Celebrate the holidays with a special Victorian Christmas tour at the Historic Stranahan House Museum. Discover pioneer traditions and enjoy a festive, educational outing in Fort Lauderdale.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking and standing involved.
Wildlife
History
The Stranahan House is Fort Lauderdale’s oldest surviving structure and was originally built as a trading post in 1901 by the city’s founder, Frank Stranahan.
Conservation
The museum promotes preservation of local history and uses sustainable practices to maintain the historic site with minimal environmental impact.
Historic Stranahan House Museum
Celebrate the holidays with a special Victorian Christmas tour at the Historic Stranahan House Museum. Discover pioneer traditions and enjoy a festive, educational outing in Fort Lauderdale.
Historic Stranahan House Museum preserves and interprets the story of Fort Lauderdale’s early pioneers and the family who shaped the city’s beginnings: Frank and Ivy Stranahan. Located on the New River, the museum operates the original early-1900s structure and offers guided tours, seasonal programs, and community-focused events led by knowledgeable docents.
Docents present intimate guided tours (limited to 10 guests) that trace the Stranahans’ trading post, civic leadership, and domestic life, using primary sources and period interpretation to create engaging, accurate narratives. Ticketed experiences include Victorian Christmas Tours with costumed interpreters, Cookies with Santa family photo sessions, the Founding Families Fall Festival, themed History Happy Hours, a Stranahan Speakeasy evening, craft fairs with vendor participation, and signature fundraisers such as Pineapple Jam.
An active Capital Campaign supports construction of a state-of-the-art education center, upgraded public facilities, and a welcoming courtyard to expand school programs, accessible exhibits, and community gatherings. As a nonprofit steward of local heritage, the museum partners with historians, educators, and preservationists to maintain the site and deliver educational programming for families, students, and history enthusiasts.
Advance booking is recommended for limited-capacity tours and ticketed events. Visitors can expect an authentic period setting, thoughtful interpretation, a curated gift shop, and opportunities to support preservation through donations and event participation.
Oldest Site
Fort Lauderdale’s oldest
Historic landmark on the New River
Guided Tours
Intimate groups of 10
Advance booking recommended
Annual Events
Seasonal & special events
Victorian Christmas, Fall Festival, more
Capital Campaign
Active fundraising
Expanding educational facilities
Reserve guided tours, buy event tickets, or support the Capital Campaign to help preserve the city’s oldest historic site.
Book Tickets Early
Tours fill up quickly during the holiday season, so reserve your spot ahead of time.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves walking and standing on uneven historic flooring, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Check Museum Hours
Operating hours may vary during the holiday season—verify times before your visit.
Mind Photography Rules
Photography may have restrictions inside the museum; ask staff for guidelines to avoid disruption.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supportive shoes help navigate historic floors safely.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Useful for cooler breeze especially during evening tours.
fall
Umbrella or Raincoat
Preparedness for occasional rain showers improves comfort.
spring
Camera
Capture memories, but be sure to follow photography guidelines inside.