago time and gain a new perspective on their holiday celebration.

Candlelight illuminates the entire furnace complex.

The historic site takes on an entirely new radiance — over one thousand glowing luminaries warmly light various furnace walkways. Visitors are encouraged to explore the furnace complex by following the clearly defined pathways. All aspects of this nighttime event set the stage for an unforgettable family experience. Visitors are encouraged take pictures with their cell phone.

Also, carefully placed lighting illuminates the historic buildings’ exteriors to give visitors a new perspective of the furnace complex. Inside, each building is illuminated by lamps or candles to recreate an 1870s atmosphere.

The Joanna furnace Mule Stable is transformed into the parlor of the Victorian mansion of Iron Master L. Heber Smith and his wife Ella Jane Grubb Smith. As visitors enter the candle lit home, they will see and smell the pleasant aroma of the freshly cut Christmas Tree.

The Smith family has gathered in their home to prepare for a lovely family Christmas celebration. Family members will be busy in the kitchen making cookies and holiday treats, while others will be in the beautifully decorated parlor playing games and reminiscing about past Christmases by the fireplace. Guests are invited to interact with family members to learn more about the family and life in the iron furnace community.

Victorian dancing will also take place at the event in a large heated tent. The Hay Creek Valley Gold Band will perform various old-time music while the Hay Creek Dancers will entertain visitors with period dances. Guests are also invited to step onto the dance floor and participate in the period dancing.

Outside, in front of the stage, the largest of the roaring bonfires becomes the focal point of the furnace community. Here all can warm up by the fire and enjoy bonfire performances by local community organizations on the stage. Near the holiday bonfire, from time to time, the Belsnickel has been known to appear and delight visiting children.

Traditional wagon rides and our new Christmas express ride will whisk children throughout the festival grounds and give visitors of all ages alternative ways to explore the historic Joanna Furnace complex. Rides are $2 per person and occur weather permitting. A Christmas Light Maze will also be at the event for children of all ages to enjoy.

The historic buildings will be open for visitors to explore. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours of the Joanna Furnace ironmaking complex and visit the Blacksmith Shop, Casting House, Wheelwright Shop and Office/Store. Live metal casting demonstrations will take place each evening in the Casting House where visitors will see aluminum Christmas stars being poured. These limited edition stars along with many unique traditional gifts will be for sale in the historic Joanna Furnace Office/Store building. A vintage train display will be in operation in the Mechanical Technology Building.

Savor festival foods

The Hay Creek Historians are proud to provide guests with a variety of delicious holiday foods. Enjoy such homemade foods as sausage & pulled pork sandwiches; hot dogs; hamburgers, pork and sauerkraut with mashed potatoes; macaroni & cheese, a pork barbeque macaroni bowl, soups, chili; and homemade “Furnace” fries. Warm-up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate, hot mulled cider and coffee. Freshly made apple crisp, kettle corn and roasted nuts will also be available to purchase.

Visitors can enter the Christmas Gift Basket Raffle. The raffle contains gift baskets and certificates donated by area businesses and vendor participants at the Christmas event. These items can be shared at holiday parties & social gatherings, given as gifts to friends and family, and enjoyed for your own personal use.

The Christmas Craft Market provides a showcase for visitors to shop for holiday gifts and home decorating items. Selected items available for purchase from the handpicked vendors include things such as baked goods, cookies and candy; assorted holiday décor items and crafts; hand-made wood Items; homemade soaps. Other unique gift items such as hand-crafted blacksmith items, stoneware pottery, hand-knit scarves, jewelry, candles, fresh Christmas wreaths and more are available. Local mead, wine and craft beer businesses will be at the event giving out samples and selling their delicious beverages by the bottle.

Admission is $10.00 for adults, Children 12 & under are Free. Parking is free on-site.

The 25th Anniversary of “Christmas at Joanna” happens Friday December 5, from 5 pm to 9 pm and Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7, 4 pm to 9 pm at Historic Joanna Furnace Iron Works “Where the Spirit of Christmas Comes Alive”!

Joanna Furnace is located three miles north of Morgantown off Route 10. Look for signs and enter by turning on Furnace Road. Parking is available on site and along Furnace Road. A safely lighted, easily accessible parking area is located along Furnace Road. For the safety of visitors, all are encouraged to avoid parking along route 10.

The Hay Creek Valley Historical Association is a non-profit organization. Net event proceeds support the education, research, restoration and preservation of the significant 18th & 19th century Joanna Furnace Iron Works, Tri-County Heritage Library and the Hay Creek Valley community. For additional information visit www.haycreek.org, friend Hay Creek Valley Historical Association on Facebook or call 610-286-0388.