The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) will hold its Christmas Open House on Sunday, Dec. 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the 1868 Connell mansion, 249 W. Main St., Ephrata. Due to COVID restrictions, the event was not held in 2020.

The mansion will be decorated for the holiday season, with the Christmas tree as the centerpiece of the Victorian parlor. A chamber vocal ensemble from Cocalico High School will perform from 3 to 4 p.m. Mark Herr will perform music on the antique organ from 1 to 3 p.m. Herr is a collector and restorer of historic reed organs.

There will be activities for children, and Santa Claus will be in attendance, wearing his new velvet suit. He will roam the mansion, sharing Christmas greetings with attendees. Children will receive a gift to take home.

The print shop will welcome visitors at the open house. Attendees will learn about printing practices of the past and will be invited to print their own souvenir on an authentic antique press.

Indoor and outdoor spaces will be available. Refreshments will be served, and Christmas cookies and hot chocolate will be available. In addition, candy items by Lorah's Handmade Chocolates will be offered for sale as will clear toy lollipops, a classic holiday treat. Other merchandise, such as Christmas cards and prints of a 1927 aerial photograph of Ephrata, will be available for purchase as well. All proceeds will benefit the HSCV.