At Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, cider-sipping holiday revelers gather expectantly around a towering Christmas tree that seems to pierce a canopy of stars.
Three, two, one … Wow! A merry Mrs. Claus lights the tree, kicking off the Illuminated Evenings festivities. The annual event offers craft-making opportunities for kids, holiday music and more.
Billy Rankin, vice president of public programming and organizational strategy, said that, despite having to implement the necessary safety precautions, the event is as festive as ever, and he hopes it brings a sense of normalcy to the community.
“This year has been difficult for everyone, and, of course, it has altered how we share Shaker Village with the public,” Rankin said. “We have outdoor caroling rather than indoor performances, and additional fire pits and seating options outdoors allow our guests to soak up the joy of the holidays while staying safe during their visit.”
In addition to traditional Christmas carols, visitors are likely to hear the Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts” that expresses the Shaker principles of simplicity and humility. It’s an example of how “illuminating” this sprawling living history museum can be, aside from the glittering white lights that make a dark December evening merry and bright.
Admission $7-14 | Historic Tour $7-14
Set on 3,000 acres in central Kentucky, this National Historic Landmark features 34 structures that preserve 19th-century Shaker life. The revolutionary religious society known for its tenets of egalitarianism and pacifism was committed to communal living, celibacy and a dedication to excellence in all things. The word “Shaker” comes from the frenzied dancing that was a hallmark of Shaker worship services.
Illuminated Evenings is the perfect opportunity to see the property after dark, but before you bask in the glow of all those lights, take the daytime Historic Village Tour to better understand the community that once flourished there.
Noteworthy stops include the three-story Centre Family Dwelling, an imposing limestone structure that once was a dormitory but is now a museum featuring exhibits on Shaker occupations, such as furniture making, and the 1820 Meeting House, which embodies the simplicity and symmetry of Shaker design.
The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic likely will cause a shift away from the holiday materialism of the past, so perhaps this is the year to embrace the simple gifts the Shakers held so dear.