Community members are welcome to experience "Christmas at the Ironmaster's," which will be presented at Historic Poole Forge. The event will feature seasonal refreshments, live music, a Christmas village marketplace, bonfires and caroling.

Christmas at the Ironmaster's will take place on Friday, Dec. 8, from 4 to 8 p.m.; on Saturday, Dec. 9, from noon to 8 p.m.; and on Sunday, Dec. 10, from noon to 6 p.m.

Visitors will be able to take self-guided tours of the site's historic 18th-century Welsh Ironmaster's Mansion, which will feature holiday trees and exhibits designed by local community organizations and businesses. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite, and the winner will be issued the People's Choice Award.

"Each one decorates a tree (or creates a display) representing the theme of their business or organization," explained Dawn Eckdahl, Poole Forge's executive director. "Country Companion Animal Hospital will have cats and dogs and furry animals on their trees. Raven Ridge Wildlife Center will have little wildlife and woodland creatures (on its tree)."

Three floors of the mansion will be decorated and open to tour. "The third floor of the mansion is for the children. Three libraries - Honey Brook, the Village Library of Morgantown and the ELANCO Library - will have crafts for children, and they will also each have a tree," noted Eckdahl.

Photos with Father Christmas will be available on Dec. 10. Free homemade Christmas cookies and hot chocolate will be served throughout the weekend. Other food will be available for purchase.

New this year is that a bonfire will be lit each evening of the event.

Live music will be offered nightly. Dec. 8 will feature a performance by the Pequea Valley High School chorus and dulcimer music. Harpist Joanne Swards Wang and the Twin Valley Handbells will perform on Dec. 9, and there will be guitar, flute and cello music. Dec. 10 will feature a brass quintet and guitar music.

Members of the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society decorated the site's 1859 covered bridge and gazebo with Christmas lights that will remain lit during the holiday season. "They also have a tree in the mansion," Eckdahl noted.

As part of a Christmas Marketplace, the Paymaster's House and the West Tenant House will be open with craft and gift vendors offering items such as jewelry, crocheted scarves, wall hangings, Native American crafts and specialty jams. Craft vendors will include Long's Horseradish of Lancaster, Suzie's Soups, Stonekeep Meadery and Lanie's Baskets.

In addition to those mentioned, other groups that will have trees or displays include the Covered Bridge Society, Garden Spot Democrats, Cricket's Antiques, Lancaster County Conservation District, Crystal Reflections Art Studio, Middle Creek Bluebird Project, Green Matters Natural Dye Company, Penn State Master Watershed Stewards, The Inn at Twin Linden, Air Ventures Balloon Rides and Patton's Upholstery.

Historic Poole Forge is located at 1940 Main St. (Route 23), Narvon. Tickets will be sold at the gate. Those who purchase two tickets will receive a discount. Children 12 years of age and under will be admitted for free. For more information, visit http://www.HistoricPooleForge.org, call 484-797-5302 or email hpf1940@gmail.com.