Christmas at Joanna

Learn what it was like to live on an 18th & 19th century iron plantation. Guests can walk the luminary lined pathways of the 26-acre historic Joanna Furnace site and visit the Office/Store building, Casting House, Blacksmith Shop and our newly constructed Wheelwright Shop. Here costumed interpreters will tell you what the life of the iron worker was like during Christmas 150 years ago.

The Christmas Market features a wide variety of juried crafts and food items. With over 30 stands to shop you can purchase a variety of Christmas gifts and holiday party items. Our Christmas market has ornaments, wreaths, home décor and country craft items, handspun wool products, candles, jewelry, soaps, Christmas cookies, candies, cakes, and cheeses to name just a few of the gifts in our market.

Visitors can also purchase tickets for our popular Gift Basket Raffle in our Christmas Market. Baskets which include gift certificates, holiday and home improvement items, family fun activity passes, pet supplies, and ladies & gentleman specialty gifts are donated from area businesses. Valued from $40 to several hundred dollars these baskets can be shared with friends and family during your holiday celebrations. GOOD LUCK!

Event Participant Information

• Christmas Market Rules & Regulations
• Vendor Registration

What a better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to take an old fashion wagon ride with your family through the historic Joanna Furnace iron plantation! Rides run continuously though the site that is illuminated with special lighting.

You will see the live re-enactment of the Nativity of our Lord. So come experience the Christmas Story and make a public witness to the true meaning of Christmas.

Nestle up by our roaring bonfire and listen to holiday music performed by local community groups. Visitors are encouraged to sing along and enjoy stories of Christmas legends told by our own Ghost of Christmas Present. Beware! Lest you feel the switch of the Belsnickel across your back—if you have not been a good child. However, all “good children” will be rewarded with a sweet treat.

Stroll the luminary pathways throughout the Joanna Furnace complex and feel the charm of 1,000 glowing candles. Plus Children of all ages will enjoy walking through our 3,200 square foot light maze on the hillside that overlooks the beautiful glow of the Christmas at Joanna grounds.

No Christmas event is complete with toy trains. Children of all ages will be enthralled by the Antique & Vintage Train Display – located in the Mechanical Technology Building. To complete the historic interpretation of early technology, the 19th century line shaft will be operating actual old-time manufacturing machinery. Also throughout the weekend, the Joanna Furnace Sawmill will be in operation showing how lumber was made from logs in the 19th century.

Delicious foods and drinks prepared by Hay Creek Valley Historical Association volunteers will be available to purchase throughout the week-end. Items include: Sausage Sandwiches, Homemade Pork & Sauerkraut, Macaroni & Cheese, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, French Fries, Soup, Chili, Soda, Bottled Water, Coffee, Hot Chocolate and Hot Mulled Cider. Fresh kettle corn is also popped nightly in our Christmas Market. Food can be purchased with food tickets at our conveniently located tickets booths. Credit cards are also accepted when purchasing food tickets.