A costumed guide walks you through a darkened 18th- and 19th-century village by lantern light for 90 minutes, stopping in the Stephens-Black House, the General Store and the Guyon-Lake-Tysen House. The script covers more than three hundred years of yuletide on Staten Island, and the walk ends at the 3rd County Courthouse over wassail and baked goods. If you want holiday atmosphere with no inflatable snowman anywhere in sight, book this early.
What to expect
You join a small group led by a guide in period dress and move between historic buildings lit by lantern and candle rather than electric light. Each stop stages a different era's holiday customs with music, food traditions and storytelling, and the tour closes at the county courthouse with warm wassail and baked goods.
Good to know
- Take the Staten Island Ferry, then the S74 bus; the return trip runs late but check the schedule before you set out.
- Tours operate rain, snow or shine, and much of the route is outdoors between buildings.
- Ticket sales are final, non-transferrable and non-refundable once booked.
- Wear warm layers and grippy shoes — lantern light on uneven paths is genuinely dim.
- Group sizes are small and evening slots sell out, so plan to book as soon as tickets post.
- Better suited to older children and adults than to toddlers.
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Common questions
How long is the tour?
About 90 minutes on foot through the village, with several indoor stops along the way and a final gathering at the 3rd County Courthouse.
What happens if the weather turns?
The tours run rain, snow or shine, and tickets are non-refundable, so dress for whatever the forecast says rather than planning to reschedule.
Is it actually lit by candles?
The route is lit by lantern and candlelight rather than electric lighting, which is the point — bring shoes you can walk uneven ground in safely.
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