Hear costumed characters tell beloved Christmas stories of Charles Dickens, one of the most popular writers of the Victorian era, in the comfort of President Rutherford B. Hayes’ Victorian mansion. Dickens was one of Hayes’ favorite authors, and he lived during the same time period as Hayes. Throughout these evening tours of the home, which will be lightly decorated for the holidays in a historically accurate manner, visitors will also hear some holiday history of the president, first lady and their family. Tours each day are offered at 5, 5:30, 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a warming cup of wassail, a holiday drink popular during the Victorian era. Before tours, guests can enjoy the “Hayes Train Special” model train display in the museum auditorium.

Tickets for nonmembers are $18 for adults ages 19 and older, $10 for kids 6–18 and free for kids 5 and younger. Tickets for Hayes Presidential members are $15 for adults 19 and older, $8 for ages 6 -18 and free for kids 5 and younger.

For visitors who need special accommodations for mobility or vision or hearing impairment, Hayes Presidential requests a notice of 72 hours. Please contact Linda Lopez-Fouts, visitor services manager, at 419-332-2081 or [email protected]. Requests received with fewer than 72 hours notice will be handled to the best of Hayes Presidential's ability.

This event is part of A Presidential Christmas, a series of holiday events at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums.