The Swiss Community Historical Society of Bluffton and Pandora has announced the return of the traditional Christmas Open House at the Schumacher Homestead, 8350 Bixel Road, Bluffton. The event will be extended over two days, from 3-6 p.m. on December 4 and 5, giving visitors the chance to view the farmhouse by daylight and candle light.

Visitors can tour the decorated house, make a dipped candle, shop in the Christmas shop and enjoy refreshments around a fire in the backyard. 

Costumed docents will be available to tell the story of the farmhouse built by Swiss settlers in 1843. The Schumacher family lived in the house for several generations and the second generation, Peter and Elizabeth, raised 16 children there. 

The house is furnished in period style with artifacts from the Schumacher family and other items authentic to The Settlement, the area between Bluffton and Pandora where Swiss emigrants settled as neighbors.

Masks are required and will be available for anyone needing one. Refreshments will be served outside by a fire and the house will be aired periodically. Guests should dress for the weather. 

Learn more about the Swiss Community Historical Society at https://swisshistorical.org/ and on Facebook.