Columbia State Historic Park and Friends of Columbia are proud to present this year’s Lamplight Tour, “The Grand Holiday Raffle.” Participants will be guided through the decorated town during the walking play while listening to snippets of the town’s happenings. Docent-led Lamplight Tours will run Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and leaving every 15 minutes. Tickets are on sale now at www.friendsofcolumbiashp.com.

This year’s program titled, “The Grand Holiday Raffle” revolves around the year 1855 where a raffle brings together the local citizens to help a destitute immigrant woman and her children newly arrived in Columbia. Participants will be led by kerosene lantern down the streets of Columbia to visit various vignettes in a walking play. A little history and, of course, a little gossip, make this year’s performance sure to be a hit. The tour will end with music, dancing, and refreshments in Angelo’s Hall.

Each vignette was written and directed by Sacramento-based Columbia docent Larry Baumgardner with input from other volunteers and park staff. The script takes hours of time and painstaking research through historic newspapers and archives to create a work that all ages and backgrounds can enjoy during the holiday season.

In addition to the Lamplight Tours offered this year, visitors can also add to their Columbia evening experience by riding a carriage through town. Rides will be available from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights during the Lamplight Tours. Carriage ride tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the City Hotel front desk during the event.

Tickets for the Lamplight Tour may be purchased online at www.friendsofcolumbiashp.com. Lamplight tours are $25 for adults 18 and over, $15 for ages 9-17, and free for ages 8 and under. Lamplight weekend packages are also available and include a one-night stay in the City or Fallon Hotel, $50 dining credit for the City Hotel Restaurant, two tickets for the Lamplight Tour, and a bottle of wine. Prices are per couple: $165/Petite Room, $189/Parlor Room and $199/Balcony Room. The front desk will take care of making your reservations for you. Call (209) 532-1479 to book your package.

All proceeds from the event and weekend packages will benefit the cooperating association Friends of Columbia in the funding of interpretive and educational events and programs at Columbia State Historic Park.

For questions about this event or other upcoming events in Columbia, contact (209) 588-9128, visit www.parks.ca.gov/columbia or stop in at the Columbia museum on Main Street.