For me, the holidays are about traditions.  Whether it's a trip to Grandma's house, a trek to a local tree farm to pick out the perfect Christmas tree, or simply hanging lights and decorations around the house.  These are just a few of the must-do holiday traditions.  And now another tradition returns for 2022

A tradition that has returned this year is the Candlelight Tours and Home for the Holidays at the Mathias Ham Historic Site in Dubuque. Guests are invited to the site on December 17th and 18th to take part in Victorian-era traditions.

Let's start with "Home for the Holidays"

Visitors can take self-guided tours through the house and see the decorations from the Victorian era from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Guides will not be leading tours through the house but will be providing information to guests. Admission is $7.50/adults and $4/children. Members get in for free.

Guests can take part in a cooking class where they will learn to make sugar plums on December 17 from 1-3 p.m. The cost for this class is just $15.

On December 18th from 1-3 p.m., visitors can enjoy a holiday afternoon tea. All ages are invited to attend and tickets are $20/adults and $10/children. Dietary requests can be met if notified ahead of time.

And now part two fo the holiday traditions at Mathias Ham historic Site: Candlelight Tours

these 45-minute candlelight tours will allow visitors to take in the house in a different light on December 17th and 18th at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The architectural and historical significance will be highlighted by the guides as the tours move through the house.

Tickets are $10/adults and $7.50/children. Members receive a discounted rate of $7.50/adults and $4/children. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at RiverMuseum.com/events.

 About the Mathias Ham Historic Site

The Mathias Ham Historic Site, operated by the Dubuque County Historical Society, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic property includes the Mathias Ham House, Iowa’s oldest log cabin, the Humke Schoolhouse, a replica lead mine and miner’s dwelling, and a historic granary. The Mathias Ham Historic Site is located at 2241 Lincoln Ave., Dubuque, Iowa. For more information on the Mathias Ham Historic Site, visit rivermuseum.com/hamsite.