Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) will hold two family-friendly events to celebrate the holiday season. A Holiday Open House will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, 1706 Long Level Road, Wrightsville, and a Natural Ornament Making Workshop will take place at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, 41 Walnut St., Columbia, on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"We've been hosting the Holiday Open House at the Zimmerman Center for over 10 years," said Sophia Vayansky, program manager with SNHA. "We want to invite our communities to meet our staff, learn about what we do at SNHA and enjoy historical holiday cheer in our beautiful historic house along the Susquehanna."

People who attend the open house will experience old-fashioned fun, she said.

"Visitors can sample chestnuts roasted in our Colonial-era fireplace, make a historical craft or even learn an English country dance," she remarked. "The dancing lessons will be at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30. The house will also be decorated for Christmas, so visitors are welcome to tour the historic home and enjoy the sights."

The Zimmerman Center for Heritage is a Colonial-era historic home owned and operated by SNHA. It features exhibits on Colonial life, the Susquehannock people who lived nearby and an art collection called "Visions of the Susquehanna."

"We also hold events and programs there year-round, including an upcoming lecture series, field trips for local schools and hikes in Native Lands County Park," Vayansky said. "It is the home of the Chief Uncas, our historic wooden electric boat that gives tours of the Susquehanna from June through October. The Zimmerman Center is also the Pennsylvania Contact and Passport Station for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, a National Park Service-run trail." People can become Junior Rangers and get an official National Park Service passport stamp when they visit the center.

The center is named for John and Kathryn Zimmerman, but the building itself is called the Dritt Mansion, named for Jacob and Elizabeth Dritt, who purchased it in 1783 or 1784. Jacob fought in the American Revolution as captain of a regiment called the Flying Camp, and he was captured by the British in 1776 and held captive. After the war, he was made major general of the Militia of the Commonwealth. The Zimmermans purchased the house, and renovated and restored it, including archaeological surveys in the process. They donated it to SNHA in 2007.

At Columbia Crossing, people of all ages are invited to create one-of-a-kind tree decorations using natural materials. All materials will be provided, and participants will be able to enjoy light refreshments while they work.

"We will have a wide variety of materials available, from wood slices that little ones can paint to pine cones and acorns that adults can use in their more intricate designs," Vayansky said. "We have been holding the workshop for many years, and we're proud that many local families have made it part of their holiday season traditions. We aim to create a relaxing, cozy atmosphere where families can spend time together doing a seasonal craft and enjoying refreshments without having to buy anything or brave crowds."

Both the open house and the ornament workshop fulfill the goals of SNHA, she noted.

"At SNHA, we strive to connect people to the Susquehanna River through diverse programs and experiences," she said. "Sometimes, that means physically getting on the river with a paddle or a tour on the Chief Uncas, and sometimes that means enjoying a view of the river while you craft with your family! At Columbia Crossing, we also aim to serve the youth and families of Columbia and the surrounding communities through free or low-cost family-friendly programming such as Tadpole Time, River Ranger and our holiday events."

Both events are free and open to the public. A small suggested per person donation is appreciated to help cover the cost of materials. Registrations are appreciated, but not required, and may be made by visiting https://susqnha.org/events or by calling the Zimmerman Center at 717-252-0229 or Columbia Crossing at 717-449-5607.