The Commissariat Rings In the Holiday Season

The Commissariat is inviting all residents to join in some festive Christmas fun at The Commissariat this weekend, November 24 to 25.

“Christmas at The Commissariat is a wonderful way to start the festive season and to get into the Christmas spirit,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “Every year, the celebrations at The Commissariat gather our community to help support a great cause, such as the Community Food Sharing Association. The event not only commemorates the beginning of the holiday season, but provides an opportunity for residents to learn more about our Provincial Historic Sites.”

Over a two-day period, the house will be alive with the sounds, tastes, and traditions of Christmas in St. John’s in the 1830s. From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors to The Commissariat can take in some holiday music, taste traditional Christmas pudding from the historic kitchen, create some holiday crafts, and participate in a variety of hands-on family activities.

On Saturday evening, November 24, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., visitors can come together at The Commissariat by Candlelight celebrations for the lighting of the Yule Log while they enjoy a cup of hot cider over the sounds of festive carols. Visitors are invited to take a tour of the house by candlelight to meet the interesting period characters and learn about the traditions of Christmas in the 19th century. Admission is a non-perishable food item in support of the Community Food Sharing Association.

For more information about The Commissariat and a full event schedule, visit www.seethesites.ca.  

Since the introduction of the cultural strategy, Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture (2006), over $56 million in new funding has been invested in the cultural and heritage sectors.

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca 

2012 11 20                              3:05 p.m.