Last year, Lititz Historical Foundation members modified the Christmas Candlelight Tour in hopes of holding the event in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions. Unfortunately, circumstances caused the tours to be canceled.

For 2021, the Christmas Candlelight Tour, which has long been a tradition at the foundation, will be held on Friday, Dec. 10, beginning at 5 p.m. Tours, which will take place every 20 minutes, will be limited to eight persons. The final tour will begin at 8:20 p.m. Groups will meet at the Lititz Museum and Gift Shop, located at 137 E. Main St., Lititz, which will be decorated for Christmas. Tours will be given next door at the 1792 Johannes Mueller House, 145 E. Main St., Lititz, where visitors may learn the story of Mueller and his family, along with the history and customs of the Moravian community of Lititz during the 18th century.

According to tour guide Paul Miller, the Mueller House will be totally decorated with evergreens, Osage oranges, and berries. "The (downstairs of the) house will be illuminated with candles and decorated with real evergreens. Everything will be natural," said Miller. He noted that the sidewalk in front of the buildings will be lined with luminaria. "A guide will bring a group over, and a bell is rung by a bell ringer," said Miller, who added that there will be a guide in each room of the Mueller House to discuss the things found in that room. He pointed out that there is a small wooden tree in the Mueller House that will be decorated for the tour. "That (tree) will have ribbons, candles, pieces of candy, Scripture verses, and evergreens attached," he said.

The museum decor will be festive as well. Miller noted a real Christmas tree will be located near the stairs, and it will be decorated with natural items, such as dried hydrangea. "It's really pretty," stated Miller.

Treats, such as punch and cookies, will be served in the museum following the tour.

Readers who would like more information, may visit https://lititzhistoricalfoundation.com. There is a nominal cost to take the tour, and reservations are necessary. Tickets may be purchased by calling the museum at 717-627-4636 or visiting the museum gift shop on Fridays or Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.