Experience History and Holiday Cheer on the Log House Holiday Tour in Morris Plains, NJ
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal walking and mostly indoor touring
Overview
Discover the charm of colonial America at the Log House Holiday Tour in Morris Plains, NJ. Explore historic craftsmanship, festive traditions, and hands-on demonstrations in a unique winter day trip just outside Morristown.
Log House Holiday Tour
Join us on a festive journey to Christmas Past with our docent-guided Log House Holiday Tour.
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About This Adventure
Experience a nostalgic Crafts-Mas at the Stickley Museum with guided Log House Holiday Tours. Discover how the home was adorned in 1915 while exploring early 20th-century traditions, from festive feasts to natural decorations. Don’t miss the exclusive holiday pop-up shop for unique gifts inspired by Stickley’s vision of the season.
December means Crafts-Mas at the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms! Join us for our Log House Holiday Tours during the first three Sundays of December. Experience the Log House decorated as it would have looked in 1915, and be sure to check out our holiday "pop-up" shop for exclusive gifts and promotions.
On this guided tour of the decorated Log House, we’ll explore early 20th century holiday traditions and Stickley’s own ideas about the season. The era saw the rise of modern novelties like penny postcards and glass ornaments, alongside more established holiday customs like feasting, decorating with evergreens, and gift-giving. In his magazine, The Craftsman, Stickley advocated for the use of natural decorations “plucked from winter’s garden.” He promoted products and projects as appropriate and thoughtful gifts–from pottery to furniture to hand-made toys–and made recommendations for keeping the spirit of Christmas, both commercially and philosophically.
Adventure Tips
Book in advance during peak holiday times
Reservations can fill quickly during the holiday season, so secure your spot early to ensure availability.
Dress warmly for outdoor portions
While much of the tour is indoors, some craft demonstrations and waiting areas are outside or in unheated spaces.
Arrive early for special events
Caroling and storytelling sessions often start before general tour times—plan to arrive early to catch these extras.
Park in designated areas only
Use the official parking lot on NJ-10 to avoid fines and to keep the historic property safe.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern grey squirrels
- Wintering songbirds such as chickadees
History
The log house dates back to the late 1700s and reflects the early colonial architecture typical of northern New Jersey settlements.
Conservation
The tour supports local preservation efforts that maintain historic structures and promote sustainable tourism to protect regional heritage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Warm jacket
Necessary for comfort during outdoor segments and between buildings.
winter specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes for uneven ground around the historic site.
Camera or smartphone
To capture the quaint holiday decorations and rustic architecture.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially if combining your visit with nearby outdoor walks.