World traditions to abound at Candlelight Christmas

In 1868, immigrants from all over the world came to the Utah territory, bringing their holiday customs and traditions. So, for this year's annual Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park, the international spirit of Utah's beginnings will be celebrated.

"This worldwide influence was acutely felt during the holidays when the differing customs came together for a unique and beautiful celebration where one might hear bagpipes, smell German gingerbread or find the hidden almond inside the Swedish rice porridge," said Nicole Martin, publicist at This is the Place Heritage Park. "It is this experience we are re-creating during Candlelight Christmas."

With chestnuts, choirs, crafts, carriage rides, a live nativity, quilting demonstrations and character interpreters talking about early traditions, guests will see, hear, eat, smell and feel what Christmas was like during 1868.

Candlelight Christmas will be Monday and Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children/seniors and an additional discount for shows or dinner.

• "An Evening With Dickens" (6:30 p.m.), $3 per person, reservations required, ages 10 and older, Pine Valley Chapel.

• "Utah, Welcome Home!" (7:30 p.m.), $7.50 per person, $25 per family, reservations required.

• "C.C.A. Christensen's Mormon Panorama" (8 p.m.), $3 per person.

Call 582-1847 for more information or visit www.thisistheplace.org.