News Release

"A Christmas Past"

News Release Date: October 30, 2023

Contact: Randall Becker, 319-643-7860

West Branch, IA –The birthplace of Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States, will host “A Christmas Past” December 1st and 2nd. The festivities will officially begin with a community tree-lighting on the Village Green at 5pm on December 1st. For a complete schedule of the weekend’s activities: A Christmas Past | Main Street West Branch

Take a step back in time as you stroll through the park’s historic neighborhood decorated and illuminated in period-appropriate, festive style. Warm up next to a good ole-fashioned bonfire adjacent to the Hayrack Stage where you can enjoy the talents of various student groups from the West Branch Community School District with plenty of traditional holiday music, Friday 5:30-9pm and Saturday 5:30-8pm. And be sure to stop by the park’s blacksmith shop for living history demonstrations both nights from 5:30-8:30pm.  

The following programs will be offered Friday and Saturday nights:   

• 3:00 & 4:00pm: PBS nature documentary “Christmas in Yellowstone” (running length/55 minutes). At the visitor center theater.

• 7:00pm: A park ranger program on the many ways that Herbert Hoover celebrated Christmas throughout his long life. At the historic Quaker meetinghouse.

• 5:30pm – 8:30pm: Family-friendly traditional paper and button arts and crafts – fun for all ages! At the visitor center.