Longwood Historic Society Brings Back Carols and Cocoa Event

Carols and Cocoa returned to Longwood on Saturday, November 29, drawing residents to a blend of historic preservation and community celebration. The event, presented by AC Cowboys and organized by the Longwood Historic Society, opened with a ticketed walking tour of six historic buildings that are not regularly open to the public, and concluded with a free community tree lighting intended to bring the whole town together.

Ticketed guests checked in at 3:45 PM at the Longwood Historic Civic Center before five small groups began the walking tour at 4:00 PM. Buildings dating to the 1870s and 1880s were decorated for the holidays with wreaths and trimmings, and the society capped attendance at 150 to preserve an intimate experience. Tickets were set at a nominal five dollars for adults aged 13 and older, with children 12 and under admitted free. A Holiday Reception followed at 5:00 PM where hot cocoa was provided by the Rotary Club of Historic Longwood and hot apple cider came from Cottage Gift Shop, accompanied by light snacks.

"Many people who live in Longwood have always wanted a chance to peek inside these incredible historic buildings, and this event provides that perfect opportunity," said Jason Byrne, Historic Society President and event founder. "This is an intimate, guided tour that connects our guests directly with the past."

The evening's free public celebration was supported by the Rotary Club of Historic Longwood, Cottage Gift Shop, Sanlando United Methodist Church, and Christ Episcopal Church. AC Cowboys' sponsorship also expanded seasonal access by making free public tours of the Bradlee McIntyre House Museum available from Thanksgiving through the New Year. The Bradlee McIntyre House continues to offer docent led tours of all three floors every Wednesday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

For residents this event combined low cost entry, constrained capacity, and enhanced visibility for local history. The return of Carols and Cocoa demonstrated how small civic partnerships can open private historic spaces to public view, boost weekend visitation, and catalyze volunteer support for preservation. Continued seasonal and regular touring options at the Bradlee McIntyre House provide an ongoing opportunity for Longwood residents to engage directly with the town's 19th century architectural and civic heritage.