Sunday, December 10, 2023

Explore new traditions at Merchants Square and take this holiday quiz

Along with falling leaves and the chill in the air comes the magic of the holidays to Merchants Square. From ice skating, shopping, and visits with Santa to wreath making and music, traditions continue or start anew at Sparkleland on the Square in Colonial Williamsburg.

This family-friendly celebration is bursting with holiday merriment and continues until December 31st. With a variety of activities for all ages, there’s bound to be something for everyone to enjoy all month long.

The DIY trend doesn’t hibernate in the winter, so get ready to create your own holiday masterpiece at one of the many workshops and demonstrations. Enjoy making your perfect wreath and floral arrangement or discover tips on how to take your festive decorating to a whole new level.

Are the kiddos eager to tell Santa all about their Christmas list? Now through Christmas Eve, family’s can have their pictures taken with Santa at Santa’s Corner, a custom-designed colonial setting. Love holiday stories? Kids up to age 10 can experience holiday classics read by costumed storytellers.  

The merriment at Sparkleland on the Square also includes a variety of live music events, delicious sweets, and a visit from Liberty the dog.

Click here to explore the Merchants Square events calendar.

Now it’s time to test your knowledge of holiday traditions.

1. The first ice skates were made out of _______.
     a. Iron
     b. Shank or rib bones of hooved animals.
     c. Wood

2. In ancient Rome, wreaths signified _______.
     a. Merriment
     b. Victory
     c. Marriage

3. What type of apple is best suited to make cider?
     a. Sweet
     b. Red
     c. Bitter

4. What instrument was the most popular in Irish music during ancient times?
     a. Fiddle
     b. Harp
     c. Drums

5. ‘Twas the Night before Christmas, attributed to both Clement Clarke Moore and Henry Livingston Jr., was first titled __________ in the early 19th century.
     a. “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas.” 
     b. “A Christmas Night Visit”
     c. “To all a Good Night.”

6. What was the best-selling Christmas toy in 1983?
     a. Nintendo
     b. Cabbage Patch Kids
     c. Care Bears

Regardless of how many of your responses are correct, hopefully you  learned some interesting facts about the holiday season and had some fun in the process.

To check your responses, here are the answers: 1- 2- 3-c  4-b  5-a  6-b

Now that you’ve mastered these holiday facts, start adding to your joyful season with cheerful events at Sparkleland on the Square by clicking here

And for those seeking to strap on their skates and adorn their hats and gloves don’t forget to visit the Liberty Ice Pavilion. This family-friendly activity allows skaters to take in the sights and sounds of the holidays with music and cheerful laughter. Skaters can amp-up their festive senses with a fresh hot cup of cocoa or cider. While the holiday music pumps over the speakers, skaters will also be serenaded by live performers.

Happy holidays to all!


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