There's no place like Cooperstown, NY, for the holidays

The Farmers' Museum Candlelight Evening puts the holiday season in proper perspective -- a time of friendship and peace on earth in one of America's most beautiful communities

Photos by Alan Lincourt, courtesy of The Farmers' Museum

Article by Eric H.

No matter how cold it gets as Cooperstown, N.Y., approaches winter, the Candelight Evening at The Farmers' Museum is sure to warm the soul.

Proving that Cooperstown is just as special in the winter as it is in the revered baseball-fueled summer, Candlelight Evening taps into the true meaning of the holiday season every December (date to be announced for 2012 event). Hundreds of illuminated candles and holiday greenery provide the setting for a close community to come together for caroling, sleigh rides, winter games, and wassail. Santa seems to be in his glory at the event, dressed in his 1840s costume, greeting visitors, telling wonderful stories as well as riding through this enchanted village on a vintage sled. This year, according to the Farmer's Museum Web Site, Saint Nick will read Christmas Times, the poem written by Dr. Clement C. Moore in 1822 and known today as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

What makes the Candelight Evening so special is that locals and visitors celebrate together as friends, many times exchanging phone numbers, handshakes and hugs whether it be over a warm chili (how's that for an oxymoron?), pleasant conversation, or just warming up by the bonfire. The honest, soul warming caroling from local singers from community church choirs, girl scouts, boy scouts, and 4H groups warm up the priceless, memorable bonfire scene only that much more.

Candlight Evening brings together the best elements of the holiday season in one of America's great communities. It is, by far, the greatest holiday celebration we've visited, sure to give you goose bumps all over -- at the event or long after when thinking about how you spent your holiday in the most authentic, feel-good holiday setting imaginable.