Spruce Forest Artisan Village will host its  26th annual Christmas in the Village, Friday-Saturday. December 3-4.  This year the Artisan Village will once again be lit by hundreds of candles and warmed by delicious wood fires in all of the studios and galleries. Hosts from the Miller family will relate the history of the Millers and their community in these isolated yet alluring mountains -why they came and how they survived and prospered, working together with native Americans and each other.

Hosts in the House of Yoder will also tell stories of their ancestors and give tours of the 3-story German-style house. Refreshments will be served in the House of Yoder, Miller House and Hostetler House (John’s Little House). In the Compton one room school volunteers from the Reading Council and Miss Historic Maryland herself will be reading children’s stories and helping the kids decorate cookies.

A full host of music events is also slated.  Seasonal Music in the Old Church includes: Friday evening: Allegany H.S. Choir, Northern Garret H.S Concert Band, St. John’s Christian Church Joyful Ringers,  Beachy Family Bell Ringers.  Saturday:  Betty Mattingly & Friends (Oldtime Jam Session), Frostburg State University Choir, St. John’s Christian Church Joyful Ringers, Beachy Family Bell Ringers.

The pottery teaching studio will be open this year during the evening of December 3rd. Last year nearly 100 people made their way to the lower level of Lynn Lais’ pottery. Again this year, visitors will be invited to try their hand at the potter’s wheel on Friday December 3 from 4-8pm. We use only non-toxic white clay that will not stain clothing… so there’s no excuse not to try it! Follow the candle-lit luminaries down the driveway between the pottery and Fernwood Gallery. With a view of the Casselman Bridge, it is the finest real estate in the Village.

Visitors to Christmas in the Village may purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win Gary Yoder’s carving of a saw-whet owl.  The popular sale of Biederlack blankets will be featured in the Hochstetler House (Little John’s Cabin). Stop by and enjoy hot cocoa and select your favorite. Proceeds for both of these fundraisers go to the general operating of Artisan Village programs, such as the open artist studios, classes and workshops.