The annual Holiday Open House Events will be held at the Benicia State Capitol and Fischer-Hanlon House on December 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and December 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cookies and cider will be served in the Fischer-Hanlon House kitchen on both days, and volunteers in period attire will be present to assist visitors and provide the atmosphere of a Dickensian Christmas. Admission is free.
On Friday, December 2, The Benicia State Parks Association (BSPA) will hold its first fundraising raffle at 8:15 p.m. Prizes include artwork from local Benicia artists, bottles of wine from the Jefferson Mansion, local honey, and other sundry items. Proceeds from raffle ticket sales will benefit the BSPA.
Pictures with Saint Nicholas will be available at the Fischer-Hanlon House during Saturday's Holiday Open House, which follows the annual Christmas Parade. The price per photo is $7.00, or two for $12.00, and are processed within minutes on-site. Each photo is 4 inches by 6 inches, in full color, and presented in an old-fashioned parchment folder. Proceeds from photo sales will benefit the Benicia State Parks Association. In addition, local Girl Scouts will host a Victorian-style ornament workshop in the Benicia State Capitol. Participants will create a low-cost decoration of their own with help from the Scouts.
California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (707) 745-3385.
