A Presidential Christmas - Tree Lighting and Gingerbread House Contest

New this year, the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums will decorate one of its large pine trees in a nod to the White House Christmas tree. Create and bring your own gingerbread house to be entered into a contest for the best one. This event is one of many experiences we offer during the holiday season for A Presidential Christmas. The contest is inspired by the gingerbread houses put on display by the White House as a part of their holiday tradition.  The title sponsor is Mosser Construction with additional funding by Valley Electric, an anonymous donor, and in-kind by AEP.

• 4-8 p.m. – Hot chocolate and popcorn will be available at no charge.
• 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Horse-drawn sleigh and trolley rides by South Creek Clydesdales. Sleigh rides are $5.50 per person ages 3 and older and free for riders 2 and younger. Trolley rides are $4.50 per person ages 3 and older and free for riders 2 and younger. Four people can fit in the sleigh, and a limited number will be allowed on the trolley to have appropriate physical distancing. Timed, advance sleigh ride tickets are available at rbhayes.org. •
• 6 p.m. – Tree lighting. Free.
• 7:45 p.m. –  Announcement of gingerbread house contest winner.
• Until 8 p.m. – The museum and “Hayes Train Special” model train display will be open to visitors. “Hayes Train Special” only admission is free today, but you are asked to reserve your free time slot at rbhayes.org.