On two chilly December evenings, Old Fort Niagara will open its doors and warmly welcome visitors to a candlelit and festively decorated French Castle for its annual “Castle by Candlelight” fundraiser, which benefits its educational programming.

On Saturdays, December 8 and 15, between 6:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., the 18^th century historic site will offer guests a unique yesteryear experience in a setting untouched by consumerism, but enhanced by natural elements, like evergreen boughs and pinecones, and accented with ribbons and homemade ornaments, courtesy of the Youngstown Garden Club. Candles and lanterns will illuminate the outdoor walkways and indoor rooms.

Unique to this event are the “feu de joie” (firing of joy) musket and cannon firings, which recreate an 18^th century military ceremony usually employed to celebrate a great victory, at 6:45, 7:15, 7:45 and 8:15 p.m. each night. In addition, visitors will meet historical characters – soldiers, Native Americans, fur traders, skilled artisans and camp followers – and do hands-on activities like writing with a quill pen, playing an 18^th century game, and making a seasonal craft.

The festive atmosphere will include music of fifes and drums, Celtic favorites and tavern songs. Cooks will prepare and discuss traditional holiday fare, while period characters entertain visitors with tales of winter in the 18^th century. A Recollect priest will recite the Christmas story in Latin in the fort’s chapel while fur traders and French soldiers downstairs pass the winter evening in more boisterous pursuits.

Homemade soup, hot cocoa and cookies will be for sale onsite at the Trading Post (while supplies last), while musicians provide live holiday music for customers.

The fort’s Museum Shop will also be open, offering a wide variety of books, apparel, historic reproductions and other unique gift items. The shop is also open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is $15 per person, available at the door. Visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, wear walking footwear and bring a flashlight.